Shane Collins appointed shared CEO of Oakbank Racing Club and Gawler and Barossa Jockey Club
In a first for SA Racing, Oakbank Racing and Gawler and Barossa Jockey Club have joined forces in a new agreement, which will see both branches managed by one chief executive.
Adelaide Hills
Don't miss out on the headlines from Adelaide Hills. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Racing to resume in Oakbank after COVID-19 shutdown
- New era for Oakbank with Arabella Branson the first female chair
Two prominent sporting clubs have joined forces to help drive a better racing future across greater Adelaide.
In a first for SA racing, Shane Collins has been appointed joined chief executive for
Oakbank Racing and Gawler and Barossa Jockey Clubs under a shared service agreement signed last week.
It will see both clubs working together to find new ways to fund capital expenditures, including future programs and events.
Mr Collins, who is Hills born and bred, said he was looking forward to the task ahead.
“As a self-confessed Oakbank ‘tragic’ since birth I am excited to join this great team and help position the club for growth as well as welcome everyone back via our new race days in 2020 and of course the inaugural Oakbank week in 2021,” Mr Collins said.
“I am proud to be in a position to be able to contribute to and implement the strategic plan for this historic race club which has a special place in my heart while also retaining my much-loved position with GBJC.
“I am excited about bringing to Oakbank the knowledge and experience I have gained in my career in sports administration combined with the leanings at Gawler.”
Oakbank chair Arabella Branson said she was excited about the sharing of expertise which would help deliver the club’s first seasonal race meet on September 13 and future events.
Ms Branson said the club had struggled financially after being forced to cancel its signature Easter Carnival due to COVID-19.
She said the club had hoped to obtain a healthy revenue from the event to help finance a number of much needed upgrades of existing amenities.
“Obviously it was really devastating that we had to cancel the carnival but we were slightly fortunate in that we had built up a (financial) reserve to cover upgrades and renovations of our heritage grandstand and buildings,” Ms Branson said.
“While we did have those reserves, it did mean that we had to dig into these and, as such, delay any of the renovations and upgrades, which would have been nice to have featured for next year’s (Easter) carnival.
“But because of COVID, that’s no longer going to happen.
“But at least we’re still racing and financially sound and will manage those upgrades over the next few years instead.”