Sean Hannan Chairman
Greyhounds Australasia
Dear Greyhound Community,
We are currently facing unprecedented times across the world where each day brings new challenges for us all. No one can predict what our future will look like other than to recognise that it will certainly be different.
As we all work together as a collective greyhound family, albeit, a participant, a club or a regulator, our focus as always is on the health and welfare of our people and our dogs.
We are indeed privileged to be one of the few sporting codes permitted to continue operation.
We are allowed to do so as we are operating within the new standards mandated by the Government and the Chief Health Officers from all Australian jurisdictions and in doing so we can and will continue to keep our people not only safe and employed but also ensure the welfare of our dogs.
The Greyhounds Australasia Board, our Chairs, CE0 1 s and staff, and the Controlling Bodies across Australia and New Zealand are acutely aware of the impact COVID-19 are having on our participants.
We are meeting every week and are in contact every day as the situation unfolds, working together to find the best ways to support you and your dogs so that we can continue to deliver the best greyhound racing product in the world while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of us all.
While the Federal Government has announced support packages for small businesses and individuals that have been affected by the economic impact of COVID-19, the decisions regarding our industry are being made at State and Territory level.
Each of the Controlling Bodies is in regular contact with their Ministers to ensure our industry situation is understood and that the decisions being taken are informed and appropriate.
Each Controlling Body has made operational changes and initiated new track regulations and processes that must be adhered to if we are to continue racing throughout this time. The way participant groups have quickly adapted to the changes has been a true reflection of what can be achieved when we all work together.
It is likely that there will be more changes required in the coming weeks until the pandemic is declared to be over by the Government and your Controlling Bodies will continue to keep you as up to date as possible. We request that you remain engaged with all forms of communication from them.
We acknowledge the social and mental impacts this situation can cause and trust you will seek support when you need it. We are all in this together, so don’t hesitate to reach out to your local club or controlling body. All the members of Greyhounds Australasia are unified and focussed on delivering the best outcome for all our participants and dogs with welfare remaining our priority.
On behalf of Greyhounds Australasia, thank you for all that you have done thus far and all that you will continue to do to ensure we stay on track. With focus and commitment to the way we need to operate through this disruption, we can ensure that the impact on you is kept to a minimum and that we can return to a full industry operation as soon as possible.
For now, please look after yourselves, your families and your dogs.