Skip to Content

New Oakbank Race day dedicated to supporting bushfire affected families in SA

Oakbank Racing Club has joined forces with Thoroughbred Racing South Australia (TRSA) to raise much-needed funds to support South Australians who have experienced loss in the severe ongoing bushfires that have left a wave of destruction across South Australia.

Oakbank and TRSA will host a special event – the O’Leary Walker Bushfire Relief Race Day – at Oakbank Racecourse on Wednesday, January 22, with all profits being donated direct to the SA Bushfire Appeal.

The SA Bushfire Appeal was launched this week by the South Australian Government to raise funds for people directly affected by bushfires in Cudlee Creek and on Kangaroo Island.  Financial donations are seen as the best way to help disaster-affected communities recover to enable people to buy exactly what they need and spend locally. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, can make a difference to those most affected by this tragedy and every dollar donated goes directly to those impacted by the fires, with the government to absorb all administration costs.

It comes after weeks of fires that have ravished properties, land, homes, livestock and other animals in one of the most catastrophic events South Australia, and in fact the nation, has ever seen.

Oakbank Racing Club Chair Arabella Branson said the O’Leary Walker Bushfire Relief Race Day was the club’s way of giving back to South Australians in need.

“Oakbank Racing Club has dedicated this event to working with our sponsors and local community to raise funds to support those in our community who have experienced injury, loss of their homes, livestock, and possessions in the wake of the devastating fires here in South Australia,” she said.

“The racing industry is proud to come together and support the efforts of this race day at Oakbank Racecourse to raise much needed funds for the SA Bushfire Appeal,” TRSA Chair Francis Nelson said.

“We encourage everyone available to head up to Oakbank with their family, workmates and friends to help ”

The Race Day will feature a live auction to directly raise money for the SA bushfire Appeal, seven individual flat horse races, waterslides and children’s activities, a selection of food vans serving up delicious treats, bars with local wines, beers, ciders and more, a novelty Pimm’s Bar and live music.

Gates to Oakbank Racecourse open at 12.30pm and the first race will commence at 2.20pm. Racegoers have the option of bringing their own picnic or purchasing food from local vendors at the venue.

Entry is $10 per adult with all profits being donated to those in need during the bushfires. You can BYO a picnic and kids under 18 are free so it’s a great inexpensive way to spend time with your favourite people trackside with the added benefit of knowing you will be supporting South Australians who need urgent assistance to rebuild their lives following the bushfires.

The day also coincides with the annual Tour Down Under, which concludes at 12:30pm. For those of us who love sport and want to enjoy both events you can watch the tour then join the fun trackside at the conclusion of the TDU from 1-5.30pm

More details about the O’Leary Walker Bushfire Relief Race Day are available via Oakbank’s Instagram and Facebook pages. 

Post categories

Racing SA - Media Release TRSA - Events Racing SA - Latest News