14 December 2022 | HRNSW MEDIA
Following the horrific and devastating floods that swept across the state’s central west during November, the harness racing industry moved swiftly to assist those in need, including its own industry participants who have been badly affected.
Brittany and Michael Dumesny started the ball rolling in Parkes where, with funds provided through Harness Racing New South Wales’ Mates4Harness initiative, they purchased every piece of bedding items they could find in town and also sent friends across to Dubbo to buy further supplies.
The residents of Eugowra were left with nothing after a freak wall of water inundated the village on November 14, wiping out 85 per cent of homes so their needs were vast.
Both the local pre-school and St Joseph’s School were destroyed along with much of the CBD.
In order for the students to re-locate to the Public School, supplies were also purchased for them
so that their parents could start the massive clean-up.
“It is a really sad time for the Eugowra community with much of the eastern side of the town completely destroyed and it will take a long time for them to recover,” said Michael.
“The support that HRNSW has provided is unreal. Within five minutes of making a call to John (Dumesny), my sister Britt and I were given the go ahead to purchase whatever we thought was needed to help the community cope with the disaster, with many of the residents relocated to the Showground to camp.”
The Eugowra community is very close to Michael Dumesny’s heart, so he felt the need to try and find a way to further raise much needed funds to help those so badly affected.
He floated the idea amongst racing industry participants to pledge a percentage of their earnings to the Flood Appeal and was overwhelmed by the response he received.
“I am so proud of our industry in the way that they have come forward to support these communities,” he said.
“Not only have they pledged to contribute some of their earnings, but they have also rallied around and sent clothing and other items to the people of Eugowra who are forever grateful.
“And it has not only been our own locals, but also interstate participants and people from the galloping industry that have come forward.
“No matter how big or small their operations are they have all just wanted to contribute. It is simply wonderful and so heart-warming.”
The fundraiser kicked off on December 1 and will conclude on December 31. Pledges will be deposited into the industry’s Benevolent Fund and subsequently distributed to those in need.
“This support will go a long way to helping these devastated communities. We may not raise enough money to fix everything but whatever we can do will be appreciated, I’m sure,” said Michael.
The Parkes, Dubbo and Bathurst Clubs have been extremely active in assisting financially whilst many participants from the Western Districts and beyond have contributed.
HRNSW had provided assistance so far this year in excess of $500,000 for flood relief.
As for the more recent regional floods applications are currently being processed whilst restoration work required for the Cowra and Forbes racetracks is being assessed.
With respect to the Eugowra community HRNSW through Maurice Logue and the Mates4Harness division will continue to assist with the return to school for students of both St Joseph’s Catholic and Eugowra Public.
A community race meeting ‘Re-Start Eugowra’ will be held at an appropriate time next year.
It is not too late to join our fundraiser so if you feel that you would like to help out in any way you can contact Michael on 0459 185 954.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
