WEETWOOD BRINGS LOCAL ECONOMIC BENEFITS
TOOWOOMBA’S largest race day of the year – the 2017 Audi Centre Toowoomba Weetwood – is expected to bring almost $800,000 into the local economy.
The event, scheduled for Saturday, April 8, is also worth over $1 million to the Queensland State economy.
These numbers, taken from an economic impact study conducted by the Toowoomba Turf Club at last year’s Weetwood, are encouraging, according to TTC Chairman Kent Woodford.
“Last year, just over 5,000 people from across southeast Queensland and beyond attended the Weetwood.
“Our biggest race day of the year is something we are very proud of … and we are proud that it delivers significant money to the local economy,” Mr Woodford said.
TTC Chief Executive Blair Odgers echoed Mr Woodford’s enthusiasm about this year’s event.
“The Toowoomba Turf Club conducts Queensland’s largest thoroughbred training facility. It constantly produces race winners – including both of last year’s feature races, the Weetwood and the Toowoomba Cup.
“Toowoomba horse trainers’ success can be measured simply by looking at any race results from across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Ipswich and beyond,” Mr Odgers said.
Cr Geoff McDonald, of the Toowoomba Region, showed his and the council’s continued support of the annual event.
“The Audi Centre Toowoomba Weetwood has been the flagship event for the Toowoomba Turf Club for over 125 years. Not only is the Weetwood a celebration of one of our largest employers in the equine industry but it is a real economic powerhouse event for the region.
“With over 5,000 attendees last year and pumping over three-quarters of a million dollars into our local economy the Weetwood is evolving into a week-long sprinkling of associated events.
“The national exposure of the Weetwood attracts many visitors from outside our region and they stay overnight in paid accommodation, will eat out at cafes and restaurants and spend money at retail outlets.
“The Weetwood is a great excuse for a new outfit and to get some friends together for a day of fun, fashion and entertainment with an exciting programme of activities and celebrity guests to rub shoulders with,” Cr McDonald said.
Weetwood Week events at a glance:
• Ladbrokes Weetwood Corporate Golf Day – Monday, April 3, at City Golf Club. An 18-hole four-person Ambrose event featuring a chance to win an Audi vehicle with a hole-in-one.
• Breakfast With The Weetwood Stars – Tuesday April 4, at Clifford Park. A free community barbecue event. The Browns Office Choice Weetwood School Colour Competition will also be judged that morning.
• Audi Centre Toowoomba Weetwood Barrier Draw – Wednesday April 5, at CBD dining hotspot The Walton Stores.
• Weetwood Racing Mass – Wednesday April 5, at Clifford Park.
• Ladbrokes Weetwood Calcutta Sportsman’s Lunch – Friday, April 7, at Clifford Park. Featuring legendary Queensland footballers Alfie Langer and Steve Walters and racing identity Bart Sinclair as guest speakers, together with Brisbane comedian Rob Brown.
Mr Odgers reiterated that the Weetwood is a community event.
“We have ensured the raceday and associated Weetwood events encompass everyone – from our newest racing enthusiasts, through to our most seasoned followers. We encourage the community to embrace all things Weetwood,” Mr Odgers said.
Ticketing is on sale and can be viewed by visiting www.weetwood.com.au
