The BGRC was recently advised by Track & Facility Manager Matt Blood that he would be stepping down as Track & Facility Manager to pursue other opportunities in Sports Management. We appreciate this was a difficult decision for Matt who only commenced in the role on 26th October 2020, but we thank him for his passionate and dedicated service whilst in the role.
Matt has previously completed a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science at Federation University, and is currently studying a Masters of Sports Business & Integrity at Victoria University and he has an exciting future in any career path he undertakes. Matt will finish his full time role with the BGRC on Friday 12th February 2021.
The Ballarat GRC is delighted to announce the appointment of experienced former Sandown Greyhound Racing Club Track Curator Gavin Ithea as our new Track Curator.
After an extensive national search that attracted high quality applicants, Gavin was selected after very positive feedback for his performance and experience in preparing and maintaining the greyhound racing track at Sandown for 7 years. Gavin also has 2 decades of experience in grounds maintenance, gardening, landscaping and excavating so he brings extensive experience and wide ranging skills to the role.
Gavin will commence with the Ballarat GRC on Monday 1st February 2021.
Since the resignation of our former Track Curator the Ballarat Greyhound Racing Club (BGRC) sought the assistance of GRV to recruit an experienced track curator on an interim basis until the position was filled on a permanent basis. Since Friday 13th November the BGRC was pleased to appoint Ian Butcher as its interim Track Curator.
Ian will continue at the BGRC until COB Friday 12th February 2021 to allow a suitable handover with Gavin Ithea. We thank Ian for his energy, commitment and support across this 3 month period and commend him on his outstanding work over this period.
Finally, the Ballarat GRC is delighted to announce the appointment of Shaun Boag as our new Track & Facility Manager.
Shaun has had extensive greyhound experience and knowledge acquired over 20 years in various roles at the Ballarat Greyhound Racing Club, and has been a registered public greyhound owner and has owned and raced several greyhounds. Shaun has also extensive experience in senior leadership roles over 10 years with Telstra, where he managed a large contract workforce (nationally and internationally) and was responsible for business improvement. Since departing Telstra he established and managed his own Diving Business in the Philippines. Since returning to Australia in March (due to COVID) he has re-established himself at the Ballarat GRC and performed exceptionally in various roles, and is excited by the opportunity ahead.
Shaun will commence in his new role on Monday 25th January 2021
In closing, we welcome 2 experienced Greyhound industry people in Shaun Boag & Gavin Ithea to the Ballarat GRC team, and we are delighted to have them on board !
