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By Phillip O'Brien

RACING MATES CONTINUES TO UNITE RACING PARTICIPANTS FOLLOWING ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL BBQ GET-TOGETHER HOSTED FOR CENTRAL WEST RACING PARTICIPANTS ON PARKES CUP DAY

Ambassador Pat Webster led the latest Racing Mates event at Parkes on Sunday 18th May which promotes the concept of ‘mates looking out for mates’ over a BBQ.

“We can’t host these events without the great support of Race Clubs and the industry, in which we acknowledge and thank Parkes Jockey Club for making this event possible,” Webster said.

Racing Mates focuses on wellbeing initiatives for the Racing Industry and actively works with Race Clubs and Associations to improve the lives of racing participants.

Racing Mates at Parkes (L-R): Mikayla Weir, Zoe Hunt, Shayleigh Ingelse, Shannen Llewellyn, Pat Webster, Georgia McDonnell & Kath Bell-Pitomac. Image by Phillip O'Brien

“The BBQ get-togethers help in bringing the racing industry together for a chat which is the first step,” Webster said.

“Talking and encouraging participants to start the conversation is the main objective and Racing Mates has access to professional support services which we can then link to those requiring assistance.

“Like all Racing Mates Ambassadors, I am here to provide the link between those in need and the required support.”

Established by Racing NSW, Racing Mates has been empowering mates to look out for mates since 2016 with the aim to promote peer support among the industry.

“Research has found that support offered from peers and colleagues can aid significantly in coping with stress and difficult situations,” Mr Webster said.

Racing industry participants are invited to attend the next Racing Mates ‘Get-together’ from 11:30am at Illawarra Turf Club’s Mental Health Awareness race meeting at Kembla Grange on Saturday 21st June.

“We are looking forward to catching up with racing participants at Kembla Grange which will be another great opportunity for the racing community to come together for a chat,” said Webster.

The Kembla Grange meeting will be dedicated to raising awareness and vital funds for men’s mental health and wellbeing initiatives, with proceeds directed to providing local support.

Further information about Racing Mates and its Ambassadors can be found at online at – www.racingmates.com.au