Petition to Keep Broken Hill Greyhound Track Open

We call on the authorities of Greyhound Racing New South Wales to reconsider the proposed closure of the Broken Hill Greyhound Club and other regional tracks, including Wagga Wagga and Maitland. This decision will have severe and far-reaching consequences for the local community, trainers, owners, and the welfare of the greyhounds themselves.

Impact on the Community

Broken Hill is a small, tight-knit community where greyhound racing has long been a significant part of local life. The closure of the Broken Hill track will not only eliminate a beloved sport but will also result in the loss of jobs for many local workers—directly affecting trainers, owners, kennel staff, and other local businesses dependent on the club's operations.

The Inconvenience and Danger to Trainers and Greyhounds.    

For our local trainers and owners, the closure means that they will be forced to make a grueling, unsafe, and expensive 1,600-kilometer round trip to race their dogs in other parts of New South Wales. This would put both the trainers and the greyhounds at great risk. Long-distance travel, especially for the dogs, is dangerous and can lead to injuries, stress, and a serious decline in their health and wellbeing. This move does not take into account the basic safety and humane treatment of these animals.

Discrimination Against Isolated Communities 

We believe that Broken Hill is being unfairly targeted due to its geographical isolation and smaller population. We ask that Greyhound Racing New South Wales consider the unique needs of rural and remote communities and not penalize them simply because they are geographically distant from the larger metropolitan areas. The Broken Hill Greyhound Club has been an integral part of our region’s identity for generations, with many trainers coming from long-established, multi-generational racing families. 

Mental Health and Wellbeing Concerns

The emotional and mental health toll this decision will have on local trainers, owners, and their families cannot be overstated. Greyhound racing is not just a business for them; it is a lifelong passion and a family tradition. To take this away will deeply affect their sense of purpose, livelihood, and community connection. The closure will also impact the mental wellbeing of many individuals who rely on the camaraderie and support of the greyhound racing community.

Loss of Charitable Contributions

The Broken Hill Greyhound Club has a long-standing tradition of supporting local charities through fundraising and community events. The closure of the track would put an end to these charitable efforts, depriving many local organizations and causes of much-needed financial support.

We Urge You to Act

We respectfully urge Greyhound Racing New South Wales to: 

1- Reconsider the closure of the Broken Hill Greyhound Club and other regional tracks.

2- Provide alternative solutions that allow the local community, trainers, and greyhounds to continue racing safely and responsibly.

3- Support regional greyhound racing clubs to ensure they can thrive and contribute positively to their communities.

The decision to close Broken Hill's greyhound racing track is not just a blow to the sport; it is a devastating loss for our community, our families, and the welfare of the animals involved.

Please take action now to save our track and the livelihoods of those who depend on it.