By Ben Pritchard
From small beginnings the Healesville Great Chase saw more than 50 people from organisations from across the north-eastern suburbs enjoy a community day in sunshine last year at arguably Victoria’s most spectacular-looking racetrack.
With views across the track and onto the Yarra Valley the Healesville Greyhound Association and their traditional Great Chase morning tea for groups was the place to be in September 2019.
The group from Caladenia Friday Fellas were particularly excited, going to the extent of dressing in their finest ties and sparkly hats.
This particular group, which provides care and support for people living with dementia, has been attending the Great Chase for the past three years and looks forward to it every year.
“For us it’s about the social inclusion and being a part of the greater community that we love,” said Jo, a carer from Caladenia.
“It is also a great day out to enjoy the enjoy greyhound racing and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Healesville.”
One of the highlights of the Great Chase is volunteers from the Greyhound Adoption Program and their amazing greyhounds. At Healesville in 2019, GAP volunteer Tracey Wannet had a special interest in the Great Chase as her daughter Sam is a member of Scope Lilydale, which attended on the day.
“The Great Chase is a great day out. Everyone loves watching the dogs race and being at the track, and I particularly like it as I my daughter Sam is also here”.
The team at Healesville are saddened that the 60 plus community group members will not be attending in 2020 but are planning a bigger and better Great Chase day out in 2021.
The TAB Great Chase is Victorian greyhound racing’s number one community event, distributing almost $650,000 to the disability sector since 2003.
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