Darby McCarthy returns to Rosehill

16 January 2009

Legendary jockey Darby McCarthy will be a special guest at Rosehill Gardens this Saturday (17th January) for the launch of a new strategy to encourage more Indigenous people into the racing industry.

The Darby McCarthy Aboriginal Employment Strategy aims to assist Aboriginal people and their families build a future by employing 100 Aboriginal people across the NSW Thoroughbred Industry.

Racing NSW developed the initiative and chief executive, Peter V'landys, said the strategy is a win for all concerned: "This project will ensure more Aboriginal people enter the NSW racing industry and receive an opportunity to build foundations for a burgeoning career in thoroughbred racing.

"Racing NSW is committed to increasing the number of Aboriginal people employed in horse racing and developing their skills whereby we can fulfil the industry's requirements for skilled workers."

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Paul Lynch, welcomed the initiative and added that Racing NSW's new strategy complemented the NSW Government's 'Job Compacts' program.

Job Compacts are agreements between government, businesses, industry and Aboriginal organisations to increase employment in 12 locations in NSW.

"Job Compacts targets regions where skills shortages can be addressed by recruiting and training Aboriginal people to contribute to local economies," Mr Lynch said.

"Racing NSW's strategy has the potential to open new pathways for Aboriginal people to make their mark in the horse racing industry," he said.

Racing NSW appointed one of racing's best Aboriginal jockeys, Glenn Pickwick, last September as a training officer to increase Indigenous participation and awareness of the horse racing industry.

"This new strategy recognises that Aboriginal people have a wealth of skills, knowledge and experience which can benefit our industry," said Racing NSW's General Manager-Employment & Education, Maurice Logue.

"Aboriginal people will be involved in all aspects of project development, implementation and evaluation," he added.

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