Amanda Elliott has become the first female chairman and the 21st in the Victoria Racing Club’s 153-year history after being elected unopposed by the board on Friday.
“I am deeply honoured and thrilled at this appointment and I would like to thank my fellow board members for their support,” Elliott said following the historic election.
“I am so excited about the next two years of my term and among many current and planned innovations, our biggest project is the Club Stand, due for completion in time for the 2018 Melbourne Cup Carnival.
“This incredible new facility will provide racegoers with an unrivalled raceday experience.
“This is a critical period of development at Flemington, and I look forward to working with the CEO Simon Love, and the great team at the VRC to ensure Flemington continues to offer world-class racing and entertainment facilities.”
Elliott, who has been acting chairman since December last year and was previously vice chairman, congratulated John O’Rourke on his election as vice chairman and Neil Wilson on his election as honorary treasurer.
“There is a great balance of skills between the three of us and I know we will make a terrific team,” Elliott added.
“The VRC has a united and talented board, and succession planning that will ensure strong governance of the VRC well into the future.
“I have advised the Board that it is my intention to oversee the delivery of key VRC initiatives, including the Club Stand, and with that in mind, I have committed to complete my current term.
“I will leave the club in good hands at the 2018 Annual General Meeting, after 16 years as a VRC Director.”
Love congratulated Elliott on her appointment and said that he and his executive team would continue to work closely with her and the Board to ensure Flemington delivers an even greater customer experience and remains Australia’s premier racing venue.
– racing.com
