Howie (aka Cambla Kid), may not have been a champion on the track, but he could always sniff out a yarn. Now retired, each month Howie hunts up morsels of news from his beloved Bundaberg club. Here’s his latest offering.

THE October AGM saw some new faces as well as some old ones elected to the Bundaberg Greyhound Racing Club committee.

Firstly, we would like to thank those who volunteered their time last year, especially our outgoing President Ricky Hassell.

Ricky has decided to take some time off to concentrate on his pups and dogs.

We have appreciated your two years in the president\’s position and wish you the very best with your hounds.

The new committee looks like this:

President – Stephen Bland (my dad). Stephen has been president before, prior to the club going TAB and is a popular choice. He brings a cool head and a wealth of knowledge within the industry. Stephen stated that he was excited to have the opportunity to steer the club forward with the upcoming renovations to the track and facilities. He is also eager to work with Racing Queensland once the track upgrade is completed to increase our racing compacity.

Vice President – Tracey Raines (retains her position).

Treasurer – Lorraine Horton (retains her position).

Returning committee members – Louise Cameron, John Kuhn and Ron Hawkshaw

New committee member – Lindsay McCarthy

Present at the club\’s AGM were Racing Queensland representatives Brenton Scott and Phil Buckle.

Brenton addressed the members on a number of subjects such as when the club was looking at closing for renovations.

He said he had hoped that this would have been happening at the end of November, but unfortunately work has been delayed until all parties agree on lease.

We believe this is close to being completed.

He also took suggestions on what may be done for those affected by the club closure and explained where RQ envisaged our race meets would be transferred to during the closure.

At this time, RQ is suggesting Rockhampton for our Monday meetings.

Most are aware of Racing Queensland\’s plans for our renovations, which include completely removing the grass, adjusting the camber and relaying grass on the track.

Work also includes a new rail and fencing, new race distances – 720m, 531m, 460m and 331m, plus 250m trials-only distance for young dogs and a new tower for the lure driver, race caller, stewards and camera man.

The club is taking advantage of this time to extend the kennel area to accommodate a 12-race meet (currently we only able to host 10 races) and add designated kennels for steward\’s trials.

We are also upgrading our straight track … this is a trialling track only but in need of repair.

It is a great asset for trainers, especially for young dogs learning to chase and dogs returning from injury.

To say Bundy is excited about the future is an understatement.

All are ecstatic to see this beautiful track get the face lift it deserves and to show off this unique grass track for the world to see.

To show their confidence in the track, there are a number of local trainers breeding and rearing pups that will be ready once renos are finished.

It\’s all a go for Bundy on a Mundy!

Yours in racing spirit

Howie (AKA Cambla Kid)

Bundaberg Greyhound Racing Club