Kate has been a proud member of the Warrnambool Racing Club (WRC) Committee since 2018 and in 2021 was elected as the Deputy Chairperson. During these years the Committee has developed and executed a sales and marketing plan to compliment the overarching WRC Strategic Plan.
Kate has over 20 years’ experience in sales and marketing and is passionate about representing the Warrnambool Racing Club’s member base and fostering community engagement. We have a unique offering in Warrnambool with a strong racing industry located on the beautiful coastline of Victoria; with the rich tradition of the May Race Carnival and jumps affiliation.
The Warrnambool Racing Club has been a part of the South West community since 1848, providing a place to gather and enjoy racing and entertainment. Recent developments; including the Matilda Room upgrade and the Jericho Cup has open our doors to new members and visitors to our region.
The Charity Partner Initiative is a wonderful way for the Warrnambool Racing Club, its members and participants to give back to the community that we operate within. The program has provided an amazing opportunity to partner with a range of organisations which are having a strong impact in supporting our community.
Seeing the tangible impact of financial grants which charity partners have received, and the opportunity to support community group messages and networking during race club events has been a highlight of the Charity Partner Initiative.
Laurisa has been a committee member of the Warrnambool Racing Club since 2019. Having graduated from Deakin University, Laurisa has worked as an Accountant at Sinclair Wilson for the past 22 years and was recently name a partner in the firm. Together with husband Brandt, Laurisa has three children who are all keenly involved in Netball, Football and Pony Club.
The WRC is committed to engaging with its community and in 2020 launched the Charity Partner Initiative to provide cash financial grants to local organisations in need of support. As a member of the Warrnambool Racing Club, Laurisa has been involved with the initiative since 2020, seeing funds donated to over 50 organisations in our local community.
This initiative was not only a great means of giving back to the community financially but was also a great platform to be able to bring together various groups within the community who could then support each other. With restrictions enforced on our everyday lives over the past two years, many of these organisations have not been able to run events to fundraise as they normally would have, so the Charity Partner initiative is a great way to supplement the lost income for these organisations to continue to offer the fantastic services they provide.
Laurisa is again looking forward to being involved in the WRC Charity Partner initiative again this year and encourages all local organisations to consider applying.
I have grown up and spent most of my adult life in Warrnambool and am passionate about the Bool. I have worked at the Warrnambool Racing Club for two years, having originally taken on a maternity leave position before staying on as the Club’s Administration & Events Officer. Previous to my employment at the WRC I spent several years working at my family’s business in sales.
In my spare time I play a lot of sports, with squash, sailing and netball (at the South Warrnambool Roosters) being my go-to. Through my various sporting club involvements as both a participant and committee member, I have developed a good understanding of the local sporting clubs in the area and the potential benefits additional funding can have.
For this reason I’m so excited to become involved with this initiative to help keep spreading the great work and vital funds to as many recipients as possible. I strongly encourage any organisation looking for funding to apply, as the application process is straightforward, and you have nothing to lose.
Maree joined the WRC Committee in 2023, having been a passionate patron of the Club for many years. Professionally, Maree is a qualified journalist and Certified Practicing Marketer, with 25 years’ experience in communications, public relations and marketing across Government and Private sectors.
She is a committed volunteer, currently on the Board of the Emmanuel College Foundation, a past Chair of the Emmanuel College Advisory Council; a former Board Member of the Port Fairy & District Community Bank; and Committee Member with the Koroit Football Netball Club.
“The JUMP Charity initiative is an invaluable opportunity to engage directly with the community, and contribute to causes that reflect the Warrnambool Racing Club’s commitment to leadership and giving back.
“It helps foster relationships with dedicated volunteers in our region, builds goodwill and inspires trust – which are successful to the growth of both WRC and our charity partners.
“As an active community volunteer myself, I know how important support from other local groups is to ongoing sustainability – particularly financial support. I’m very proud of what the Club does to ensure it is helping other committed, grass-roots volunteers and groups to operate.”