Throughout the past year the Stawell Harness Racing Club has been forced to shut its door multiple times, but it says it is now in a "strong position to go forward".
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The club has faced staffing issues and been forced to run its racing meets through various COVID-19 measures and restrictions, but is looking forward to getting back into the swing of things soon.
Stawell Harness Racing Club president Geoff Sanderson said the club was now ready to race into the remainder of 2021.
"To say it's been a challenging 12 months would be a understatement with the onset of COVID-19 early last year, we would not have expected back then, that our gaming business plus our Bistro would need to be closed for several months," he said.
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"We have been fortunate that our staff have worked together and been keen to see the day we could open again last September. It has been a difficult time all round but the club is still in a strong position to go forward.
February was also a particularly tough month for the club, with technical problems, staffing changes and another COVID lockdown forcing the club to shut its door briefly.
"Last week's snap announcement did catch us by surprise and to the credit of all staff we have been able to get over this shutdown of the business," he said.
"Last week really did test us with our phone lines being interrupted due to NBN issues resulting in people trying to contact the club not being able to get through. I am glad to say this issue has been resolved but I must say the time delay in fixing the problem was very disappointing.
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"We have also closed the bistro for a short time due to staff changes but we are looking forward to making an announcement in regard to our Bistro and when it will be reopening."
Mr Sanderson said the club was looking forward to hosting Poker nights, welcoming back the Probus Club members for their monthly meetings and continuing to run more racing events, in line with the state government's restrictions.
"This will be great news to our loyal group of poker players that play each Monday night. We will be announcing a date that this will be back and hopefully within the next few weeks.
"We are looking forward to welcome back patrons to the venue, but please call the club to check on the hours we will be open along with the TAB."
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