By Andrew Smith
Around 1,000 racegoers will pause to honour the victims of the Wieambilla tragedy at Saturday’s Chinchilla Cup Christmas Race Day.
Chinchilla Race Club President Kirty Mitchell said the club would pay respect to fallen Queensland Police officers Constable Rachel McCrow and Constable Matthew Arnold, as well as Wieambilla citizen Alan Dare, during the six-race program.
“The Member for Callide will host a minute’s silence in between Races 2 and 3 at 1.45pm, and we’re hopeful of having a police representative attending,” Ms Mitchell said.
“We will have two wreaths in place at the track as well, one for the Queensland Police officers and one for Alan.
“Their photos will be up there with QR codes that link to the fundraising sites of the victims, and there will also be a cash donation bin there for people to use.
“We’ve also organised 500 blue ribbons from the police – the money raised from them won’t go directly to the family, but it goes back into police mental health and legacy so we’re hoping to sell all 500 of those ribbons.
“At the end of the night for the fireworks finale, we’re going to light the sky blue in the final minute and we’re also trying to find some blue flares.
“We’ve also asked the DJ to get blue lights and he’ll be going all blue as well when the fireworks are on.”
Chinchilla Race Club will honour Constable Rachel McCrow and Constable Matthew Arnold. Image credit - QPS Instagram
Ms Mitchell said Chinchilla Race Club had worked hard to ensure they were paying tribute to the victims in a fitting way.
She admitted the Chinchilla Cup Day would carry a tinge of sadness about it following the tragic incident that has rocked the entire Western Downs community.
“The feeling in the town is just awful, everyone is so sad, and you can feel it down the street,” she said.
“It’s going to affect us for months to come because everyone is asking why has this happened?
“After what happened Monday night, I spent Tuesday thinking about it and how we can work it all in and then spent Wednesday on the phone ringing all my mates and everyone I know to pull it off.
“We are all rallying, and the whole committee has got behind it to just make it happen.
“The president of the Tara Race Club is also planning to come and attend on the club’s behalf.”
The race day’s blue theme will also pay homage to local Cassi West, who was critically injured in a car crash in the town in June.
“Cassi is in a rehab home and is going to need ongoing care for the rest of her life, she’s lucky to be alive,” Ms Mitchell said.
“We’ve been meaning to do something for ages and wanted to do it at the December meet, so we thought we’ll do a big fundraiser, and people will be able to donate to Cassi’s care too.”
Racing Queensland EGM Club Partnerships & Assets Melinda Martin encouraged racegoers to come out and show their support for Rachel McCrow, Matthew Arnold, Alan Dare and Cassi West.
“It’s great to see the Chinchilla Race Club pay their respects in a meaningful way, after what has been a solemn week for the community,” Ms Martin said.
“The day they have planned for one of the region’s big race days will be a fitting tribute to our fallen police officers as well as Alan, while also supporting Cassi’s ongoing recovery.
“We’d love to see a big turnout on Saturday and for people to support the day in any way possible.”
The Club is also keen to remind locals they won’t need to enter Chinchilla Racecourse to enjoy the fireworks at the end of the day.
“We’ve got heaps of parking, and even if people just want to park on the street and watch the fireworks and see the sky light up in blue, they can pay their respects even if they don’t have a ticket,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Other than that, it’s going to be a great day of racing.”
The program kicks off at 12.55pm, with the 1400-metre Chinchilla Cup at 4pm.
More information is available on Chinchilla Race Club’s Facebook page.