RQ celebrates NAIDOC Week 2024

This weekend’s running of The Hayden will form part of the Queensland racing industry’s celebrations of NAIDOC Week 2024.

Three showcase races will also be held as part of the industry’s commitment to strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Racing Queensland is proud to celebrate NAIDOC Week, which was held from July 7 to 14, with the races spread across all three codes:

• Thoroughbreds at Ipswich on Friday, July 19 - RQ NAIDOC Celebration Race
• Harness at Albion Park on Saturday, July 20 - RQ NAIDOC Celebration Pace
• Greyhounds at Capalaba on Sunday, July 21 - RQ NAIDOC Celebration Chase

The races are dedicated to acknowledging and respecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities in Queensland and forms part of RQ’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan.

RQ’s RAP Artwork and NAIDOC Week branding will feature on the handlers’ bibs, strappers’ bibs, saddle cloths, harness helmet covers, harness colours and winners’ presentation rugs at all three of the races.

The winner of each race will be presented with an RQ NAIDOC Week Trophy.

A Welcome to Country and a smoking ceremony will be held at all three race meetings.

RQ’s Indigenous Program Lead Bart Watson said the industry had several initiatives in place to strengthen ties with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.

“At Racing Queensland, we have our Reconciliation Action Plan, which is a two-year strategy, as well as a First Nations Strategy which will provide a strategic roadmap that the organisation follows,” Watson said.

“Our First Nations Strategy embodies diversity and inclusion throughout not only RQ but the wider racing industry as well.

“We currently have a Reconciliation Action Working Group that also partners with external stakeholders.

“We encourage anyone within the industry that wants to know more about the Reconciliation Action Plan or our First Nations Strategy to reach out to Racing Queensland as well.

“Reconciliation is important not only for First Nations people, but also non-First Nations people as it is a journey for understanding, and to share journeys towards a better future for everyone.”

The RQ NAIDOC Celebration Pace will coincide with a huge night of racing at Albion Park, with the second running of The Hayden.

The race will be used to generate funds for Shoreline, which has provided education and employment opportunities for Indigenous students since 2009.

With the winner of The Hayden advancing to the $2.1m The Eureka, RQ will commit 10% of all prize money from The Eureka to Shoreline to assist in funding its educational programs.

The man the race is named after, former Test batsman Matthew Hayden, said he was privileged to again be involved in the race.

“Last year witnessing Speak The Truth take out The Hayden, and then go on to proudly represent Queensland in The Eureka, was a great thrill,” Hayden said.

“His efforts in finishing fifth in The Eureka provided valuable support to a cause that’s close to my heart, in providing education and employment pathways for First Nations students through the Shoreline Foundation.

“The foundation connects Year 11 and 12 students with training organisations and employers to secure vocational qualifications and full-time employment upon graduation.

“In partnering with a great race like The Hayden, Racing Queensland and the Queensland harness industry provides great awareness for Shoreline’s cause.

“The timing is also impeccable for The Hayden race to be run, as it coincides with the Queensland racing industry’s NAIDOC celebrations which continue to grow year on year.

“I wish all the runners the best of luck from abroad and look forward to cheering on our representative for 2024 home in The Eureka in just a couple of months’ time.”

This year’s theme chosen by the National NAIDOC Committee was Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud.

The theme honours the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture – with fire a symbol of connection to Country, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Racing Queensland acknowledges all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we operate and conduct our business operations across Queensland. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and to Elders, past and present.