Long-standing Bundaberg greyhound identity Lorraine Horton has been named as the recipient of the 2020 Queensland greyhounds Outstanding Contribution Award.

Although Lorraine was unable to attend the recent gala awards ceremony, Bundaberg Club president Ricky Hassall, said she was ‘proud and honoured’ to receive the award.

The Outstanding Contribution Award acknowledges the outstanding input of volunteers to the greyhound industry in Queensland and, each year, is awarded to the person deemed to have best demonstrated a willingness to act above and beyond expectations, to place others before self, and to encourage industry participation and growth.

In naming Lorraine as the 2020 winner, judges noted her incredible voluntary contribution to the Bundaberg Greyhound Racing Club over a long period of time, including:

• Numerous office bearer roles on the Bundaberg Greyhound Club committee including President and Treasurer;
• Mentoring and supporting other office bearers and industry stakeholders;
• Operational voluntary roles on the front gate, taking gate fees, selling race books, assisting with raffles and collecting purchases for the bar and office;
• Setting an example in terms of placing your club and greyhound industry first at every instance.

The Bundaberg Greyhound Racing Club has endured its share of high and lows throughout a long history.

Today, the club operates as a TAB club, it supports a vibrant local racing community and is perhaps in its strongest ever financial position. Many have had influence over this outcome, but it is fair to say that Lorraine’s particular contribution has been unique, sustained and of particularly positive influence.

Hassall said Lorraine has always been working in some capacity at the club.

“She has done everything,” he said.

“In fact, without Lorraine we (the club) may not even be here today. When we were going through some very dark days Lorraine took money out of her own bank account to keep the club afloat.”