Incoming Ballarat treasurer Leon Underwood and outgoing, long-serving treasurer Dennis Foley at Ballarat & District Trotting Club.
Long-serving Ballarat administrator Dennis Foley has announced his retirement.
Ballarat and District Trotting Club CEO Paul Rowse paid tribute to the club’s long-time treasurer – Mr Foley has been in the role continuously since 1982 – and wished him well for the future.
“Dennis wants to spend more time with his family, being a first-time grandfather, and pursue other areas of his life,” Mr Rowse said.
“Dennis has been an integral part of the success of the Ballarat club for a long period of time. His business acumen and huge network of contacts accrued over 35 years with the club will be a big void to fill in the future. He should be immensely proud of the condition he’s leaving the club in.
“On a personal note, Dennis has been a great role model in my professional and personal life. His attention to detail is second to none.
“For those who were lucky enough to have been on tour with him to the feature race carnivals in Australia and New Zealand, we will all remember those trips fondly as the reason we love this sport so much. The community feeling that is harness racing.”
Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) CEO David Martin also paid tribute to Mr Foley and acknowledged his long service to the industry.
“Harness Racing Victoria takes this opportunity to thank Dennis for his long and dedicated period of service to the Ballarat and District Trotting Club and the industry more broadly," Mr Martin said.
“It takes passionate and devoted people to drive the country clubs and Dennis ticks both of those boxes. HRV wishes him all the best for the future.”
Ballarat club president David Young said Mr Foley had played a huge role in Ballarat’s many achievements over the years.
“On behalf of the BDTC committee we would like to congratulate Dennis on what is an amazing stint in serving the BDTC as treasurer. He has for 35 years taken ownership and shown such passion for our club and business,” Mr Young said.
“He has been a great assistance to our management team on a daily basis. There have been many achievements at the club in which Dennis has played a major role. He is a life member and received club legend status last year. Our club is indebted to Dennis for his contribution.”
Country Clubs Association CEO David Brick also took the opportunity to wish Mr Foley well.
“Dennis has been a strong supporter of the club network and a leading advocate for maintaining on-course patronage and atmosphere,” Mr Brick said.
“The Association of Country Clubs congratulates Dennis on his significant contribution to the Ballarat club and broader club community for close to four decades. We wish Dennis all the best for the future.”
At a special committee meeting Ballarat appointed Leon Underwood, previous assistant treasurer, to the position of treasurer. Mr Underwood works for the City Of Ballarat as a Socio Economic Development Officer and has been mentored by Mr Foley over the last 12 months in line with the club's succession plan.
Rob Kerr was appointed to the position of assistant treasurer. Mr Kerr, who is the Ballarat Branch Manager for the Bank Of Melbourne, has been on the club committee for over 15 years including time as the vice-president.
Media enquiries:
Cody Winnell (HRV Media/Communications Manager)
t: 03 8378 0288 | e: cwinnell@hrv.org.au | tw: @codywinnell