Greyhound Racing Club in turmoil

Former Bundaberg Greyhound Racing Club president Brian Terry, ex-treasurer Lorraine Isles and ex-vice-president Dennis Isles are upset by events.

Max Fleet

AN internal fracas has plunged the Bundaberg Greyhound Racing Club into turmoil with four committee members turning their backs on Thabeban Park.

Former president Brian Terry announced his resignation on Monday and was followed out the door by his deputy, treasurer and a long-term committee member.

It was a difficult decision for Terry who said irreconcilable differences with members had forced him to give up the reins after a three-and-a-half-year term.

“When we came to the club it was $40,000 in the red, now there’s money in the bank and there’s a brand-new lure system on the track worth $180,000,” he said.

“I’ve poured my own money and countless hours of my time into this so it leaves a pretty bad taste in my mouth.”

The mass exodus came after 10 of the club’s 45 members lodged a petition against the committee to raise a special general meeting, and propose a vote of no confidence.

The resignations came before any vote took place.

“It is with great regret that I walk away, but there was nowhere left to turn, the only way was out,” Terry said.

Greyhounds Queensland has confirmed “personality clashes” resulted in the debacle. Terry has raised grave concerns about the longevity of the club which was placed under review by Greyhounds Queensland in July of last year.

Bundaberg was placed under a performance review after the Mackay club was shut down in June, and findings will be handed down next month.

“There’s not much left in terms of country Queensland racing: you’ve got Bundaberg and Townsville and that’s pretty much it,” Terry said.

“We’ve had our time, we’ve had to walk away, but others need to get involved to keep the club running.”

Former treasurer Dennis Isles has walked away from his position after a 30-year association with the club and echoed the concerns.

“I really feel for the rank and file out at the club because this sort of trouble does not bode well,” he said. “They (Greyhounds Queensland) might just put a lock on the gate and say see you later.”

A spokesman for the Bundaberg Greyhound Racing Club refused to comment as did members who had signed the petition. Greyhounds Queensland general manager Darren Beavis expressed regret about the resignations and called for calm.

“Brian and the guys put a lot of effort into the place and this internal bickering does not help anyone,” he said.

Beavis said club management was only one of many issues being considered in the review. “It’s very disappointing it’s come to this,” he said.

“These sorts of issues between members and the committee need to be resolved so the club can continue.”