Brisbane Racing Club Member Advisory Group



The BRC Member Advisory Group has been formed to increase direct feedback between Members and Brisbane Racing Club. The aim is to have the group share their views and feedback on behalf of the membership base. The Members were selected based on eligibility criteria to be Advocacy Ambassadors for BRC and assist in generating increased engagement within the Membership Groups. It is expected that the increased communication with the Membership Group will also improve overall satisfaction for BRC Members.

The Member Advisory Group is made up with the following Members for a term of 2 years (expires 30 November 2024):

  • Alexandra Slater
  • Anne-Marie Quinn
  • Georgina Peereboom
  • Giaan Keir
  • Liam Beatty
  • Mary-Louise Condon
  • Matthew Thomas
  • Michael Ball
  • Robert Wildermuth OAM
  • Tamra Spillman
  • Thomas Howard
  • Tony Havig

The Member Advisory Group has held the following meetings with discussion items listed.

8 December 2022

  • Member Facilities
  • Reserved Tables
  • Increasing our numbers in younger age groups

16 March 2023

  • 2023/24 Membership Categories, changes, and inclusions 

21 September 2023

  • Members Dress Policy
  • Owners Entry Time

Objectives
The main objectives of the BRC Member Advisory Group include the following:
1.To provide feedback to the BRC administration team and Board of Directors received from BRC Members
2.To provide advice and recommendations on how Membership can be improved for Members.
3.To provide advice and recommendations on how raceday experience can be improved for Members.
4.To provide advice and recommendations on Member events.
5.To help increase the number of Members by promoting Membership within their networks.

Responsibilities
1.To be Advocacy Ambassadors of the Brisbane Racing Club.
2.To provide leadership in the Membership base, and within their specific categories
3.To network with other Members and collect feedback for the Membership team.
4.To provide the Membership team with knowledge of the offering and process of other Race Clubs and Sporting organisations.
5.Suggest Reciprocal Clubs that could be of interest to the Membership base.


Member Advisory Group Q&A

Robert (Bob) Wildermuth 

BRC Advisory Board; Bob

How long have you been a Member? 23 years

What made you initially become a Member? I wanted to get access to the Members Area

Where on the track would we find you on a Raceday? Either in the Members Area of looking at horses in the tie up stalls

What improvements have you seen since becoming part of the Member Advisory Group? More frequent and better communication with members via email and better value food and beverage options on racedays. 

What would you say to someone who is thinking of becoming a Member? Just do it.

What do you value the most from your Membership? The opportunity to socialise with like-minded punters and owners

What is your most memorable moment at Brisbane Racing Club? The day Big Decision won by a nose at Eagle Farm and paid $59 on the tote. I had a little share in the ownership.

What is your favourite Raceday? Stradbroke Day


Anne-Marie Quinn

BRC Member Advisory Group | Anne-Marie

How long have you been a Member? For five years I have been a Perpetual Member.

What made you initially become a Member? Initially, I was my husband’s ‘Guest' for about 20+ years.  I became a member in my own right, because, as a carded guest I was unable to access some of the BRC’s bars. Secondly, when visiting reciprocal clubs my entry fee was substantially more than my husband’s, a member. So now I have the best of all worlds. 

Where on the track would we find you on a Raceday? On Racedays, you will usually find me in the downstairs areas of Doomben or Eagle Farm.

What improvements have you seen since becoming part of the Member Advisory Group? While on the Member Advisory Group, I have seen many recommendations come to fruition, and other initiatives taken to meet needs. The once uneven grass outside the Group One and Champagne Bars, at Eagle Farm, has been flattened out and replaced with artificial grass (kinder to stilettos). In this green area, extra tables have also been placed so that there are more seats for Members, to cater for the large crowds during carnivals. At Doomben, the Grove has been introduced and an additional covered area for members. The Perpetual Members Rewards lunch has been reintroduced. I love the $20 Ladbrokes bonus bet every weekend there is racing in Brisbane, although I must be a lousy punter … I’ve not really been able to capitalise.

What would you say to someone who is thinking of becoming a Member? If you tossing up whether to become a member - DO! This is a value for money membership. On Membership Days (several times a year) you can bring 2 mates. Your membership also includes 4 tickets for friends to use throughout year. After the race meet has finished, most days there is live music and dancing. The membership offers additional special nights, Cocktail parties ….. Plus a $20 of bonus bets every weekend there is racing in Brisbane(with Ladbrokes). Credits are given on your BRC Card for those that attend regularly. Do the sums!

What do you value the most from your Membership? I value the opportunity to be in the Members Area, meeting friends and making new friends. The races attract so many diverse people and it is interesting to get to know others with a loose, or committed, racing interest. To me dressing up, mingling, along with top notch food, drinks and singing and dancing to live entertainment … is a special way to spend a Saturday. “Think About It,’ the racing has been truly first rate with many of the horses up here for the winter carnival, now winning in Sydney and Melbourne. You don’t need to be a,’Private Eye.'

What is your most memorable moment at Brisbane Racing Club? My most memorable moment over the years was watching Chief de Beers, a Brisbane horse, winning his second Doomben 10000 against the best from down south. He won 20 races at Doomben. I loved The Chief.

What is your favourite Raceday? My favourite Raceday is possibly the Brisbane Cup, but I embrace the whole Winter and Spring Carnivals. I enjoy talking to people on raceways, at the bar, in a queue for food or the bookie, or while cheering a winner. Any comments, I pass back to the BRC admin usually within the next week, so they can be actioned immediately. I encourage members to fill out their survey after visiting, so that any recommendations can be addressed and what ever is working well will continue.  If you see me at the races or a BRC social function, please introduce yourself.


Tamra Spillman

Member advisory board | tamra

How long have you been a Member? 5 years

What made you initially become a Member? I had been attending for many years with friends using their guest passes and could see the value in joining up as a full Member

Where on the track would we find you on a Raceday? Always in the Champagne Bar

What improvements have you seen since becoming part of the Member Advisory Group? So many! Kylie Hannah and Tony Partridge are such an asset to the Brisbane Racing Club and have listened to the feedback passed on from members through to the Advisory Group. Some examples include better WIFI, increased food offerings, digital membership offering, quality of beverages offered (Champagne is a favourite of mine and I love the choices and the specials), increased members privileges including being able to use paper tickets at so many more race days, perks to members on racedays including champagne tower, complimentary food etc. The addition of Ladbrokes has been a positive move with many members (including myself) loving the weekly bonus bet.

What would you say to someone who is thinking of becoming a Member? Do it! BRC provides amazing value in the low yearly membership price. There's a variety of race days that cater to every taste. As a bonus the reciprocal rights allow you to attend other race clubs members areas if you're travelling..

What do you value the most from your Membership? Being able to socialise with my friends in a quality venue that provides first class horse racing.

What is your most memorable moment at Brisbane Racing Club? Getting to see our Filly have her first race at Doomben - although she didn't win, we brought a crowd of about 30 to support on a Wednesday raceday all dressed in the jockey's colours of pink and black.

What is your favourite Raceday? Stradbroke Day


Tony Havig

BRC Member Advisory Group | Tony

How long have you been a Member: Almost 15 years from memory

What made you initially become a Member: I started going to the races with my Dad when I was 12 years old Racing has been a lifelong passion and so BRC membership seemed a logical step on that path.

Where on the track would we find you on a Raceday? One of three places; The Ascot Bar at Eagle Farm or the 10000 Room at Doomben or preferably the Winner’s Enclosure at either track.

What improvements have you seen since becoming part of the Member Advisory Group: It’s established a clear voice to the BRC Committee and Operational Team and a sincere desire from them to listen to and address concerns where change is possible.

What would you say to someone who is thinking of becoming a Member? Join! There’s something at Doomben and Eagle Farm for everyone. It’s a great way to make new friendships and cement old ones.

What do you value the most from your Membership? The range of facilities to suit all ages and budgets and the ability to spend quality time with friends and family.

What is your most memorable moment at Brisbane Racing Club? My first Saturday Eagle Farm winner as an owner many years ago. It happened at the start of the Winter Carnival. The horse’s name was Coincidence and he started at huge odds

What is your favourite Raceday? An easy one – Stradbroke Day every year


Tom Howard

BRC Member Advisory Group | Tom

How long have you been a Member? 10 years

What made you initially become a Member? I inherited the “racing gene” from my family, who have been involved with racing in Brisbane for more than 75 years.  My grandfather, a former QTC Chairman, first took me to Eagle Farm as a toddler and I have been a regular racegoer ever since.  Becoming a Member of the BRC was a foregone conclusion for me.

Where on the track would we find you on a Raceday? I am a regular racegoer and you can often find me in the parade ring or watching the races in the Members’ Stand through my binoculars

What improvements have you seen since becoming part of the Member Advisory Group?  The Advisory Group devotes its time to improving the experience of Members in all respects, from the little things like consolidating the membership cards, to improving the Members’ facilities.  

What would you say to someone who is thinking of becoming a Member? A BRC membership is the best value membership in Brisbane.  It provides you with the best seat in the house to experience the racing action at Eagle Farm and Doomben with your family, friends and business partners.  The offerings for Members also extend well beyond the on-course action.  BRC membership allows you to use the reciprocal arrangements with interstate and overseas racing clubs.  Don’t hesitate to join the BRC.  

What do you value the most from your Membership? As a passionate racing person, I value the access to our great racing that BRC membership offers. 

What is your most memorable moment at Brisbane Racing Club? Being at Doomben to watch Black Caviar win the BTC Cup is something I’ll never forget.  It was standing room only, and I was perched on the steps between the Members’ Stand and the Judge’s box just to get a glimpse of her.

What is your favourite Raceday? Stradbroke Day is my favourite Raceday of the year.  It’s the best Raceday in Queensland, and one of the best in Australia.  In my opinion, there’s nothing better than being part of the huge crowd at Eagle Farm for the Stradbroke.


Giaan Keir

BRC Member advisory group | giaan keir

How long have you been a Member? A perpetual member for 2 years and a member for 3 years. As a toddler, I was a member of the Tiny Turfers - now called the Giddy Up Club.

What made you initially become a Member? The atmosphere, facilities and the racing itself! 

Where on the track would we find you on a Raceday? Everywhere! I always set up base in the Group 1 Room at EF or on the Member’s lawn at Doomben and move around; looking at the horses in the mounting yard, the stables and at the winners enclosure. I like to chat to everyone as I get around. 

What improvements have you seen since becoming part of the Member Advisory Group? Improvements to the audibility of the PA system and seating arrangements, abundant giveaway food and beverage treats such as coffee and champagne, Lindt chocolates, spring rolls, Portuguese tarts, ice-creams, red velvet cupcakes, donuts, party pies and sausage rolls. BRC has also revised their dress policy and food menu. The Carnival days have especially been catered for with cocktail making masterclasses, roaming entertainment during the day and music performances at night.

What would you say to someone who is thinking of becoming a Member? Join today! It is a fabulous Club with such great value. I have forged many friendships at the Club. 

What do you value the most from your Membership? The opportunity to attend every Brisbane race meeting in a welcoming atmosphere and attend the Stradbroke and Spring Season Carnivals in style. On occasion, I have travelled to other states and have been able to enjoy the reciprocal rights at various racing clubs. 

What is your most memorable moment at Brisbane Racing Club? It would be hard to beat Stradbroke Day 2021 when my friends and I cheered on Tofane first past the post. It was a winning day in many ways as we all had the best time and still laugh about it. 

What is your favourite Raceday? Every race day! The Carnival days are especially enjoyable with an electric atmosphere combined with all the special activities put on by BRC. 


We would love to also hear your feedback so please reach out to one of our Member Advisory Group members or submit your feedback and idea's here

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Review of the Member Advisory Group

The BRC Administration team will review all BRC Member Advisory Group Members and retain the right to remove any Members of the group who are not upholding their responsibilities.Agenda of Meetings
The meetings will be held three (3) times per annum and will provide an opportunity for BRC to network with the group, and provide an update on initiatives, increased benefits, improved facilities and upcoming events. The Group will also have the ability to propose new ideas and initiatives for increased service delivery, engagement and value for Members of BRC and provide feedback on any concerns or issues that Members have raised.
Advisory Group Decisions
Any decisions around recommendation from the group will ultimately be made by the BRC Administration team and Board of Directors.