By Jessica Anstice
Pakenham Racing Club has taken out the prized ‘Club of the Year’ Award 2019 at Community Club’s Victoria’s (CCV) annual awards presentation .
The club members present at Sofitel Hotel on Collins Street in Melbourne were ecstatic when the announcement was made on Saturday night, 4 May.
Chief executive Michael Hodge said the club was “very well represented” at the awards evening.
Chairman Simon Conn received the award on behalf of the club.
The Club of the Year Award is designed to recognise the clubs whose efforts contribute to the social and economic well-being of their local communities.
The annual awards, hosted by Beverly O’Connor, saw over 30 category winners recognised by CCV.
In context, to win this award, the club was competing with the likes of the RACV Club, world class golf clubs, RSL club’s and a raft of other top leading club’s in Victoria.
“It’s an enormous award,” Mr Hodge said. “We’re a club that has won a lot but this award is the pinnacle of the awards that you can receive as a club.
“The award was received with much delight. It’s the recognition across the Victorian clubs industry that the Pakenham Racing Club has built itself over the past decade.
“The competition that we were up against was really the key to why the award is so special. We were up against some heavy hitters.”
Mr Hodge said the club is “absolutely delighted” to be given the recognition.
“The award recognises the significant progress the club has made in delivering industry best practice facilities and services, whether it’s at our hospitality venues or at the racecourse,” he said.
“It is also recognition, that this has been achieved through the significant growth and development of the club through the racecourse relocation, building of Club Officer and general expansion of our club and member services footprint.”
