Girls aim to solve pressing problem

The women of the Broken Hill Harness Racing Club in outback NSW have a wee small problem that they’ve been sitting quietly on for years.

But now they’ve decided they are not hanging on any longer and are hoping the door has opened for some relief.

“We’re applying for funding for a female change room and toilet facilities in the stabling area at the Memorial Oval Paceway,” Ashleigh Camilleri, one of a small number of reinswomen in the western NSW mining town, said.

“At the moment we’re expected to dash up to public toilets which are a fair way away, or get someone to stand guard at the door of the male drivers’ room while we run in.  It’s not a great setup!” she said.

“And it’s not just for drivers like myself, and sisters Cassie and Stevie Robinson, but also for all the female trainers, stable hands and officials as well.”

The club is applying for assistance through the Stronger Country Community funding, and the more community support they can demonstrate, the better their chances.

“One of the criteria is that we need to demonstrate community support, so we need as much help as we can get. If people can support us and get their friends to do the same that will help our case,” Camilleri said.

Camilleri, along with her enthusiastic father Tony, usually prepare a big team for the local season which is held over the summer period.

“We sometimes have up to eight horses competing and I usually turn up in jeans and gear them all up, then slip off to get changed into our racing colors. Dad hangs around while I bolt down the other end to near the canteen where the ladies’ toilets are situated,” she said.

“There’s been occasions when we’ve banged on the door and asked if the male drivers inside are all decent before rushing in, getting changed, and rushing out.

“It doesn’t seem like a lot to ask, but it’d be awesome if we get the change room and toilet facilities up at the stabling area.”

So to do your bit to get the Broken Hill girls the best seat in the house – give a like and a share to the original Broken Hill Harness Racing Club “Call for Support” Facebook post and get your friends to do the same!

By Terry Gange from NewsAlert PR Mildura