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Community facilities Grants and awards | February 16, 2016

Apply now to host Melbourne Cup in your town

Community groups and racing bodies across the Lowan electorate have the chance to host the coveted Melbourne Cup trophy with applications for the 2016 Melbourne Cup Tour now open.

Member for Lowan Emma Kealy said the Victoria Racing Club (VRC) was encouraging towns, no matter how small, to apply for the opportunity.

“The Melbourne Cup tour provides regional towns with a great chance to feel as though they are part of ‘the race that stops the nation’ and host a number of events that the community can get excited about in the lead up to the Melbourne Cup Carnival,” Ms Kealy said.

“Since 2003, the Melbourne Cup tour has provided regional communities with the chance to get their eye on the $175,000 prize.

“Over that period, the 18-carat gold Melbourne Cup has travelled more than 456,000 kilometres, visited over 333 towns and cities and engaged with hundreds of thousands of people,” she said.

Once tour locations for 2016 have been confirmed by the VRC, the club will work with the chosen towns to plan and host a range of community events to celebrate the Cup’s visit.

“The types of events that have typically been held to celebrate the cup being in town include parades, civic receptions, charity dinners, community events and cocktail parties,” Ms Kealy said.

“Applications to host the cup are open until Monday, 11 April 2016 and I encourage all interested towns to consider making an application,” she said.

Online applications can be submitted at: https://www.flemington.com.au/melbourne-cup-carnival/emirates-melbourne-cup-tour