Queensland greyhound racing community leader, Gary Heath, has been appointed as the racing-industry member (Greyhound code) director to the Racing Queensland (RQ) Board, replacing long-serving director Dale Cartwright OAM.
Mr Heath is a greyhound trainer and longstanding president of the Townsville Greyhound Racing Club.
Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Tim Mander says Mr Heath has joined the Racing Queensland Board at a pivotal moment.
“I want to congratulate Mr Heath on his appointment, which comes as the Crisafulli Government undertakes a landmark review of the Queensland racing industry,” Minister Mander said.
“The review aims to ensure the long-term viability and success of the racing industry, deliver fit for purpose infrastructure, and ensure animal welfare and integrity are of the highest priorities.”
Minister Mander said Mr Heath had been a driving force behind the growth and modernisation of greyhound racing in North Queensland, overseeing the introduction of a second weekly race meeting in Townsville, bolstering local participation and community engagement.
He was honoured at the 2024 Queensland Greyhound Awards with the Outstanding Contribution Award.
Mr Heath said he was passionate about all three codes of racing and was looking forward to taking on the position as an RQ director from 1 July 2025.
“I am honoured to have been asked to take on this role and will work to ensure the Queensland racing industry continues to thrive into the future,” Mr Heath said.
