A Premier Racing & Events Destination in Newcastle, NSW
Newcastle Racecourse is the home of the Newcastle Jockey Club and a vibrant social hub for racing, events and entertainment in the heart of Newcastle.
The racecourse hosts over 40 race meetings each year, including some of the region’s most anticipated fixtures. Highlights include the Newcastle Stakes Race Day in March as part of the Autumn Racing Season, the two-day Spring Racing Carnival held each September, and The Hunter, a flagship standalone Saturday meeting in November featuring a $1 million prize pool.
With world-class racing, major events and a lively race day atmosphere, Newcastle Racecourse continues to play a central role in Newcastle’s sporting and social calendar.
Iconic Race Days & Over a Century of Racing Excellence
In addition to its feature racing carnivals, Newcastle Racecourse hosts a number of much-loved annual race days that form part of Newcastle’s sporting and social calendar. These include the iconic Boxing Day Races each December and Pink Race Day in July, proudly raising vital funds for the Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation.
With a history spanning more than 100 years, Newcastle Racecourse is the largest and premier provincial racing club in New South Wales, playing a leading role in the state’s racing industry while continuing to deliver major race days, community events and exceptional racing experiences.
Board of Directors
Mr Brian Judd
Chairman
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Mr Brian Judd
Chairman
- Appointed to the NJC Board in 2016
- Elected to the NJC Board in 2018
- Appointed Chairman of Newcastle Jockey Club in December 2023
- Chairman of the Racing Sub Committee
- Member of the Projects Sub Committee
- Member of the Finance and Risk Committee
- Newcastle Knights Foundation Director
- Former Newcastle Knights Chief Executive
- Former Newcastle Jockey Club Chief Executive
- Former Chief Executive Harness Racing NSW
- Former Chief Executive Racing NSW Country
- Former Racing NSW General Manager Industry
- Executive Officer NSW Provincial Racing Association
- Executive Officer Racing Industry Consultation Group
Mr David Irwin
Vice Chairman
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Mr David Irwin
Vice Chairman
- Appointed NJC Director effective 4 December 2021
- Appointed Vice Chairman of Newcastle Jockey Club effective December 2023
- Over 20 years’ experience in Equestrian sport
- Member of various Boards in both Public and Privately Owned Companies over the last 20 years
- Racehorse owner, having been involved in ownership of over a dozen horses trained at Randwick, Newcastle, Wyong, Port Macquarie and Kembla Grange
- Career executive experience with Asciano, Rio Tinto and Port Waratah Coal Services
- CEO of Pacific National 2013 – 2017
- MD of True North Business & Property Services 2017 – present day
- Chairman Projects Sub Committee
Mr Rob Dan- OAM
Director
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Mr Rob Dan- OAM
Director
- Elected to the NJC Board in 2012.
- NJC Member since 1973.
- Member of NJC Finance & Risk Committee (2016 – 2019)
- Youngest member thus far to receive Honorary Membership of the NJC.
- Awarded the Medal of Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2019 Australia Day Honours List.
- Member of NJC racing Sub Committee.
- Newcastle Representative, District and C & S Cricket.
- Associated with Hamilton Rugby Club and Merewether SLSC.
- Past President of both University Cricket Club and Merewether SLSC.
- Member of the Beauford Club of Newcastle.
- Thoroughbred racehorse owner, and member of local racing syndicates.
Mr Alexander Wheeler
Director
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Mr Alexander Wheeler
Director
- Appointed to the NJC Board in 2018
- Member of the Finance and Risk Committee
- Member of the Projects Sub Committee
- Solicitor admitted to practice in New South Wales
- Principal Lawyer, Hickey Wheeler & Co Lawyers
- Alumnus of University of Newcastle Law School
Mr Craig Kimmorley
Director
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Mr Craig Kimmorley
Director
- Elected to the NJC Board in 2018
- Business development Manager, Ampol Australia Petroleum Pty Ltd
- Master of Business Administration – University of Newcastle
- Life Member Lakes United RLFC
- Thoroughbred racehorse owner, and member of local racing syndicates
Mr Lachlan Turner
Director
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Mr Lachlan Turner
Director
- Appointed to NJC Board in November 2019
- Chairman Finance and Risk Committee
- Retired Partner, PwC (2005-2017)
- Retired Partner KPMG (2000-2005)
- Fellow Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand
- Chairman AICD Hunter Committee
- Director of various Newcastle based organisations
Mr Tyne Owen
Director
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Mr Tyne Owen
Director
- Appointed to NJC Board in November 2019
- Chairman Finance and Risk Committee
- Retired Partner, PwC (2005-2017)
- Retired Partner KPMG (2000-2005)
- Fellow Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand
- Chairman AICD Hunter Committee
- Director of various Newcastle based organisations
Key Personnel
Duane Dowell
Chief Executive Officer
Jane Wood
Business Operations Manager
Chris Nation
General Manager, Tracks & Facilities
Chris Mills
Hospitality Operations Manager
Megan Hawkins
Racing Operations Supervisor
Sheena Dand
Reception and Membership Services
Benjamin Potts
Events Manager
Careers at Newcastle Racecourse
Experienced Waitstaff and Cocktail Staff
Are you passionate about hospitality, great service and working in an exciting live events environment? Newcastle Racecourse is currently recruiting experienced waitstaff and cocktail staff to join our race day hospitality team.
This is a unique opportunity to work at Newcastle’s premier racing, events and entertainment venue, delivering exceptional service in a fast-paced and vibrant setting.
We’re seeking enthusiastic, customer-focused hospitality professionals who:
• Thrive in a high-energy, interactive environment
• Have experience in cocktail service and hospitality
• Enjoy working with people and creating memorable guest experiences
Roles are available for Saturday day shifts during race meetings, making this an ideal opportunity if you’re looking to:
• Supplement your income alongside a full-time role
• Work around university or study commitments
• Gain experience at major sporting and event days
If you’re reliable, energetic and love working in hospitality, we’d love to hear from you. Submit your resume and let us know you’re interested, we look forward to welcoming you to the Newcastle Racecourse team.