Newcastle Racecourse is home of the Newcastle Jockey Club and the social hub of Newcastle.
Over 40 race meetings are held each year at the venue including our Newcastle Stakes Race Day in March as part of our Autumn racing season, our 2 day Spring Racing Carnival in September and the $1 million The Hunter Race Day – a standalone Saturday meeting in November.
Newcastle Racecourse hosts a number of other major race days including: the famous Boxing Day race meeting each December and the Pink Race Day in July to raise funds for the Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation.
In operation for over 100 years, the Newcastle Racecourse is the largest and premiere provincial club in NSW.
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 Darren Turner
Director
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Mr Darren 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
Key Personnel
Duane Dowell
Chief Executive Officer
Jane Wood
Admin. Operations Manager
Chris Nation
General Manager, Tracks & Facilities
Chris Mills
Hospitality Operations Manager
Megan Hawkins
Racing Operations Supervisor
Julianne Christopher
Corporate Partnerships & Community Specialist
Sheena Dand
Reception and Membership Services
Careers
Experienced Waitstaff and Cocktail Staff
Love people? Love cocktails? Love the races?
Newcastle Racecourse does too – and we are recruiting!
A rare opportunity to join the team at Newcastle’s premier sporting and events entertainment location is now open.
We are looking for enthusiastic and energetic team members to work Saturday Day Shifts at the races, experienced hospitality professionals who love cocktails and customers and who enjoy the thrill of a fast-paced and interactive work environment.
If you’re looking to work around your day job and earn a little extra, or have a hectic Uni schedule but need to pay the bills, this job is perfect for you! Let us know you’re keen and send us your resume, we can’t wait to meet you!
Track and Facilities Admin Officer
Play a crucial role in the smooth and efficient operation of our Track and Facilities department.
Newcastle Jockey Club is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Tracks and Facilities Administration Officer.
As our Track and Facilities Administration Officer, you’ll support the day-to-day operations of our Tracks and Facilities team. From coordinating maintenance records and WHS systems to streamlining procurement and supporting staff inductions, your work will help ensure our facilities run safely, efficiently, and professionally.
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives on a fast-paced environment and enjoys working collaboratively to deliver operational excellence.
