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 David Irwin
Chairman
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Mr David Irwin
Chairman
- Appointed NJC Chairman effective 1 July 2026
- Member of the Projects Sub Committee until 2025
- Member of the Finance & Risk Committee
- 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 Alexander Wheeler
Vice Chairman
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Mr Alexander Wheeler
Vice Chairman
- Appointed NJC Vice Chairman effective 1 July 2026
- Appointed Chairman of the Projects Sub Committee 2025
- Member of the Finance and Risk Committee until 2025
- Appointed to the NJC Board in 2018
- 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 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 Craig Kimmorley
Director
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Mr Craig Kimmorley
Director
- Elected to the NJC Board in 2018
- Member of the Finance & Risk Committee
- 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 2025
- Chairman of the Finance & Risk Committee
- Member of the Projects Sub Committee
- Commercial Manager, Landlink Projects
- UON Bachelor of Business/Commerce
- Member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
Mr Tyne Owen
Director
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Mr Tyne Owen
Director
- Appointed to NJC Board in November 2025
- Member of the Racing Sub Committee
- NIB Marketing Manager – International Visitors
- Non-Executive Director, Newcastle Rugby League
- UON Masters Degree, Marketing
Key Personnel
Duane Dowell
Chief Executive Officer
Jane Wood
Business Operations Manager
Chris Nation
General Manager, Tracks & Facilities
Chris Mills
Hospitality Operations Manager
Christy Standen
Sponsorship & Business Development Manager
Megan Hawkins
Racing Operations Supervisor
Sheena Dand
Reception and Membership Services
Grace Rothfield
Events
Careers at Newcastle Racecourse
EVENTS COORDINATOR
Newcastle Jockey Club is seeking a talented and organised Events Coordinator to join our team on a full-time basis. Based in Newcastle, this role is central to the successful planning, coordination and execution of events at our prestigious venue. As Events Coordinator, you will play a crucial part in delivering exceptional experiences for our guests, members and stakeholders, whilst supporting the strategic objectives of the club.
What you’ll be doing:
- Planning and coordinating all aspects of events from initial concept through to post event evaluation, including racing events, corporate functions, conferences and member gatherings
- Liaising with internal departments including catering, racing, sponsorship and marketing to ensure seamless event delivery
- Coordinating budgets, timelines and resources to ensure events are delivered on time and within financial parameters
- Liaising with external vendors including suppliers, entertainment providers and technical contractors
- Conducting site inspections and preparing detailed event specifications and run sheets for all stakeholders
- Coordinating event registrations, ticketing systems and attendee communications
- Coordinating event setup, breakdown and ensuring venue compliance with health, safety and accessibility requirements
- Gathering feedback post-event and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement
- Supporting marketing efforts through event promotion and social media content creation
- Maintaining detailed event files and documentation for future reference and compliance
What we’re looking for:
- Proven experience in event coordination or a related role within the events, hospitality or entertainment industry
- Minimum of 1 year experience in events coordination is preferred for this position
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple functions simultaneously
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with diverse stakeholders, including internal teams and external suppliers
- Proficiency with event management CRM’s, ticketing platforms and Microsoft Office applications
- Knowledge of health and safety regulations, venue compliance and risk management in event environments
- Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines and adapt to changing priorities
- Strong attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes
- Customer service focus with a passion for creating memorable experiences
- Experience working in hospitality venues or membership-based organisations
- Permanent residents only, candidates must hold Australian permanent residency
- Regular weekend work availability is required for this position
If you’re an enthusiastic and organised professional with a passion for events and delivering outstanding guest experiences, we would 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.