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 Manager
Careers at Newcastle Racecourse
assistant track and facilities manager (2ic)
The Newcastle Jockey Club is seeking an experienced and hands-on Assistant Track and Facilities Manager (2IC) to support the management and maintenance of our racetrack, training facilities, grounds, and venue infrastructure.
Reporting to the General Manager, Tracks and Facilities, this role is responsible for coordinating the daily operations of the Tracks and Facilities team ensuring staff, equipment, materials, and resources are effectively managed to maintain the highest standards of safety, presentation and performance.
This is an excellent opportunity for a proactive leader who enjoys working outdoors, leading teams, and contributing to the success of a dynamic racing and events venue.
As the Assistant Track and Facilities Manager (2IC) you’ll play a key part in delivering race days, training operations and major events at NSW’s leading regional race club. You’ll have the opportunity to lead a dedicated team, take ownership of daily operations and contribute directly to the presentation and performance of a premier racing facility.
We’re looking for someone who enjoys working outdoors, thrives in a fast-paced environment and takes pride in achieving exceptional standards. In return, you’ll enjoy a varied and rewarding role where no two days are the same, genuine responsibility and autonomy, and the chance to develop your leadership and turf management skills within a supportive and passionate team.
The successful candidate will be proficient in using technology, software applications, and digital reporting systems to support planning, communication, rosters, record-keeping, and maintenance operations.
If you’re ready to step into a role where your decisions make a visible impact every day, we’d love to hear from you.