STEVE Harling understands how country people band together and support major events as he grew up in a town of 500 people in South West Queensland.
The former Injune resident says he appreciates the value of what’s offered at the newly-opened, multi-million-dollar The Q greyhound and entertainment venue at Purga.
“Small towns get behind their team or get behind whatever is going on,’’ the Queensland Greyhound Racing Club General Manager for Racing said.
“In Injune, we had to travel an hour to go to Roma to train or to even play on weekends.
“So, it was a huge commitment from parents and families out there to do that.”
Harling moved to Ipswich in 2007 to start his business studies at university.
He started playing rugby league for Norths before venturing into his racing, hospitality and managerial roles.
“That’s why I have enjoyed my time in Ipswich because Ipswich has that blend of city and country,” he said.
“It’s close enough to the city in those things you need to do but it’s also got that feel you don’t have to go too far and you’re out in the middle of nowhere and it’s peace and quiet.
“So I think it’s a lovely place to live.”
Harling hopes people in areas like Rosewood, Thagoona, Marburg and Amberley embrace the modern new facility at nearby Purga.
“It’s a fantastic spot,” he said.
“The Ipswich region is home to a lot of trainers, even in the wider area out to Toowoomba and such.
“This is probably much more accessible.”
Harling said trainers and racing fans no longer have to travel to busy Brisbane to enjoy top quality greyhound racing that will be on show at The Q.
“While there might be some adjustments for a lot of people, it’s definitely a good spot to be,” he said.
Racegoers can experience the latest elite racing at Saturday night’s final night of the Queensland Winter Greyhound Racing Carnival.
The program features the Group 1 Brisbane Cup over 520m, with $1M in prizemoney.
It will be the first time the major race will be staged in Ipswich, as it has previously been held in Brisbane since 2023.
“It’s huge prizemoney,” Harling said.
“It attracts a lot of interstate participants, which is the goal when Racing Queensland offers that sort of prizemoney.
“It [the Brisbane Cup] will certainly be an amazing race to watch.”
Nearly 12 months into his role as General Manager of Racing, Harling was delighted how the newly-formed Queensland Greyhound Racing Club was progressing.
The former Ipswich and Albion Park clubs are now under the guidance of a board of four appointed directors and three representatives voted in by the clubs.
After the Ipswich club recently held its last meeting at the Showgrounds, the final Albion Park meeting will be staged on July 13.
Harling said the June 7 official opening of the multi-million venue at Purga was satisfying.
“It was really nice on opening night to have a little step back and look around and just see all the people here and all the interest in it,” he said.
Harling said the Queensland Winter Greyhound Racing Carnival was a tremendous success in showcasing the modern racing facilities at The Q.
He started work at The Q after spending 18 months as a business manager at St Mary’s College following six years at the Ipswich Turf Club.
Harling’s current general manager responsibilities involves overseeing anything to do with racing, including scheduling meetings, arranging staff and the correct dogs to facilitate racing. He also oversees work on the tracks and grounds.
“While it’s a big role, it’s good to be focused just on the racing,” said Harling, who holds a Bachelor of Business and Masters in Business Administration.
With The Q up and running and luring top quality greyhounds, Harling said the next step was attracting more people outside the racing industry.
“This whole The Q is that entertainment venue, family friendly,” he said.
“That’s the angle the club has to work out which way it wants to target going forward … look at those other ways of enticing people here.”
That includes country people looking to experience a world-class venue.
