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Thoroughbred Park

Canberra Community Chest receives boost as 11 partners are announced

The Canberra Racing Club (CRC) is delighted to announce that the Canberra Community Chest Pool has received a $15,000 bonus thanks to the signing of a new partnership with the Canberra Southern Cross Club (CSCC).

With the CSCC’s generous contribution, the Chest pool will be increased to $65,000. This will enable the last placed charity partner to receive $2,500, up from $1,000.

CSCC Chief Executive Matt Walshe said, “The Canberra Southern Cross Club is proud to partner with Thoroughbred Park through the Community Chest initiative.”

“When two community-minded organisations join forces to support local charities, only good can come of it. By working together, we're strengthening our ability to give back to the community and make a meaningful difference to the lives of Canberrans."

CRC Chief Executive Darren Pearce said, “Firstly, we must thank the Canberra Southern Cross Club for their partnership, friendship and generous contribution which will have a meaningful impact on the important causes that the Chest supports.”

“Our organisations are both community first, and we look forward to growing the Canberra Community Chest together for our city.”

The announcement comes at the same time that the Chest’s Independent Selection Committee confirm the first 11 partners for the 2026 Canberra Community Chest which will be run on Sunday, 22 November. 

CRC thanks the Independent Selection Committee of Genevieve Jacobs, Archie Tsirimokos and Kate Palmer for their important contributions.

The 11 partners selected are:

  • ACT Volunteer Brigades
  • Equine Pathways
  • Formally Formal Wear
  • Good Omen Goodeze
  • Helping ACT
  • Palliative Care
  • Pam’s Pantry
  • Pegasus Riding for the Disabled ACT
  • Rise Above (Eden Monaro Cancer Support Group)
  • Seeyourself (NeuroGen Tech Collective)
  • Toora Women Incorporated

The remaining partners will now head to the People’s Choice Vote, with the 12th and final partner to be decided by the community. 

 

Votes will open on 17 September and can be made here: www.thoroughbredpark.com.au/canberra-community-chest.

 

The People’s Choice will be determined on Friday, 6 November when voting concludes. 

 

The 12 partners will then unite with their equine hero at the Canberra Community Chest Black Tie, where they will randomly select a horse who will represent them in the race.

 

With CSCC’s contribution, the updated prize pool is as follows.

Placing Contribution 1st $25,000 2nd $8,500 3rd $6,000 4th $4,000 5th $3,500 6th $3,000 7th $2,500 8th $2,500 9th $2,500 10th $2,500 11th $2,500 12th $2,500 Total $65,000

 

The Canberra Community Chest Race Day will be held on Sunday, 22 November with the community invited to attend with free entry and family-focused activities on course.