FASHIONS on the field competitions are always about dressing to impress.
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But, this weekend, race-goers are encouraged to really draw the eye in a high-visibility Fashions on the Field theme to celebrate women in mining.
The race meeting will cap off what organisers have deemed as a successful Hunter Coal Festival.
It will also be Muswellbrook Race Club general manager Helen Sinclair’s last day on the job.
The racing enthusiast has been at the Skellatar Park club for the past four years and is now looking forward to a new chapter on the coast.
And, for someone who has seen changes in the acceptance of women in the thoroughbred industry, she believes the race meeting, which includes Women in Mining network (WIMnet) organised Fashions on the Field, is a “wonderful initiative”.
“When I joined [the thoroughbred industry], I was the only woman in an administration role,” she said.
Fast forward two decades and Ms Sinclair said women were now in about half the positions.
Vice chair of WIMnet NSW and co-founder of the Hunter Valley chapter, Deirdra McCracken-Tindale said the event was as a great way to end the Hunter Coal Festival, and is encouraging men and women to get involved on the day.
“In the Women in Mining network, our main goal is to assist with the attraction and retention of women to the mining industry,” she said.
Ms McCracken-Tindale said there has been a definite improvement, with higher numbers of women in mining today.
She said there were many opportunities for women to advance their careers in the industry, and that WIMnet also exists as a networking outlet, and a chance for women to be mentored.
“It’s definitely a positive step in the right direction, but more can be done,” she said.
Ms Sinclair said she considered mentoring a valuable and important endeavour.
The women agreed there were a lot of similarities between the two industries.
“I think the fact one of the race’s name talks about coexistence is positive,” Ms McCracken-Tindale said.
The first race of the Hunter Coal Festival Women in Mining Family Day, on Sunday, will be at 1.09pm.
There is free gate entry, with the Hunter Coal Festival donating money to local charities and sporting groups.
Sarah De Bono from The Voice will perform and there is also children’s entertainment including the Splashdown Water Park and a Hunter Valley Zoo Animal Display.
Prizes on offer in the Fashions on the Field include a $50 Sienna Jean gift voucher with towel and hat, Personal Training by Karen, gift vouchers worth $125, family and double passes to Majestic Cinemas, wines from Glencore and Hollydene Estate.
There is also the chance to win accommodation at the Novotel Newcastle Beach with breakfast for two.
For more information, visit the WIMnet or Muswellbrook Race Club Facebook pages, or go to www.muswellbrookraceclub.com.au