More than a racecourse: Driving leadership across Caloundra
Member Spotlight by Michael Shadforth, President of Caloundra Chamber of Commerce. Passionate local people who are running a successful organisation, supporting jobs and visitors, and thinking seriously about how the racecourse can contribute to a more vibrant southern Sunshine Coast.
Not everybody follows horse racing, but you don’t need to love racing to appreciate what the Sunshine Coast Turf Club contributes to our community.
The latest Racing Queensland research shows the Sunshine Coast racing industry generates $156.4 million in annual economic value, supports 949 full-time-equivalent jobs and involves almost 3,380 people across training, ownership, administration and volunteering.
Those are impressive numbers, but the real story is the people behind them.
The Turf Club’s leadership team are not simply running successful race meetings. They are passionate Caloundra people who understand that the racecourse can play a much bigger role in our community’s future—creating employment, welcoming visitors, supporting local businesses and bringing people together.
With the Honey Farm Road Sport and Recreation Precinct being developed directly opposite the racecourse, and further investment planned across the southern Sunshine Coast, this area has the potential to become an important centre for sport, recreation, events and community life.
The Turf Club’s success has not happened by accident. It reflects years of vision, persistence and genuine care for the place they call home.
They are good local people doing an outstanding job—and helping build a more vibrant and confident future for Caloundra.
