Race for Research brings in $30,000 for mental health
PARRAMATTA - Lord Mayor Paul Garrard was today presented with a framed photograph by Australian Rotary Health to recognise the Parramatta Council’s support of the annual Rosehill Gardens Racing for Research Day held on Saturday 8th of May, 2010.
Over 600 people attended the Racing for Research Day this year, raising $30,000 for Australian Rotary Health. As Australia’s largest non-government funding body for mental illness research, Australian Rotary Health plans to contribute the proceeds towards research projects that will benefit those suffering from mental illness.
Australian Rotary Health Corporate Manager, Terry Davies, said that the Rotary Awareness Race Day has provided a high level of support to the charity, enabling it to provide money for research into health areas that are often under-funded.
“The Racing for Research day was well supported by local business and corporate sponsors,” said Mr. Davies. “We raised valuable research dollars that will be used to fund studies into mental illness and other health issues.”
Depression is estimated by the World Health Organisation to become the biggest disease burden globally by 2020. Research into effective prevention and treatment strategies in the field of mental health will benefit individuals and their families, as well as taxpayers and the health system through a reduction in hospitalisations.
Lord Mayor Paul Garrard said that he believed the role Australian Rotary health plays in mental health is “nothing short of phenomenal.”
“Australian Rotary Health plays an active role in the community through its commitment to research and its partnerships with other community organisations,” said Cr Garrard. “Part of that role is in educating the community about mental health, an issue that touches a high percentage of the Australian population.”
Cr Garrard sashed the winner, Common Objective, with sponsor Paul McDonough from Sealy, trainer Gai Waterhouse and jockey Kerrin McEvoy, on the day. “Personally, I thought Common Objective could win. The reason I chose that horse was for the name because I believe that the Council’s health plan and Australian Rotary Health have a lot of common objectives,” he said.
Pleased with the success of the event, Cr Garrard plans to attend next year’s race. “I wouldn’t miss it for quids,” he said. “This year’s occasion was fabulous and well attended; everyone was attached to the theme of the day and having a good time.”
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