Tuesday, 5 May 2026

 Roma BRITNELL (South-West Coast) (14:06): Today marks the start of one of regional Victoria’s most iconic events: the Warrnambool May Racing Carnival, and what a significant event it is for our community. This carnival is far more than a racing event; it is a powerful economic driver, injecting more than $15 million into the local economy and bringing over 30,000 people through the gates across three incredible days. Our hotels are booked out months in advance, our hospitality venues are buzzing and local businesses deliver quality service and get a much-needed, vital boost. As the local member of Parliament, I am proud to stand firmly behind this carnival, an event steeped in history dating back to the 1800s showcasing both jumps and flat racing at the highest level. At its heart is the world-renowned Grand Annual steeplechase, the longest steeplechase in the Southern Hemisphere, drawing thousands to line the famous hill on Thursday in a tradition unlike any other. So significant is this event to our region that we mark it with a local public holiday – a reflection of just how deeply it is woven into the fabric of our community. But what truly makes the carnival special is the people: the club, the committee members, the volunteers, the hospitality staff and the local families who step up year after year to welcome visitors with pride. It is a time when people return home, reconnect with old friends and celebrate everything that makes Warrnambool unique. This is a community, this is tradition and this is regional Victoria at its best. I say to this house: how good is the ’Bool?