Stawell Gift’s future in jeopardy over funding dispute between organisers, Victorian Government

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Negotiations between the Victorian Government and the Stawell Athletic Club about a rescue package have broken down.

Sports Minister Martin Pakula is a major fan of the event and has offered a five-year sponsorship deal which would ensure the historic race’s future.

The sticking point is the club’s refusal to embrace a new committee being formed which would include local council, government, marketing and sponsorship experts who would take over the running of the event, Stawell Athletic Club would retain three to four seats on the new board and would also have the power to disband it in the future if necessary.

However, the local committee is unwilling to embrace the new entity which would mean the Gift would effectively disappear with no TV coverage and minimal prize money.

Former winner Luke Versace has resigned his position as Club patron because he fears the event is doomed unless there is a dramatic change in thinking by the locals.

“I have a deep respect for the Stawell Athletic Club but they are making decisions in the interest of the committee and not everyone who loves the race,” Versace said.

“The consequences of this are grave. If they don’t take the money and embrace the new board then I don’t have confidence that the Gift will be run at Central Park in the future.”

 

Another former winner, Channel 7 presenter Jason Richardson, described the club’s stance as “tragic”.

“It’s tragic that this great race is being killed off because of people’s self-interest.”

The Gift has been around since 1878 with last year’s winner receiving a $30,000 cheque. It was also televised live on Channel Seven.