Gary Smith Resigns As NSW GBOTA Director

On the 30th of May this year was elected as the Riverina District director for the . This election was for a two year period and was the second term for Smith, yet just months later he has resigned.

The amazing part of this story is that under the watch of Smith, the Club has wiped out a $19,000 debt and had massive track upgrades, including a conversion from grass to sand.

“We did the conversion for $50,000 and there isn't a track in Australia that has done it for that price. It was because we were all involved and did the work, which is something I'll always be proud of,” explained Gary.

“This isn't just me that has resigned. There is 14 of us, basically the entire Temora complex has resigned over the shit that's been going on for years. A lot of these people weren't greyhound orientated, they took part because it was a fun team environment. These people have busted their guts as volunteers. It wasn't a leader led resignation, it was done by the 14 of us together and there is a lot more to this than meets the eye.”

“I'm very disillusioned with the sport. There is a minority that just knock everything that people do. Blind Freddy knows there is problems within the industry and if people don't roll up their sleeves and get involved then the industry is in trouble. The people that are slagging others off for the work they are doing don't do any work themselves.”

Whilst talking to Gary the passion and anger is extremely obvious. This is a man who had long term visions for the Temora Club and was hell-bent on implementing them, but now his passion for the sport has been disintegrated.

“I have no bones with . There have been some decisions I don't necessarily agree with, but I work with them. I also have no problem with the . There is a minority out there that is trying to overrule a majority.”

“We had big plans for Temora. We have wiped out our debt and we are now in the black despite our funding being significantly reduced. The cup was on Sky this year and was a TAB meeting. Prizemoney was to be increased and we were putting proposals together for the track to be a TAB track. The track is in a location that appeals to Victorian's as well and we thought we had a bright future unfolding.”

“I have five dogs in the kennels outside and I truly don't know if I'll ever bother racing them again. I'm just so upset at the moment.”

NSW GBOTA Chairman, , said that Mr Smith's resignation had been received with regret.

“Gary has made an outstanding contribution to the Association, to greyhound racing in the Riverina and greyhound racing generally,” explained Mr Rose.

“Gary has worked hard to increase sponsorship and promotion and his pivotal role in driving the grass to sand conversion at Temora is a legacy.”

“His energy will be missed and I, on behalf of the Board, wish him the very best with future endeavours within and outside of the greyhound industry.”

When pressed as to what had caused this decision a distraught Smith laid it all out on the table.

“Some swines are running with bullshit that I took $8,000 out of the place by misappropriation of funds. Look at what happened to Albury, I saw that unfold and everything at Temora has been done by the book and managed strictly. It's so disheartening after all of the work we have done.”

“To be called a thief is the last straw. I won't wear that and there will be plenty more news to come. It's other people within the industry that have seen fit with it and to run with it. When I get the evidence I will deal with it. There will be a small clapping their hands, but I hope they understand what they have done.”

I'm sure there will be plenty more to come out of this resignation. To use an old saying, “we are just scratching the surface here.”

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Joanne Smith
Joanne Smith
9 years ago

Well said and you will be greatly missed chin up Gary we know the truth

jeff holland
jeff holland
9 years ago

Just typical of the sports politics at present, good people who have done endless hours of good work, driven out by GAG and its non working whiners, who spend their entire lives searching for any rumour or piece of trash they can use against anyone who opposes or disagree’s with them. Spoke to gary quite a few times, and people who read this would be amazed to find out that Gary and his Temora crew used to have to fight GAG just so that they could give their time and effort on behalf of the sport. If your wondering what… Read more »

Shannon Ellis
Shannon Ellis
9 years ago

Gee I hope they dont replace you with the muppets that ran the club before gary or there wont be a club.you should consider taking over the wagga track they could do with a bloke like yourself.

DoritaSampedro
DoritaSampedro
9 years ago

cannot believe this is all about money typical what about the greyhounds that are badly treated and harmed all because greedy people want money these dogs were once only owned by kings and are hunting dogs that is their nature not to be running around a track that is electric to chase a bloody stuffed rabbit and get hurt or injured i hope people involved with this cruel sport get their reward from karma

wildone
wildone
9 years ago

jeff holland 
walking won’t help the fight.it in fact, surrenders the victory to the problem.
if G. SMITH and co are innocent, then stand your ground and do what you already have done for TEMORA and the industry.
similar happened at HEALSVILLE club………long serving , hard working manager, accused similar wordings as G. SMITH……..he left, and no one ever was told what was the real problem.
never walk MR. SMIT,H never walk.

KColl
KColl
9 years ago

Why are 3000 dogs killed every year in NSW because they are too slow or injured? How is this responsible animal ownership?

Greyhound Owner
Greyhound Owner
9 years ago

DoritaSampedro what the hell has that diatriabe  got to do with Gary resigining? Did you know the person above Gary is a big proponent of greyhonds as pets and takes greyhounds to schools to have them more accepted as pets so for gods sake do some research first! If you want to slag off the sport and I would bet you that you have never even met a greyhound or a trainer or  a owner, then go to the G2K website, theres heaps more people like you there that spout of crap with no basic knowledge. KColl where did you… Read more »

Joanne Smith
Joanne Smith
9 years ago

Well said and you will be greatly missed chin up Gary we know the truth

jeff holland
jeff holland
9 years ago

Just typical of the sports politics at present, good people who have done endless hours of good work, driven out by GAG and its non working whiners, who spend their entire lives searching for any rumour or piece of trash they can use against anyone who opposes or disagree’s with them. Spoke to gary quite a few times, and people who read this would be amazed to find out that Gary and his Temora crew used to have to fight GAG just so that they could give their time and effort on behalf of the sport. If your wondering what… Read more »

Shannon Ellis
Shannon Ellis
9 years ago

Gee I hope they dont replace you with the muppets that ran the club before gary or there wont be a club.you should consider taking over the wagga track they could do with a bloke like yourself.

DoritaSampedro
DoritaSampedro
9 years ago

cannot believe this is all about money typical what about the greyhounds that are badly treated and harmed all because greedy people want money these dogs were once only owned by kings and are hunting dogs that is their nature not to be running around a track that is electric to chase a bloody stuffed rabbit and get hurt or injured i hope people involved with this cruel sport get their reward from karma  

wildone
wildone
9 years ago

jeff holland 

walking won’t help the fight.it in fact, surrenders the victory to the problem.

if G. SMITH and co are innocent, then stand your ground and do what you already have done for TEMORA and the industry.

similar happened at HEALSVILLE club………long serving , hard working manager, accused similar wordings as G. SMITH……..he left, and no one ever was told what was the real problem.

never walk MR. SMIT,H never walk.

KColl
KColl
9 years ago

Why are 3000 dogs killed every year in NSW because they are too slow or injured? How is this responsible animal ownership?

Greyhound Owner
Greyhound Owner
9 years ago

DoritaSampedro what the hell has that diatriabe  got to do with Gary resigining? Did you know the person above Gary is a big proponent of greyhonds as pets and takes greyhounds to schools to have them more accepted as pets so for gods sake do some research first! If you want to slag off the sport and I would bet you that you have never even met a greyhound or a trainer or  a owner, then go to the G2K website, theres heaps more people like you there that spout of crap with no basic knowledge. KColl where did you… Read more »