The Illawarra Turf Club is proud to announce that more than $45,000 has been raised through The Race Against Suicide Raceday 2026.
The event, which was held at Kembla Grange Racecourse on Saturday 20th June, was embraced by the local community with more than 2,500 people coming through the gates.
In just two years it has become the most impactful race meeting on The ITC calendar, combining the excitement of thoroughbred horse racing with a powerful message that conversations around mental health can happen anywhere, any time.
Mental health support services played a central role on the day with organisations including Talk2MeBro and Lifeline South Coast hosting information marquees on the Public Lawn. Racegoers had the opportunity to learn more about the services available across the Illawarra and speak directly with representatives in an informal yet supportive setting. At the same time, the Public Lawn was alive with activity as racegoers shot hoops with the Illawarra Hawks and passed the footy with the St George Illawarra Dragons.
The sold-out Official Luncheon was a highlight of the day. Hosted by i98FM’s Christian and Bella, the function featured renowned mental health advocate and author Craig Hamilton as the keynote speaker. Craig shared his personal story of living with depression and bipolar disorder following a mental health breakdown in 2000 at the height of his sports broadcasting career.
The Illawarra Turf Club Operations Manager, Chloe Hackett was inspired to establish The Race Against Suicide Raceday by her personal experience of loss and saw racing as an opportunity to bring the community together in support of one another.
“That’s why this event means so much to me,” she said.
“I wanted to create a space where conversations about mental health felt natural and if The Race Against Suicide Raceday encouraged even one person to reach out for support or helped one family feel less alone in their grief, then it has achieved its purpose.
“The kindness shown by the community has been overwhelming and raising more than $45,000 for local mental health initiatives is something everyone involved should be proud of.”
Local charities and not-for-profit organisations will soon be invited to apply for a share of the funding through an open tender process. Grants will be available for projects and initiatives that improve mental health outcomes within the Illawarra region. Details about the application process will be provided in the coming weeks.
Proceeds from the inaugural running of The Race Against Suicide Raceday were used to support a young family devastated by suicide as well as fund four local mental health and wellbeing initiatives:
Eclipse, a support program facilitated by Lifeline South Coast for adults who have survived a suicide attempt.
aising The Bar Foundation’s new veteran care and social connection program, Lawn Duty which provides free lawn mowing services to elderly and isolated veterans in the Illawarra Region.
Talk2MeBro’s women’s programs which focus on mental health education, peer connection, and resilience-building.
The Man Walk which combats social isolation and loneliness with free walk, talk, and support sessions for men.
The Race Against Suicide Raceday will return to Kembla Grange on Saturday, 19th June 2027.