General News
25 July, 2025
Harness club welcomes new caterers
Patrons at the Maryborough Harness Racing Club might notice a change off the track, with newly appointed caterers now running the kitchen.
The new caterers, Margaret McGinley and Linda Crumpton, took over the club’s kitchen earlier this month.
The pair said they have already enjoyed various events this month with large crowds.
“We have done two events, one of them was Carisbrook by the Course and then a Christmas in July. That was really nice and everyone was well behaved,” Ms McGinley said.
The pair said they bring vast culinary experience to the table.
“I had a restaurant in England on the seaside near Dover with my partner at the time,” Ms McGinley said.
“My first job was at the Beechworth Bakery, I grew up in Beechworth, I’ve just done food all of my life really.”
Ms Crumpton has also had experience in bistros throughout regional Victoria.
“I used to have the Greendale Hotel, we had that pub for nearly 10 years, and then the Gold and Grain cafe in Dunolly, I’m sure there are some people around here that would know that one,” she said.
Both of them are looking forward to bringing home cooked style food to the venue.
“People want what their grandma used to make, but with a modern twist, hopefully,” Ms McGinley said.
“I’m a desserts girl. I just like making jelly slice, chocolate hedgehogs, yoyos, I do like a pavlova.
“We are really keen to accommodate for any dietary requirements, lactose or coeliac, it’s not a problem, we can work around most issues. That’s the way the world is.”
Maryborough Harness Racing Club secretary Jackson Barby said they have already cooked up a good impression.
“We are excited for the future and a future with them. We are excited to get them on board, as you can see, they are super excited to be here,” he said.
“We have a variety of different events, so for us, it was important to find someone with some experience catering for all sorts of different people.”
Mr Barby said taking the team on has been an exciting addition since the club’s transformation last year.
“This time last year, I don’t think we had a bar. It was demolished. People that maybe haven’t been out here for a while should give it a go. It’s not just races that we have out here, there is always something different,” he said.
Able to accommodate up to 300 people, the team are encouraging locals to see the club’s many changes for themselves, including the new menu.
“We are here for those who have the functions, we are looking forward to a few events and a few race days. It’s a new challenge and a new chapter in our lives,” Ms McGinley said.
“We take pride in our work. That’s what we will try to focus on, that personal touch and experience.”