The original Mount Gambier Greyhound Racing Club (MGGRC) clubhouse opened in January 1997 at its new track at Tara Raceway on Lake Terrace East. And the venue has served the club well.

Inside the clubhouse had been a sign welcoming everyone to the South Eastern Greyhound Racing Club. Back then there had been no ceilings, just the iron roof. And a couple of bookmaker’s boards were prominent.

Of course, over the years there have been improvements made to the clubhouse. But it had been some time since the MGGRC clubhouse major upgrade had first been mooted.

The major upgrade commenced earlier this year with a new toilet block high on the list of priorities. Also, the trusty old wood fire was removed and replaced by reverse cycle air-conditioning – well received by patrons at last Thursday’s meeting.

And the almost-completed new bar is looking flash – very flash, actually – as are the new ceilings, lights and floor coverings. And work also continues on the office renovations.

The main entrance will be at the western end of the building and incorporate double glass doors and wheelchair access while the back door will become a service entrance.

So, really, the MGGRC clubhouse is going to be more than just a clubhouse. Maybe a name such as the MGGRC Clubhouse and Function Centre would do the building justice.

Anyway, irrespective of its name, the soon to be completed project will certainly be worth a trip out to Tara Raceway. If only to see just how far greyhound racing in the south east has actually come since that first meeting at Glenburnie racecourse on Saturday, July 21, 1979.