Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission: Bathurst track manager praises opening | Video

The GWIC opened in the Bathurst central business district last week and it will be responsible for making sure the welfare of greyhounds is protected, ensuring those doing the wrong thing are held accountable and safeguarding the integrity of the industry.

Mr Lyne has long been involved in the industry and he said the commission’s opening had been a confidence boost for local greyhound owners and trainers.

“There’s been a lot of skepticism, but now the official unveiling is here and the office is here and everything’s built and it’s all taking shape [and] the wheels are in motion. We’re heading in the right direction,” he said.

“I think it’s a very exciting sign, especially being regionally based.

“It’s very positive. Onwards and upwards for the industry.”

At the GWIC official opening, Deputy NSW Premier John Barilaro told those in attendance that the commission would not have an “us versus them” approach.

“It’s going to be a collaborative approach to making sure that we have a viable, sustainable and long-term industry in greyhound racing in NSW,” he said.

Mr Lyne said this was a very positive and encouraging statement to hear.

“It’s very pleasing to hear those words. I think it’s something the participants in the industry needed to hear and it’s all come to fruition now,” he said.

When the ban was announced in mid-2016, Mr Lyne became Bathurst’s unofficial greyhound racing spokesman and he shared many stories with the Western Advocate of the local industry’s devastation at their beloved sport being banned.

However, just a few months later, and after sustained public and industry pressure, the NSW Government backed down and overturned the ban.

My Lyne said that even though the ban had been overturned, there had still been a lot of uncertainty in the industry the past 18 months.

“It’s been a rollercoaster, emotional highs and lows … when it was first announced it was rock bottom,” he said.