Vale Greg Hankel and Peter Moffatt The Katherine Turf Club and hence this great meeting held today, probably would not be in existence if it were not for these great men, who were also the greatest of mates. Peter, or Moff as he was known to his many mates, joined the committee in 1988 and Greg or Hanks joined in 1994 and was treasurer for 12 years and they both also had substantial input prior to joining. The Turf Club was in diabolical financial trouble in the late 80’s, but with Moff and Hanks networking skills channelled through their own real estate business Katherine Land & Pastoral Services (which became LJ Hooker in 1995) they secured the major sponsorship of the former owner of the Katherine Oasis Shopping Centre (Katherine Central) Marshall Desau. With Moff and Hanks, and the then committee members’ expertise together with Marshall’s sponsorship and support from the Centre traders, the Turf Club survived and is now flourishing with success. Moff and Hanks also supported the races’ Calcutta and with Hanks’ auctioneering skills together with Moff spotting, bidders were left with little money at the end of the Calcutta auction! If you asked Moff he would always lay claim to being one of the greatest preparers of a sand racetrack in Australia! Sadly Greg passed away at only 48 years of age on 1st October 2007 and Peter passed away on 26th February 2009 aged 60. It seems that two people with such a great mate ship were always going to meet again sooner, rather than later. For those who knew Moff and Hanks the Katherine turf Club Committee asks that you take a moment during the day to charge your glass and reflect on these two fabulous blokes who have helped the Katherine Races and indeed the Katherine township become so successful over the years, and for those who didn’t you can still charge your glasses to honour their hard work that has helped make this day the fun filled one that it is. Cheers and away Moff and Hanks – for you will live in our hearts forever.
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