General News
17 December, 2025
New energy at Stawell Harness Racing Club
THE Stawell Harness Racing club has undergone extensive renovations over the last twelve months, and it's now to the point where it's one of the most popular places to dine. It all started in July 2024 by removing the old TAB facility, extending the gaming room, and putting in new toilets and office spaces. Following that, a new sports bar and a cafe area with barista made coffee seven days a week and a flash new turbo oven to provide hot snacks when the kitchen is closed were added. Currently open Thursday to Sunday for lunch dining, it means if people visit on other days, they can still have lunch.
The final piece of the puzzle was bringing on a new chef, Narinder “Nina” Kaur.
Nina has qualifications in cookery, Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas in Hospitality and Management and will soon undertake a Bachelor of Hospitality and Management.
She has added a menu that has a wider variety, with more seafood and pasta options now available.
“Everyone is happy and has made compliments regarding the menu,” Ms Kaur said.
“Before moving to Stawell from Ballarat, I didn’t know much about the town, but now that I am living here, I love it.
“It’s quiet and peaceful, and the people are very happy and friendly, especially my manager, Dan. He is really nice.”
Dan Jones, the General Manager of the Stawell Harness Racing Club, said it’s a pleasure to have Nina as a head chef.
“The new menu has been really well received, and there’s a lot of nice new things that Nina has created,” he said.
“We really welcome Nina, and it’s great to have her on board with the kitchen team.”
Mr Jones said the changes have kept them busy, pointing out that a lot of bookings are already being made ahead of Christmas.
“We are starting to get Christmas bookings, function bookings, and it’s going to be very busy, and we have seen an increase in patronage since renovations,” he said.
“It’s great for the town to have this space here, especially with the sports bar, where a lot of different people come in and have coffee and cake. It’s great.”
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