Rockhampton Veterinarian wins Racing Role
19/12/2202
The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) is attracting high calibre professionals in their field of expertise as its regional recruitment campaign seeks out workers from all over Queensland to be part of the Commission.
The latest recruit is Rockhampton veterinarian Dr Derek Linau who was planning a return to the public sector and when he saw the QRIC regional recruitment drive it was all the impetus he needed.
The Commission is currently calling on regional people with a love of racing to contact us and get the chance to work in their own community.
Based in Rockhampton for more than 20 years, Dr Linau has worked as a small and large animal veterinarian since graduating from Sydney University in 1997.
A large part of that time working for Biosecurity Queensland where he lent his expertise to veterinary disease and welfare investigations and working with Queensland Health to provide expertise in veterinary public health.
He said while his experience was varied, his love was working with animals and their carers to provide best practice animal care when they need it most.
“In those circumstances when you treat an animal that many have otherwise died and have the chance to bring it back to health through therapy and make its owners happy, that’s the best part of my job,” Dr Linau said.
“It’s very satisfying if you can alleviate pain and suffering and administer pain relief, particularly if you get success in a case where you don’t expect an animal to survive.”
As a principal veterinarian for QRIC, Dr Linau will be working with racing participants on race day ensuring the welfare of animals before and post-race.
It’s an important role and every race meeting in Queensland in each of the three codes; Thoroughbred, Harness and Greyhound must have a veterinarian on site for the meeting to continue.
Dr Linau has reiterated his love for animals and how much he enjoys veterinary work and said he was very much looking forward to working in the racing industry from January next year.
“I love horses, they are great to work with, they are often a challenge and I enjoy that challenge,” he said.
“I also like working with people to educate them about best practice, if you can give people information about how they can help their animals you get better outcomes.”
The Commission recognises the social and economic benefits of country racing for regional communities and aims to attract regional people, like Dr Linau to join the QRIC team in regional locations across Queensland.
Racing Integrity Commissioner Shane Gillard said the regional recruitment campaign brings regional people into the integrity and animal care functions of racing like never before,” he said.
“We want to hear from country people who love racing and are keen on protecting racing integrity and the welfare of racing animals.
“Regional roles are available for stewards, judges, photo finish operators, clerk of the scales, swab attendants and qualified veterinarians in a full time, part time or casual capacity.
“There are many remote locations where race meetings are held only a few times a year, suitable for those who need casual or part-time work, and where local knowledge will be invaluable to the Commission and the racing industry.
“For example, if you live in or near Longreach, there is an opportunity to work at the local race meetings held once a year at nearby Ilfracombe, Aramac, Winton or Isisford and at the many meetings at Barcaldine or Longreach.
“I see this as recognising the value of Country Racing to Queensland communities, and this is our opportunity to empower our communities locally and support regional jobs by providing flexible work at your local race day, so come and join us,” Mr Gillard said.
QRIC has casual, part-time, and full-time roles available across regional Queensland. Expressions of interest are now open on the QRIC website. Visit qric.qld.gov.au to learn more or contact careers@qric.qld.gov.au with any questions.
Media contact Vincene Overs
E vincene.overs@qric.qld.gov.au
P 0472 842 346