Toro Australia Industry Service Award
Celebrating Excellence: Dave Anderson Awarded
The 2024 ARMA Awards Dinner was a night to remember as industry leaders, peers, and colleagues gathered to celebrate the achievements and contributions of those who have dedicated their lives to the thoroughbred racing industry. Among the evening’s highlights was the announcement of the prestigious Toro Australia Industry Service Award, an honor that recognises outstanding service and commitment to racecourse management.
This year, the award was proudly presented to Dave Anderson, a figure synonymous with excellence and innovation at the Illawarra Turf Club (ITC).
Dave Anderson's journey with the ITC began on October 12, 1984, when he joined straight out of school. Over the past three decades, Dave has become a cornerstone of the club, overseeing and managing numerous pivotal projects that have shaped the ITC's reputation for excellence. From the installation of the Polytrack to the current B Grass reconstruction, and the sand track upgrade, Dave's influence can be seen throughout the precinct.
His work is not only evident in large-scale projects but also in the meticulous care he has taken with various aspects of the club, including the Norm Munsie Rose Garden, the front entry upgrade, and the continual refreshing of the ITC mounting yard. His dedication has set the benchmark for race clubs across the country.
Dave’s leadership is characterized by his tireless work ethic and unwavering commitment to the ITC. He has consistently led by example, inspiring his team and earning their respect. As one colleague noted, “Dave leads by example with his work ethic and commitment to the ITC, which rubs off on his staff that work underneath him.”
Innovation is another hallmark of Dave's career. He is always exploring new methods, strategies, and technologies to ensure that the ITC remains at the forefront of the industry. This relentless pursuit of improvement has made a lasting impact, not only on the ITC but on the broader racing community.
One of Dave's most admirable qualities is his strong rapport with local trainers. His decisions are always guided by what is best for the trainers and the facility, earning him the respect and trust of those he works with.
“Dave has shown over a long period of time a dedication and love for the ITC. The surroundings and grounds at the club are always at an incredibly high level, and the benchmark of all other race clubs,” remarked a peer.
The Toro Australia Industry Service Award is a fitting recognition of Dave Anderson's remarkable contributions to the thoroughbred racing industry. His passion, dedication, and innovative spirit have not only elevated the ITC but have also set a new standard for racecourse management.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dave Anderson on this well-deserved honor. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations in the racing industry, and we are proud to celebrate his achievements.
About the Toro Australia Industry Service Award
The Toro Australia Industry Service Award is presented to individuals who have made significant and sustained contributions to the thoroughbred racing industry, particularly in the field of racecourse management. This award recognizes exceptional service, leadership, innovation, and a passion for the racing industry that goes above and beyond the expected duties. The award is sponsored by Toro Australia, reflecting their commitment to recognizing and supporting excellence in the industry.
Past Winners
2024 - David Anderson
2024 - David Anderson
2024 - David Anderson
2023 - Lindsay Murphy
2024 - David Anderson
2024 - David Anderson
2022 - Warren Williams
2022 - Warren Williams
2022 - Warren Williams
2019 - Peter Birch
2022 - Warren Williams
2022 - Warren Williams
Toro Australia Industry Service Award
Warren Williams Awarded
One of the highlights of any ARMA Conference Dinner is the announcement of award winners and the 2022 renewal was no different. In front of more than 170 guests in the Winx Stand of Royal Randwick, it was Sheldon Simmonds from Toro Australia who announced that the winner of 2022 Toro Industry Services Award was Warren Williams (Racing Queensland) to an eruption of applause.
“Warren’s contribution to the Industry has already spanned to almost 40 years so it was such an honour to be able to present this award to our mate Waz. He is such a worthy winner” Sheldon explained post announcement.
ARMA Chairman Lindsay Murphy was quick to heap praise on to Warren; “ARMA is so thrilled that Warren’s tireless and continued contribution to the racing industry, which includes his important work with our Association, could be formally recognized tonight in front of his peers and friends. He hasn’t missed an ARMA Conference since they began in 1996 and for the last eight years he has run them. Warren’s passion for Turf Management and supporting his peers has been undeniable. This is an important recognition and personally I thank Warren for his service to the industry.”
Warren Williams was overwhelmed with the announcement. "This was so unexpected. The industry has been like a drug for me. I just love it. I've always thought it was important for ARMA Members to have an annual gathering to better the management of race courses and for this Conference to still be thriving in 2022 since beginning in 1996 is something I quite proud of. It's almost been 40 years since I first started at Moonee Valley and I'm so grateful for all of the support I've had along the way, with a lot of those people in the room here tonight.
There's no other industry awards for racecourse managers, so this is a terrific initiative from Toro to offer this. They have been a great supporter of ARMA for so many years, so it means a lot to me to be presented this award from Sheldon and Paul."
Warren resigned from ARMA in early 2022 and handed over the Secretary role to MVRC Racecourse Manager Martin Synan. “Warren is the reason why these Conferences are so successful as he built the foundation for them and they continue to prosper. He left the Association with a strong membership base and even stronger balance sheet. I’m just so happy for both Warren and his wife Sandra that his name is now etched on the plaque, where it belongs. Congrats mate.”
Warren’s journey in racing winds back all the way to 1984 where he started at the Moonee Valley Racing Club. Now, some 39 years later, Warren is the Racecourse Development Manager at Racing Queensland.
The Australian Racecourse Managers Association congratulates Warren Williams of his award and thanks Toro Australia for their continued support in recognizing the contribution that Racecourse Managers make to the thoroughbred racing industry.
The Warren Williams Files:
1984 – 1994 - Moonee Valley Racing Club
- Worked through the ranks to Assistant Racecourse Manager to Ian Trevethan
- Undertook role as Assistant Starter Bendigo and Kyneton Racecourses – 3yrs.
1994 to 2009 – Brisbane Turf Club – Doomben Racecourse.
- Racecourse Manager and Starter
- General Manager - Racing Operations including 6-months as Acting CEO.
2009 – 2010 – Brisbane Racing Club – Eagle Farm & Doomben Racecourses
- General Manager - Racecourses
- Note – there was a Merge of the two race clubs Doomben and Eagle Farm to form Brisbane Racing Club
2010 – 2015 – Racing Queensland
- Racecourse Development Manager
- General Manager - Racing and Infrastructure
2015 - 2017 – Brisbane Racing Club
- General Manager - Racecourses
2017 to present – Racing Queensland
- Racecourse Development Manager
Australian Racecourse Managers Association (ARMA) 2004 – 2021 (~17yrs)
- Association Committee Member from inception – 2004
- Chairman of Association for 3 years
- Association Conference Organiser and Committeeman for 8 years
- Association Secretary and Conference Organiser for 6 years
- Attended every conference since Rosehill 1996
- Organised ARMA Conferences in Singapore and Auckland, New Zealand
Developed Study tours for Association members
- 2009 – 16 day tour of tracks throughout England, France and Ireland visiting some of the great racecourses such as Newmarket, Ascot, Cheltenham, Chantilly, The Curragh and inspecting Irish National Stud and many more.
- 2019 – 8 day tour of Hong Kong Jockey Club Racecourse Operations (Sha Tin and Happy Valley Racecourses) including a site inspection of the newly constructed Conghua Racecourse, China.
Sheldon Simmonds (Toro), Warren Williams, Lindsay Murphy (ARMA Chairman) & Paul Prout (Toro)