QTOA Chairman's Report - March 2026

Dear Members, 

As a result of being appointed to the Board of Racing Queensland I will be stepping down as Chairman of QTOA.

I take up this new role with optimism and enthusiasm, encouraged by what I see as genuine and committed support for our industry from the Minister, Tim Mander and the Queensland Government.

The QTOA in recent years has enjoyed significantly improved communication with Racing authorities. It is imperative that this continues. Our industry is a significant contributor to the Queensland economy, responsible for the direct and indirect employment of thousands.

The industry is financially sustained by owners and punters. Our product must continue to develop, be exciting and rewarding, to ensure the discretionary spend of these vital interest groups remains with our industry.

Racing is a source of great joy and social harmony. In many areas, particularly in regional and country Queensland, racing provides the social framework for community interaction. In a world riven by conflict and anger, we can provide at least temporary respite.

It is essential that industry participants have a voice, the QTOA provides this opportunity and I encourage everyone to join and participate.

The QTOA committee is comprised of people of significant individual achievement all of whom volunteer their time and knowledge to help advance our industry, I have learned from them and we as owners are lucky to benefit from their advocacy. Thank you.

I particularly want to thank CEO Adam Gardini for his tireless enthusiasm and skill. Apart from the value of his energy and hard work, he is an all-round good bloke and a pleasure to deal with.

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MESSAGE FROM QTOA

The QTOA thanks Gary for his efforts and welcomes his appointment to the RQ Board - please see below statement on his appointment

QTOA Welcomes Appointment of Gary Cunningham to Racing Queensland Board

The Queensland Thoroughbred Owners Association (QTOA) has welcomed the appointment of its Chairman, Gary Cunningham, to the newly constituted Racing Queensland Board.

Securing a genuine voice for owners at board level was a key priority for QTOA throughout the Queensland Racing Review process. In its submission to the review, the QTOA strongly advocated for governance reform that would allow industry stakeholders with direct investment in the sport — those with genuine “skin in the game” — to be represented at the Racing Queensland Board table.

The QTOA believes the appointment reflects the importance of that advocacy and will help ensure that the perspectives of Queensland’s 20,000 owners are represented at the highest level of decision-making within the industry.

As an owner and breeder, Gary brings extensive experience within the racing industry and a deep understanding of the issues impacting owners across all levels.

In accepting the appointment, Cunningham will step down from his role as Chairman of QTOA to ensure he can perform his duties as a member of the Racing Queensland Board independently.

QTOA wishes to thank Gary for his outstanding contribution and leadership during his time as Chairman, particularly throughout the Racing Review process where the QTOA played a key advocacy role on behalf of owners across the state.

The QTOA Board will now commence the process of determining a replacement to lead the organisation as its next Chairperson as it continues its important work representing the interests of Queensland’s 20,000 owners.

If any QTOA Financial Members would like to nominate for a position on the QTOA Board, please email QTOA CEO Adam Gardini via ceo@qtoa.com.au ahead of our Annual General Meeting in April. The date, time and location for our AGM will be communicated at a later date.

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