Julie Doble – A decade of dedication to harness racing
Longstanding Bunbury Trotting Club General Manager Julie Doble has certainly made her mark on the WA harness racing scene since she took over the reins of the Club as General Manager in 2008.
Ms Doble recalls being surprised when she was first awarded the role, given she had only intended on running for the Assistant Manager role.
“When I got the call saying the Committee wanted me to be the next General Manager, I was stunned,” Ms Doble said.
“However, after giving it some thought I realised I had the perfect background for it, having worked up experiences across the racing industry, the hospitality sector and various administrative roles.”
“I accepted the role, and the rest is history as they say. It has been quite the ride ever since – I don’t regret it for a second.”
Now, 12 years later, Ms Doble has decided it is time to step down and pave the way for a new leader.
“It was a tough decision, but I felt like it was the right thing to do at this point in time. I was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s disease a little while back, and I felt like now was the right time for me to slow down, and for Bunbury Trotting Club to enter a new era,” she said.
“Whoever takes over after me will be in for a treat, as it truly is one of the best jobs out there. The flexibility and diversity really allows for you to make it your own, and the possibilities are endless.”
“From focusing on marketing events and submitting grant applications one day, to project managing a complete overhaul of the Club’s restaurant and kitchen the next, I have done it all, and I have had a blast doing it.”
“What I will miss the most are the race nights, the atmosphere that they bring to the Club and the people.”
“I have had the pleasure of working with amazing colleagues throughout the years, some of which have turned out to be friends for life. We work hard six days a week, but we also make sure we have a good laugh.”
Reflecting on her career highlights, Ms Doble mentions working with Gloucester Park to bring the Inter Dominion to Perth in 2016, 2017 and 2018 and bringing the Melbourne Cup to Bunbury in 2017.
Another highlight was being presented with an award at the inaugural Ladies of Pacing ceremony earlier this year, where she was awarded the administration award for her exceptional skills, positive attitude and achievements that had added value to her club, as well as the wider industry.
“It was such an honour to be awarded with the Ladies of Pacing Award. It was so unexpected, and a moment I will always remember,” she said.
Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) General Manager Racing Charlotte Mills said she was grateful for Ms Doble’s contribution to the WA racing industry.
“There is no doubt Julie has been an incredible driving force for the harness racing community by creating new possibilities for the Club and for the code in Bunbury and beyond,” Ms Mills said.
“She has dedicated so much time and effort behind the scenes, and frontline on race days, and her commitment and contribution to the industry has been second to none.”
“I wish her all the best as she now moves to enter the next chapter of her life.”
Along with spending more time with her children, Ms Doble said her first project as a retiree was upcycling furniture.
“Given I haven’t been able to go out much during the outbreak of COVID-19, I have found a lot of inspiration online, and my house is currently full of half painted furniture and fabrics,” she said.
“It is a challenge going from working six days per week, to being retired, so it might take me a little time to get used to it.”