John Faddy recognised for volunteer services by Greyhound Racing NSW

Emma Pritchard

You have to enjoy the work you do, and you have to love the animals you work with.

You also have to have respect and appreciation for your team, and always be thankful for the support they show you.

And that is exactly what John Faddy does.

As he reflects on receiving the 2022 Volunteer of the Year Award from Greyhound Racing NSW last month, Mr Faddy, who believed he was simply attending the awards ceremony in Sydney alongside Grafton Greyhound Racing Club President John Corrigan to “make up the numbers”, said he feels very humbled to be recognised for more than 30 years of dedicated service to the greyhound racing industry.

The Iluka resident divides his time between Grafton and the coastal village, and volunteers at the Grafton Greyhound Racing Club every Monday and Thursday.

When trials are held, he can always be found behind the starting boxes, ready to let the gates fly open and send the dogs on their way.

During race meetings, the rising 75-year-old spends his time in the kennels, assisting officials and ensuring the competing greyhounds are always well cared for.

A familiar face at the Grafton Greyhound Racing Club each week, John Faddy was recently named the 2022 Volunteer of the Year by Greyhound Racing NSW. Image: contributed

“I love what I do,” he said.

“It’s as simple as that.

“I first got into the dogs when I was 18, and I had them up until eight years ago.

“My enjoyment now is watching the antics of the people and how they perform after the races if their dogs come first or get beaten.

“That’s what I love, watching human nature.”

After many years spent breeding, racing, and training greyhounds, Mr Faddy moved to the Clarence Valley 33 years ago and worked as the local race starter for over 20 years.

Speaking fondly of the industry and its many interesting characters, he said he couldn’t image working or volunteering anywhere else.

“It’s not a hard job,” he said.

“But it’s the people around you and the animals that really give you a lot of enjoyment.

“This (club) is my home, and the girls I work with in the kennels are my family.

“We all get along well together, we all love what we do, and they are the best bunch of workers.

“While they often say to me ‘you’re the boss’, it’s a team effort.”

Describing volunteering as “something which makes me feel good,” Mr Faddy revealed he has no plans to step down from his present roles and is looking forward to the Grafton Greyhound Club July Racing Carnival, his favourite event of the year.