Lyndoch Living board president has defended a decision to sponsor the Grand Annual Steeplechase. Kerry Nelson said Lyndoch board member Peter Downs – who is also the Warrnambool Race Club chief executive officer – declared a pecuniary interest prior to the sponsorship deal being struck with Waterfront by Lyndoch Living for the iconic race. Mr Downs is on the Lyndoch Living board although he is not listed as a board member on the Lyndoch Living website. He joined the board eight months ago, well before the race club announced a three-year sponsorship arrangement in February with Waterfront by Lyndoch Living – a business arm of Lyndoch. Lyndoch Living is a not-for-profit organisation with a primary focus on aged care while Waterfront by Lyndoch Living is a business arm of the group. The sponsorship – understood to be worth more than $50,000 over the three years – has raised questions in the community because of the close association with Lyndoch Living.
