The Australian Turf Club has started civil action against a former employee, who has been charged by police with stealing $22,000 from a safe at the club’s Randwick headquarters last month.
Charles Weston Jones was arrested at the club’s offices after allegedly being detected on CCTV taking cash from a safe and putting it into a bag.
“About 12pm on Tuesday, 28 April 2026, officers attached to Eastern Beaches Police Area Command were called to a venue on Alison Road, Randwick, after more than $20,000 was allegedly stolen from the business safe,” NSW Police said.
“Following inquiries, police arrested a 61-year-old male employee at the scene, seizing $22,000 cash. He was taken to Maroubra Police Station where he was charged with stealing property as clerk/servant over $15,000.”
It is understood that the cameras were only recently installed by the club after the theft of food and beverages was investigated.
While the police investigation into Jones continues, the ATC has launched a separate action in the NSW Supreme Court to freeze his bank account, which is listed for hearing on Friday.
Steve McMahon, who was only confirmed as ATC chief executive last month, told the Sydney Morning Herald that the club is looking to change the culture.
“The ATC has in recent months proactively looked into many corners of the business to eliminate instances of unacceptable behaviours,” McMahon said.
“Many of these issues date back several years and have shed light on a previous culture, which we are fully determined to change.”
“The overwhelming majority of staff are professional, hard-working and do the right thing, but we must remove the small number of people doing the wrong thing.”
“The employees who have left the ATC represent less than one per cent of our entire workforce, who maintain high standards and a pride in working for the club and its members.”
“Whilst incidents like these are not uncommon in large venues and sporting stadiums, the ATC will continue to stamp out the few bad eggs for a stronger and healthier business.”
