Travis Bird: Man charged with arson after Norman Robinson Stand fire at Caulfield Racecourse

The man accused of setting fire to an iconic Melbourne racecourse on Tuesday has diagnosed mental health issues and was overdue for his treatment, a court has been told.

Travis Bird, 51, appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday morning as prosecutors formally laid arson and trespass charges.

Wearing a grey shirt, Mr Bird was not required to speak during the proceeding but nodded his head when asked if he understood he was going to be remanded into custody.

Police will allege Mr Bird deliberately lit a series of fires across Melbourne’s southeast, starting with a fire at the Caulfield Racecourse at 6.20am.

The fire tore through the Norman Robinson Stand, damaging the wooden structure alongside the 1876 bar.

The damage bill has been estimated at $1m, according to police charges released by the court.

Mr Bird allegedly went on to light a series of small fires across Melbourne’s southeastern suburbs.

According to the charge sheets, it’s alleged Mr Bird broke through the door of the Shtiebel Community Centre – a Jewish centre close to the Caulfield Racecourse – with intent to steal.

He allegedly set fire to two bins and a tricycle in Caulfield South, a bag and trailer in Caulfield South, and grass near Attenborough Park in Aspendale.

His lawyer told the court that Mr Bird would not be seeking bail and noted he had a schizophrenia diagnosis.

“His depot injection (an antipsychotic medication) is overdue,” she said.

“I ask his mental health be monitored while he is in custody.”

Melbourne Racing Club chairman John Kanga said the fire had been contained to the Norman Robinson stand and the club was determined to rebuild the heritage-listed stand which was a favourite among punters.

According to Fire Rescue Victoria commander Dennis Smith, the stand was “significantly affected”, but the fire was quickly brought under control.

“This had a lot of potential to extend and be a much more significant fire and really impact the racecourse,” he said.

On Tuesday afternoon, Detective Sergeant Stuart Hough told media that police were not aware of any links between Mr Bird and the racing industry.

Mr Bird was arrested at the Mordialloc railway station about 1.45pm on Tuesday after a member of the public reported a grassfire near the Nepean Highway

Melbourne Racing Club chairman John Kanga has vowed the club will rebuild the Norman Robinson Stand.

The Caulfield Heath twilight races have been moved to the Mornington Racecourse on Wednesday evening.

Mr Bird is charged with nine offences – four counts of arson, two counts of trespass and one count each of burglary, criminal damage and theft.

He was remanded into custody and will return to court on April 1.

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