The historic Birdsville Races today issue a nationwide callout for volunteers to help support the 137th edition of the iconic outback event, which this year runs onSeptember 6 & 7, 2019.
Known to many as ‘The Melbourne Cup of the Outback’, the bucket-list Birdsville Races present a unique opportunity to experience a truly historic event in heartland Australia, whilst giving back to the community at the same time.
Each year, the Races raise vital funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia – a charity that provides crucial help to remote areas often cut off from medical services, as well as inter-hospital transfer services between metropolitan areas.
Volunteer registrations are live now at www.birdsvilleraces.com/Volunteer, with all volunteers needing to be 18 years-of-age or over.
Volunteers can nominate to complete their shift with friends and family, and in line with a particular skill-set or area of interest. Depending on the team, volunteer time-commitments start from as little as nine hours.
The Races are currently looking to fill volunteer vacancies in a number of important teams, including Hospitality, Information, Marshalling & Gates, Setup & Packdown and Minibus Driving.
In return for their time and services, volunteers will receive an exclusive souvenir volunteer polo shirt and a complementary two-day racing pass, granting them access to all of the exhilarating action at Birdsville’s iconic dirt race track – from punting and partying to Fashions on the Field.
Before and after shifts, volunteers can participate in all of the one-of-a-kind experiences the Races have to offer, as Birdsville transforms into a buzzing hive of activity with film, live music, cocktail parties and travelling boxing tents.
“So much of the appeal of the Birdsville Races comes from the sense of community that overtakes this tiny little town in the middle of the Outback each September – and there’s no better way to experience it than to get involved behind-the-scenes as one of our valued volunteers,” said Gary Brook, Vice President, Birdsville Race Club.
“The Races are steeped more than a century in tradition, and it’s amazing to see volunteers old and new make the trip out to Birdsville each year to keep the event alive for further generations of Australian and international travellers and punters.”
“While many volunteers trek to the Races to help out as part of a group, solo volunteers can also be sure they’ll leave with loads of new friendships and experiences to remember. Volunteering at the Races has a very social element to it – before, during and after shifts. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from, you’ll be welcomed with open arms into the event team and the broader Birdsville Races community” added Gary Brook.
The Birdsville Races see the tiny township of Birdsville in Outback Queensland swell from a general population of 115 to more than 6,000 visitors for a two-day, 13-race program, as well as a stacked line-up of film and live music, cocktail parties and Fred Brophy’s famous travelling boxing troupe.
Proudly part of Tourism and Events Queensland’s Year of Outback Tourism, the Races see visitors flock to Outback Queensland from the beginning of August, who set up camp early to enjoy the region’s yabby races, street parties and various other events that lead into the big Friday and Saturday race days.
Volunteers are also invited to participate in the ultimate road trip and join the inaugural Birdsville Races Roadies expedition.
It’s the journey itself that is the true essence of what being a Roadie is all about. This is where Roadies will create memories, make lifelong friends, experience the amazing vastness of the great Australian Outback – and do it all at their own pace with like-minded Roadies.
As a Roadie, members will receive route guidance, including recommended overnight stays with Roadie partners. Further details are available at www.birdsvilleracesroadies.com
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