The Birdsville Races is calling out for volunteers from across Australia to help support the 137th edition of the bucket-list outback event.
This year's "Melbourne Cup of the Outback" runs on September 6 and 7 and volunteering is a great way to experience it while giving back to the community.
Each year, the races raise vital funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service and volunteer registrations are live now, with all volunteers needing to be 18 or over.
Volunteers can nominate to complete their shift with friends and family, and in line with a particular area of interest. Depending on the team, volunteer time-commitments start from as little as nine hours with volunteer vacancies in many important teams, including hospitality, information, marshalling and gates, setup and packdown and minibus driving.
In return volunteers will receive an exclusive souvenir volunteer polo shirt and a complementary two-day racing pass.
Birdsville Race Club vice-president Gary Brook said much of the appeal of the Races came from the sense of community it generates each September.
"There's no better way to experience it than to get involved behind-the-scenes as one of our valued volunteers," Mr Brook said
"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."
Mr Brook said solo volunteers would also leave with many new friendships and experiences to remember.
"Volunteering at the Races has a very social element to it - before, during and after shifts," he said.
" 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.
Tickets are now on sale for the event.
The Birdsville Races see the tiny township swell from a general population of 115 to more than 6000 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.
This article first appeared in the North West Star
Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
