2019 Birdsville Races seeking volunteers

THE organisers of the Birdsville Races have issued a call-out to volunteers to assist with the running of the 2019 event.

There are a number of vacant volunteer positions to be filled in a number of fields, including hospitality, information, marshalling and gates, set-up and pack-down, and minibus driving. For their help, volunteers will receive a polo shirt and a complementary two-day racing pass. Plus, before and after shifts, they will be able to participate in a range of fun activities held in the small town.

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In addition to the two-day, 13-race program, the town will be abuzz with film screenings, live music, cocktail parties and Fred Brophy’s famous travelling boxing troupe.

Held in the outback Queensland town on September 6 and 7, the Birdsville Races – widely known as the ‘Melbourne Cup of the Outback’ – brings a flurry of activity to the normally subdued town, with the population booming from 115 to more than 6000 visitors every year.

The Races not only boosts tourism to the region, but each year it also raises money for the Royal Flying Doctor Services of Australia.

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“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 Brook.

If you’re over 18 years of age and you wish to volunteer, register here: www.birdsvilleraces.com/Volunteer