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Volunteers To Power on During Lexmark Indy 300 |
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Friday, 20 April 2007 |
The Darling Downs has become a substantial contributor to the growth of Queensland’s premier event, the Lexmark Indy 300 on the Gold Coast which will take place from October 18-21 this year.
Not only does Team Australia’s current leading driver in the Champ Car World Series, Will Power hail from the area, but there are also many other locals who play a significant role in the event’s overall success.
Today a local contingent of long and short term volunteers met with Lexmark Indy 300 officials in Toowoomba to discuss plans for this year’s 17th running of the annual event.
“A National call to action has gone out to volunteers to assist at this
year’s Lexmark Indy 300 and we’re hoping to entice a host of newcomers
during our 2007 feature on October 18-21,” said Lexmark Indy 300
Volunteer Accreditation Coordinator Jayne Graham.
“We’re encouraging individuals from right across Australia to become a part of the country’s biggest and best event spectacular.
“Last year the Lexmark Indy 300 was supported by more than 1600
tireless volunteers, marking a significant increase of 100-plus
individuals recruited to fill a host of important roles.
“With crowds now exceeding 316,000 people over four days and four
nights of racing and entertainment, the need for dedicated volunteers
increases annually.
“We have a huge number of volunteers from the Darling Downs and hope to
increase numbers here and across other regions during the recruitment
period.”
Volunteers are currently being recruited for roles including pit lane,
fire, flag, grid, track and spectator marshals to accreditation centre,
gate, grandstand, information booth, corporate usher and pit walk
officials.
Among today’s gathering was local business owner Wayne Thompson of
Clean-Equip, who will take part in his 13th event as a volunteer later
this year.
Fulfilling the role of Zone Controller, Thompson oversees volunteers
throughout a substantial area of the Lexmark Indy 300 circuit.
The Toowoomba resident reconfirmed that anyone interested in becoming a
Lexmark Indy 300 volunteer this year assured themselves a very
rewarding four days and nights on the Gold Coast.
“As you can see we’re a very diverse group of people and most of us
have only come to know each other through our involvement at Indy,”
said Thompson.
“I think that’s the beauty of this event, so many of us have created
life-long friendships through becoming an Indy volunteer and there are
hundreds of other people who join us each year on the Gold Coast.
“Being from Toowoomba you can’t help but get caught up with all the
hype surrounding Will Power and the involvement of Team Australia.
“We’re all counting down the days until this year’s event and I have no
hesitation in encouraging anyone to be a part of this year’s Indy.”
The Lexmark Indy 300 already holds the record for recruiting the
largest number of volunteers for an annual Australian major event or
festival.
The ING Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne and the Clipsal
500 both train 1,200 volunteers, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
uses 1000, the Adelaide Fringe Festival has more than 350 and the
Sydney Royal Easter Show uses around 150 volunteers.
There’s little doubt becoming a volunteer at the Lexmark Indy 300 is a
rewarding experience and one which ensures those involved will usually
pencil in the October dateline into their calendars each year.
“The benefits of joining the volunteer team are the friendships that
are developed, spending time on the beautiful Gold Coast with all its
celebrated features, mixing with drivers and other celebrities on and
off track, enjoying an exclusive post-race party and contributing to
the overall success of Queensland’s premier event,” said Lexmark Indy
300 Chairman Greg Hooton.
“Volunteer recruitment is something we take very seriously and are
always on the look out for individuals who have the attributes to
become an important part of the Lexmark Indy 300 team.
“We have a diverse range of people who bring with them a host of skills
and experiences which have proven invaluable in making the Lexmark Indy
300 the success it has become.
“But it’s not all about what volunteers can offer the event and we
encourage everyone to perform their role while also having loads of fun
meeting new people, soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the
entertainment.”
As part of their accreditation, all volunteers receive two Lexmark Indy
300 shirts, one Lexmark Indy 300 cap, one rain coat, one set of ear
plugs, a four-day General Admission guest pass, daily lunch and drinks,
and an invitation to the post-race party.
People can apply to be a volunteer by contacting the Lexmark Indy 300
office on phone 07 5588 6800 or by visiting the volunteers page on the
website at http://www.indy.com.au/event/volunteer/index.htm
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