A National call to action for volunteers to assist at this year’s Lexmark Indy 300 on Queensland’s Gold Coast is expected to entice a host of newcomers during the 2007 feature event on October 18-21.

Lending her support to the annual drive is 2005 Bartercard Miss Indy Jana Peterson who has only recently taken up full-time residency on the coastal strip.

It was a very timely gathering on the Gold Coast, during National Volunteer Week which runs through to this Sunday, and Jana was quick to sign up regular Lexmark Indy 300 volunteers Rob Aarons and Maureen Bailey.

Event organisers are encouraging individuals from right across Australia to become a part of the country’s biggest and best motorsport 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 312,000 people over four days and four nights of racing and entertainment, the need for dedicated volunteers increases annually.

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.

As the host region, the Gold Coast contributes substantially to the growth of Queensland’s premier event.

Fulfilling the role of Accreditation Centre Supervisor is Rob Aarons of Biggera Waters who will attend his seventh event during the 2007 Lexmark Indy 300.

The proud local 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.

“The volunteers at Indy are a very diverse group of people and most of us have only come to know each other through our involvement at the event,” said Mr Aarons.

“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 here on the Gold Coast.

“Seeing the V8 Supercars roar around the streets is just an amazing spectacle and after last year you can’t help but get caught up with all the hype surrounding Will Power and the involvement of Team Australia.

“After he collected pole position I think everyone is willing him to go on with the job in 2007.

“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 General Manager 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 as 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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