Nearly 1600 volunteers have been processed and are being educated on all the variables that go in to making the Gold Coast’s Lexmark Indy 300 such a massive success.

The Paradise Resort complex on Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise has been a hive of activity the last couple of weeks as the temporary work site of this year’s Lexmark Indy 300 Accreditation Centre.

While volunteer training and briefing was on the agenda today, processing of accreditations covering residents, contractors, competitors, suppliers, construction and media will be the order of proceedings when the Accreditations centre becomes fully operational from October 8.

With less than three weeks to go until the start of the 17th Lexmark Indy 300 on October 18-21, officials are now full swing into preparations as the Gold Coast transforms into one of the biggest entertainment venues in Australia.

“The volunteer briefing itinerary ensures that we have a very competent, first-class team that are fully prepared and willing to assist fans during the Lexmark Indy 300 carnival,” said Event Volunteer and Accreditations Coordinator Jayne Graham.

“The coming weeks are also about team building and appreciating the various roles each of our volunteers play in making the Lexmark Indy 300 an over riding success.

“Our volunteers give up their time and are tireless in their efforts to ensure every individual who attends the Lexmark Indy 300 enjoys the experience.

“In the same way the Lexmark Indy 300 ensures the event is a worthwhile personal experience for all our hard working volunteers.”

The volunteer base of this year’s Lexmark Indy 300 consists of people with varying backgrounds who want to be a part of the country’s biggest and best motorsports spectacular.

With crowds continually exceeding 300,000 people over four days and four nights of racing and entertainment, the need for dedicated volunteers increases annually.

Volunteers will fill roles including pit lane, fire, flag, grid, track and spectator marshals to accreditation centre, gate, grandstand, information booth, corporate usher and pit walk officials.

Maureen Murray of Runaway Bay will assist at her 16th Lexmark Indy 300 this year in her role as Information Booth official at Gate 41.

“Indy is just such a magnificent event and as one of the Gold Coast’s major tourist activities it’s great to be a part of that,” said Maureen.

“There’s also the added bonus of meeting other new volunteers each year. You all become pretty close and there are people I’ve remained close friends with.”

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 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.

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