A group of Australia’s leading and most respected businesspeople are working hard behind the scenes to develop this year’s Lexmark Indy 300 on the Gold Coast into a ‘complete entertainment package’.

While the annual Event, regarded as the Queensland’s finest tourism spectacle, continues to break records and excite fans from year to year, a ‘backroom’ committee is dedicated to growing the Event even further in 2005 with the injection of their knowledge and expertise.

It is called the Event Advisory Committee (EAC) comprising Chairman John Witheriff, Director & Regional Chairman of Commerce Queensland; Bob Gordon, Editor-In-Chief for Gold Coast Bulletin; Nick Scott, General Manager for Macquarie Regional Radioworks; Alistair Dawson, District Inspector for Queensland Police Service; Dale Dickson, Chief Executive Officer for Gold Coast City Council (GCCC); Pavan Bhatia, Chief Executive Officer for Gold Coast Tourism; Margaret Reed, Special Events Officer for GCCC; George Friend, Chief Executive for Rising Sun Films; Graeme Downie, Chairman for Surfers Paradise Management; Robert Osmotherly, General Manager for Network Ten; Joshua Martin, Events Coordinator for Lexmark Indy 300; and Greg Price, Marketing Manager for Lexmark Indy 300.

Established in 1996, the EAC has a brief to develop the Official Off Track Events program and act as a conduit for participation by the wider community.

It is the Off Track Events program that makes the Lexmark Indy 300 a complete entertainment package, said EAC Chairman John Witheriff.

“Off Track Events include both independent events conducted within the race precinct and events staged off site but within the South East Queensland region,” said Witheriff.

“The objective of the Off Track Events program is to create a seamless entertainment package aimed at increasing the entertainment and commercial value of the Lexmark Indy 300 for fans, spectators, participants, local business and authorities, and sponsors.”

Each year more than 50 events comprise the Official Off Track Events program creating a carnival of entertainment that is unprecedented in Queensland.

Family days, multicultural parades, car exhibits, water sports, harness and horse racing, sport’s modeling, cocktail parties, driver barbecues, singing competitions, gala balls and nightclub parties are some of the activities that are traditionally featured.

Off Track Event applications are currently being taken by the EAC for this year’s Lexmark Indy 300 from October 20 to 23.

“We are always looking at injecting new, fresh and innovative events into the Off Track program, plus maintain key annual fixtures on the program such as the Surfers Paradise Carnivale of Colours, Powerblitz Spectacular, Bartercard Miss Indy to name just a few,” said Witheriff.

“Variety is essential and we encourage any small to large Event to apply to be part of the whole Lexmark Indy 300 carnival.”

While association with Queensland’s premier Event is a major benefit in itself, Witheriff said increased marketing and networking opportunities are the key attractions for potential Off Track Event organisers.

“The Lexmark Indy 300 has really developed as a carnival that engulfs the whole region, and this is due to the greater involvement by business and community groups in leveraging off the Event,” said Witheriff.

“There is still plenty of potential to grow the Off Track Events program, and more and more event organisers each year are seeing the benefits of aligning their event with the Lexmark Indy 300.”

Lexmark Indy 300 General Manager James O’Brien paid tribute to the contribution made by the EAC in developing the Off Track Events program.

“The knowledge, experience and networks that the EAC brings the Lexmark Indy 300 is enormous. I do appreciate the time and effort the members of the EAC volunteer each year.” said O’Brien.

“The work the EAC has undertaken to develop the Off Track Event program to what it is today has played a significant role in the growth of the Lexmark Indy 300 as a carnival of entertainment for the entire region.”

Applications to be an Official Off Track Event close on July 27. For application forms please contact Joshua Martin via email jmartin@imgworld.com or on phone 07 5588 6835.