Newsletter – 13th August 2009

Just over three weeks to go – and we’re counting – to all the action of Repco Rally Australia and the excitement of the World Rally Championship.

Here at rally headquarters, we can feel the pressure building but it’s also very exciting to be part of this brand-new event that will carry on Australia’s proud tradition of hosting a round of the international series.

Rally Australia in WA was consistently ranked by the teams as one of the best events on the world rally calendar and we aim to match that ranking – and we will do it, with your help, so thank you for volunteering. We really appreciate it!

And if you know someone who should be signing up to work with you, please remind them that registration closes at 5pm next Monday, August 17. They can either ring the rally office [(02) 6676 7025] or log on to the website and fill in the Expression of Interest form in the Officials section.

If you know they have filled in an Expression of Interest form but have not yet been contacted, tell them not to submit any more paperwork but simply to contact the rally office immediately, either by email (info@rallyaustralia.com.au) or phone [(02) 6676 7025]. That way, we can track them down in the system and make sure their team leader gets in touch.

We still need volunteers to assist in specific areas such as stage security, service park, spectator services, as well as mobile crews and environmental protection.

Both these last two areas need people with their own vehicles (preferably a 4WD) and who can be available for pre-event training on Wednesday, September 2 or at some other time by prior arrangement. These roles have an added advantage – you will get a prime ‘private’ viewing spot for all the action!

So, if you know anyone who might fill those criteria, please encourage them to register immediately. But remind them that we need officials who can guarantee their reliability – everyone doing their job properly is what will make this event run smoothly and successfully, a great rally that the teams will talk about.

By the way, when Rally Australia was based in Perth, the after-party at the Sheraton Hotel became a worldwide ‘signature’ activity! It was a place where the competitors, media and officials could gather late on the Sunday evening after the rally, to enjoy the post-event atmosphere.

We plan to replicate this at Mantra at SALT Resort on the Sunday evening after the event, kicking off around 9pm. Your Officials Pass will give you entry and a drinks entitlement (vouchers available at the entrance). We hope to see you there.

Remember, if you are reading this newsletter, you are on the team. You’ll be receiving more information as the event gets closer, via newsletter and the website.

* * * * *

WHERE TO LAY YOUR WEARY HEAD

For many people, the most logical place to be based during the event is the lovely town of Kyogle (www.visitkyogle.com.au; 02 6632 2700), but accommodation in motels and hotels is filling up fast.

One alternative is a home stay arrangement or a B&B. Check out the Tourism NSW website (www.visitnsw.com) direct or follow the link from our website.

There are other towns close by to the rally action so check this website (www.tweedtourism.com.au). You can book on-line or ring the various Visitor Information Centres direct: Kingscliff [(02) 6674 2528]; Murwillumbah [(02) 6672 1340] and Tweed Heads [(07) 5536 6737].

However, you might want to consider the special Volunteer Officials Campground, where you will be looked after by the Kyogle rugby clubs.

Fees range from $20 to $50 per person per night and the longer you stay, the less you will pay. The special campground is open from August 29 to September 7. There are limited spaces so call Bill (0427 322 297) to reserve your place.

* * * * * * *

OFFICIAL … AND RESPONSIBLE

We are very appreciative of the enormous support we have received from volunteers and recognise the contribution you make to the successful conduct of the event.

Volunteerism is a great Australian tradition and our sporting events are renowned around the world for the role played by volunteers in their success.

But being a volunteer also means taking on some responsibility, so we have established an Officials’ Policy in order to answer a number of questions directed to us (see Policy, below).

Some of you may wonder why we have limited your ability to spectate freely during the rally. The answer is simply that we need you to be focussed on delivering a successful event. To do that, we need volunteers who can commit to the entire duration of the rally where possible.

What we want to avoid is the situation where someone volunteers to do an important role for one day only, then uses their Officials Pass to spectate for the remaining two days. We simply do not have enough officials for that to happen.

We do, however, want to give you the opportunity to see the cars in action if possible, which is why the Policy has been drafted. If this causes you a problem, please contact us immediately.

REPCO RALLY AUSTRALIA 2009
OFFICIALS POLICY

Thank you for volunteering your time to support Repco Rally Australia 2009. Your help is fundamental to the running of a successful event and is much appreciated.

Officials Uniform
Each official will be supplied with a polo shirt/s and a wide brimmed hat which are to be worn while performing official duties. Officials working in HQ should wear black trousers or slacks. All other officials should wear blue jeans and closed shoes.

Officials Pass
Each official will receive an Officials Pass which must be worn when on duty. This pass will grant officials unlimited access as a spectator to the Super Special Stage each evening if you are not on duty.
It will also grant access to one (1) remote spectator point on either Saturday or Sunday, if you are not on duty. Your pass will be punched when entering the spectator point.

Spectator areas at both the Kingscliff and Kyogle service parks are open access and no pass is required.

Officials working in some remote areas may be accompanied by a person not registered as an official while performing their duties. These people must have a Volunteer Support Pass. To obtain this pass you must advise your team leader prior to the event.

As a condition of issuing a Volunteer Support Pass, the official concerned shall take responsibility for ensuring the accompanying person is positioned safely, out of harm’s way and takes responsibility for their actions. This Volunteer Support Pass is not valid as a pass to enter areas other than when the accompanying official is working.

Super Special Stage
Your Officials Pass is required to obtain access each evening as a spectator. The Super Special Stage has a restricted alcohol area. No official in uniform will be admitted or should be seen in this area. If you wish to consume alcohol, please change prior to entering the venue.

Emergency Contact
A 1800 number will be set up as an officials’ emergency number during the rally. Please review upcoming newsletters and documentation for this phone number. This number is to be used to advise if you expect to be late reporting to your meeting point of place of duty.

All officials are requested to be alert to potential disruptive activities in the area before and during the event. If you encounter any persons who are acting suspiciously, please contact a senior official with as many details as possible relating to number of people, number and type of vehicles, any other equipment and exact location and time.