Newsletter – 19th August 2009

Two Weeks To Go!

Hi everyone,

By now we hope you’re starting to feel the buzz. It’s getting closer. Just over two weeks to go!

If you’re not 100 per cent sure of what your role entails, please don’t hesitate to contact your team leader, or the rally office [(info@rallyaustralia.com.au) or phone [(02) 6676 7025].
There’s lots to tell you in this update but we think this very special announcement should be first.

There are a number of officials for whom the 2009 Repco Rally Australia will be their 20th ‘Rally Australia’. These volunteer officials have worked on each Rally Australia since the inaugural one event in WA in 1988. They are highly valued and we welcome them to the Northern Rivers of NSW for the first Rally Australia on the East Coast.

As a mark of appreciation for their services to the event, and to motor sport in general, they will be presented with a special 20 Year Pin at the ‘After Party’ which will be held at Mantra Salt Report on Sunday evening September 6. And to see what it looks like click here.

Now back to the serious stuff. We hate to sound like we’re nagging but we cannot over-emphasise how important it is that everyone takes their jobs seriously. Without your commitment, this event cannot work to the high standard that we know we are capable of, so can we please ask you to consider these points:

1. Plan to be on the spot as early as possible, preferably by Wednesday, September 2. We know many of you have done these events before, but we also have many ‘rookies’ getting involved. If everyone arrives at the last minute, things aren’t going to go as smoothly as they should.

So, please make sure you have plenty of time to get your shirts, passes, equipment and last-minute training so you can do YOUR job. No-one else can do it for you.

2. And please, don’t forget your alarm clock, so you’re always on the job on time. If you don’t turn up on time and in the right place, it puts a lot of pressure on other people … and could prevent the event running on time, and safely.

We really appreciate the effort you are making to be part of this event.

And speaking of rookies, we should also have a look at the CAMS ‘Junior Officials Policy’ to avoid any problems. As you will see, they are only allowed to carry out certain duties if they are under the age of 18. We also need signed parental consent and we will be organising this early so there are no problems on the day.

CAMS JUNIOR OFFICIALS POLICY

Where permitted by state legislation the following are the minimum ages for junior officials (junior officials are those officials under the age of 18):

- for officials working in event administration – 12 years
- for officials working in a non-competition Area – 14 years
- for officials working as a timekeeper– 14 years, and
- for officials working alongside the competition surface – 16
years.

Conditions:

- Junior officials can only hold a Trainee or General Official
Junior licence.
- At all times junior officials must be under the supervision of an
adult CAMS accredited official.
- Junior officials working alongside the competition surface (i.e.
circuit, track, special stage, etc) must be under direct
supervision (refer to section 2.4 in the Licensing and
Accreditation book available on www.cams.com.au).
- Junior officials are NOT permitted to attend incidents.

Training:

Junior officials must attend an event briefing session and be
verbally briefed on the day by a senior official. They must also be
issued with a ‘Schedule of Duties’ that includes:

- who they are responsible to, and
- safety measures related to the activity.

Of course, junior officials aren’t the only ones who need training. Each team has specific training tailored for the tasks they are doing. Your team leader will let you know when your training session is. Many of you will receive training manuals electronically so you have the chance to read them BEFORE arriving at the event. These will be rolled out over the next week so please check your email regularly.

FEELING HUNGRY?

No matter what time you’re feeling peckish, the Kyogle Bakery will be ready. They’re staying open around the clock on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday for any official, crew or spectator who might need food and supplies – handy to know if you’re up and about at 3am and looking for breakfast and lunch.

Max is the man to contact. You can even ring through an order. So, if Max is ready to take care of the rally, we should be taking care of Kyogle Bakery.

You’ll find it at 73 Summerland Way (Main St), Kyogle. Phone (02) 6632 1840.

STILL NEED A BED?

Some handy contact details:

Kyogle: www.visitkyogle.com.au; (02) 6632 2700.
Tweed area: www.tweedtourism.com.au Book on line or ring the various Visitor Information Centres direct:
Kingscliff (02) 6674 2528
Murwillumbah (02) 6672 1340
Tweed Heads (07) 5536 6737

There’s also the special Volunteer Officials Campground in Kyogle. Fees range from $20-$50 per person per night; 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.