IF YOU'VE been wanting to tick the Birdsville Races off your bucket list, here's a good reason to make 2017 your year.
Organisers of the event, to be held on September 1-2, are looking for volunteers of all ages to lend a hand during the two-day, 13-race program, and jam-packed schedule of entertainment and activities.
About 7000 visitors are expected in town for the annual knees up, which raises funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Volunteers can nominate to complete their shift with friends and family, and in line with a particular skill-set or area of interest. Depending on the team, time commitments start from as little as nine hours.
In return, volunteers receive an exclusive volunteer polo shirt and complementary two-day racing pass, granting them access to all the action at the dirt race track - from punting to trackside dining and Fashions on the Field.
Many volunteers begin their journey in August, travelling with friends, family and partners, and set up camp early to enjoy the region's yabby races, street parties and other events that lead into the big Friday and Saturday race days.
Last year's volunteers included a 79-year-old who drove from South Australia, a retired couple in their 70s who journeyed more than 1600km from Maroochydore, Queensland, and a 62-year-old retired policewoman-come-hobbyist filmmaker who caught a 24-hour bus ride to film Fred Brophy's famous boxing troupe.
A returning volunteer will be Adelaide pilot Tom O'Donnell, who will be reliving a familiar travel route as he flies a four-seater piston plane into Birdsville.
A seven-time visitor to the Birdsville Races, Tom piloted the world's longest mail run between 2008 and 2011 - a round trip that spanned 3000km, two days and 16 stops, starting in Port Augusta (SA) and stretching as far as Glengyle Station, north of Birdsville.
"I've been coming to Birdsville for a long time and there's no doubt that the races are a bucket-list experience," he said.
"I volunteer every year now and it's still very special - the unique atmosphere, the activities and location. The new and familiar faces you meet make it worth the long haul, no matter where you're travelling from."
You can register to volunteer at www.birdsvilleraces.com/Volunteer
Volunteers must be over 18 and registrations close July 21.
