A Port Macquarie couple are reliving their visit 30 years ago to the Birdsville Races by volunteering at the 2018 event.
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Garry and Di Bannister said the idea of volunteering at the iconic event was too good to pass up.
Mrs Bannister is a 23-year volunteer with Lifeline and also works for the organisation.
She said the opportunity to help support the event and the Royal Flying Doctor Service was too good to miss.
"We were planning on touring the top half of Australia and part of the trip brought us back through Birdsville," Mrs Bannister said.
"The races are a fond memory for us because we travelled here 30 years ago on a full outback experience. I guess we are trying to re-live that 30 year old memory.
"We were doing some research for the trip and realised that the races were on and then found they were looking for volunteers. That is pretty close to my heart.
"So we will be attending the races, but this time as volunteers."
Mrs Bannister said volunteering is the best way to get to know the heart of a community.
"If you volunteer you will meet some of the most amazing people," she said.
Volunteering brings a certain quality of people and it just makes my heart sing that we have people in our communities who are willing to cooperate and band together.
- Di Bannister
"Volunteering brings a certain quality of people and it just makes my heart sing that we have people in our communities who are willing to cooperate and band together.
"The races are on Friday and Saturday (August 31 and September 1) and the mood of the place is really starting to build.
"A road train arrived on Monday with five dogs carrying just some of the supplies for the races. The main bar at the pub is packed out with lots of noisy, happy people.
"The bush atmosphere is alive and well; you just say g'day to anyone that you see."
The Bannisters will sell merchandise and souvenirs through the week but on race day Di says she has a special job to do.
"A call went out for someone that is "assertive yet polite" to move people from the busy bus drop off zone on race day. I think I can do that," she said.
The 2018 races are the 136th edition of Australia's oldest and most remote thoroughbred racing carnival.
Birdsville's population swells from a regular 115 to around 7000 racegoers.
The 2018 Birdsville Races will comprise a 13-race program, and offer a prize pool of $200,000.
In addition to the races, the event hosts a wide range of activities and entertainment from film and comedy nights, to cocktail parties, live music, and Fred Brophy’s famous travelling boxing troupe.
For information on the races or to volunteer go to their website.
