Not just a dusty good-time in the bush, the Races present an opportunity to give back to the community, with the event raising funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia – a vital charity that provides help to remote areas often cut off from medical services, as well as inter-hospital transfer services between metropolitan areas.

Volunteers of all ages travel thousands of kilometres to Birdsville every year to help deliver a two-day, 13-race program, and a jam-packed schedule of outback entertainment and activities.

A colourful character and one of Birdsville’s oldest volunteers this year – Joanne is putting her 30 years’ administration and business experience to good use, lending a hand at the races in the merchandise and ticketing team.

Joanne will also be helping out with the Fashions on the Field, the entertainment gate and road marshaling.

Joanne, a photographer and business owner with a temporary employment agency, considers herself to be an “all-rounder.”

Having previously worked in banking, administration and bookkeeping Joanne prides herself on her “strong customer skills.”

She’s currently on route to Birdsville, making the journey into the Queensland town sometime over the next week.

Joanne is one of 30 volunteers who will help support the back end running of the races. Without volunteer involvement, the event would not be able to go ahead and raise vital funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

A familiar face around Young Joanne has been involved in many community groups including being a part of the Young Equine and Livestock Centre committee who after many years are bringing new life into the Young Cherry Festival with the reintroduction of the Young Rodeo. Joanne has been a great support to Young and many locals are very proud of her now sharing those same traits with the organisers of the Birdsville Races.