The Rotary Club’s support of the Grand Prix™ continues into the 27th year.
Friday, 31 March 2023
Ever since the inaugural Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park in 1996, The Rotary Club of North Balwyn has been feeding thousands of volunteers throughout race week.
Playing an integral role in the North Balwyn community for over 40 years, The Rotary Club have been a leading force assisting with major events around Melbourne to raise funds for local and international charitable and social causes.
The Rotary Foundation have been supporting the drivers and mechanics of the Historic Car Demonstration and the Marshals with the Marshal Muster breakfast each morning of the event for over 26 years.
This year at the FORMULA 1 ROLEX AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX 2023 fans can now enjoy a classic Rotary Club Barbeque in The Super Mario Bros. Movie Family Zone.
The long-standing association between The Rotary Club and Australian Grand Prix Corporation has raised north of $250,000 which has supported various charities and community needs.
With more than 65 Rotarians lending their time to supporting the marshals, The Rotary Club Past President, Peter Sutherland says their contribution to the Australian Grand Prix event is ‘invigorating’ for their club.
‘It’s a big logistical exercise for us, we hire a bus and ferry people in from North Balwyn into the track,’ Sutherland said.
‘It’s an early start with the Marshals Muster Breakfast. Our early starters are out of bed around 4:30am before making their way into the Grand Prix. They start preparing for the marshals briefing, where we offer a hot breakfast, so we’re happy to keep the marshals happy.’
Although once their morning shift wraps up, the day’s not over for the Rotarians, as they shift into the public facing barbeque and begin cooking up hot food for the motorsport spectators.
Once the day draws a close and fans head home, The Rotary Club ensures that any leftover food from the day is donated to food rescue organisations, aligning with the Australian Grand Prix Corporation sustainability initiatives.
When asked what his favourite part of the week is, Pete’s responds, ‘Getting the job done.’
‘When it’s all said and done, when we’ve timed it right and kept everybody happy, there’s a sense of relief when all the marshals have been fed.’
“Clubs are always looking for projects that fit within the focus of Rotary and fit in with our mantra, so this event enables us to participate in a great show in Melbourne but also allows us to do more community work. It’s the biggest event for the year.”
The Rotary Club of North Balwyn will be ready to delight fans in The Super Mario Bros. Movie Family Zone a the FORMULA 1 ROLEX AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX 2023.
