Volunteers help drive tourism in the Macedon Ranges
It’s one of the biggest car rallies in Victoria - the Macedon Ranges Grand Tour.
For the past three years more than 120 vintage and classic car owners have taken to the roads to soak up the rich landscapes of the Macedon Ranges.
But it’s more than just a car enthusiast’s idea of a great weekend. To the communities of Gisborne, Woodend, Daylesford and Kyneton, the tour is an opportunity to promote the region’s true country hospitality.
The sheer number of volunteers epitomises the type the country hospitality on offer.
John Lang has been a volunteer for more than 40 years. He is the President of the working group of volunteers responsible for organising and running the tour.
He says the event, which is held every February, is run with the help of more than 70 local volunteers.
“Volunteers are the backbone of the event. Without them, the community spirit that participants have fallen in love wouldn’t be a draw-card,” John said.
“It’s true to say that without the support of volunteers the event wouldn’t be able to grow every year.”
The idea of a Macedon Ranges Grand Tour was conceived several years ago, by two members of the local community who decided that they would promote tourism within the Macedon region by creating an event for old cars.
The planning reached fruition in February 2003 when about 80 cars participated in the inaugural event.
Last year the organisers received a $5,000 Victorian Volunteer Small Grant from the State Government to help recruit volunteers.
Volunteers from the local Country Fire Authority, State Emergency Services, Scouts club, primary and secondary schools and musical group support the event by organising parking, providing breakfast and morning tea and entertaining participants with music and festivities.
“The volunteers really enjoy the weekend. Many volunteers are surprised at how much fun it can be to help others and the community,” John said.
“The community’s support for the event has been one of the biggest successes. Residents from the towns visited have really got behind the tour, helping make it a memorable event for all involved.”
“Volunteers thought of the idea for a grand tour and three years later, volunteers are still enriched in the process. Their commitment to supporting the community and this event is what makes it such a successful one,” John said.
Read more about the Victorian Volunteer Small Grants.
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