Hundreds of off-road motorcycle racers and supporters from across the country will converge on Sunraysia this weekend for Australia's largest and most challenging desert race - the Millewa Quarries Hattah Desert Race.
Mildura Rural City Councillor for Events and Tourism Rebecca Crossling said the event had become an institution for both Australia's off-road racing community and local racers and supporters.
"The Millewa Quarries Hattah Desert Race has been an annual pilgrimage for visitors and locals alike for many years - it's just something you do on the first weekend of July each year, whether you're racer or a spectator," Cr Crossling said.
"As the event has grown, so too has its positive impact on our region, now attracting more than 10,000 people to the race and almost 900 competitors, which collectively generates $8million in economic benefit to our local economy."
"And we need to thank the hard-working members of the North West Victorian Motorcycle Club, who continue to put on this massive national event each year.
"It represents a huge amount of work which no doubt starts not long after the dust has settled from the previous event, and we need to remember, the majority of this work is done by volunteers."
Cr Crossling said one of the benefits of the event was the number of overnight stays it generated, with many visiting competitors arriving days earlier to train or spend time acclimatising to the local terrain the race is held on.
"If you drive round in the week leading up to the event, you'll increasingly see bikes on trailers and utes around the district," she said.
"These visiting competitors and their support crews are staying in local hotels, motels and caravan parks, they're buying fuel here, they're buying meals and eating out here, all of which injects millions of dollars into our local business community," she said.
Cr Crossling said Council was proud to partner with the North West Victorian Motorcycle this year through $50,000 in funding from the Events Funding and Support Grant program.
"It's a real privilege for our organisation to play a small role in supporting events of this calibre when you see the enormous benefit it provides our community. On behalf of Council, I'd like to thank the North West Victorian Motorcycle Club and its members for continuing to run this fantastic event each year."
Race schedule
Friday 3 July
3pm - 8pm: Scrutineering at Red Cliffs' Quandong Park (inc. fireworks at the end of the night)
Saturday 4 July
Junior Prologue
Junior Hattah Desert Race
Senior Prologue
Sunday 5 July
9am : Senior Race
