On the eve of the 2025 Penrite Hattah Desert Race, Mildura Rural City Councillor for Sports and Recreation Glenn Milne has highlighted the iconic event's massive contribution to the local economy over numerous years.
"The Penrite Hattah Desert Race, run almost entirely by volunteers, is one of the biggest and most successful annual events in our region, injecting millions of dollars into our local economy each year," Cr Milne said.
"This year's event has attracted nearly 900 competitors from across the country, most of those from outside the region, and they'll spend money across a whole host of local business sectors, including accommodation, hospitality and retail.
"You only have to drive around the region to see bike trailers everywhere and it's not just in the Mildura CBD - towns like Red Cliffs benefit from this event year after year."
Cr Milne said while locals see the cavalcade of off-road riders and teams roll into town in July in each year, what they don't see is the mammoth amount of work put in by North West Victorian Motorcycle Club months in advance.
"As is often the case with our region's motorsport clubs, it's often a core group of dedicated individuals that donate thousands of hours of their own time to make events like the Penrite Hattah Desert Race happen," he said.
"Many of the North West Victorian Motorcycle Club members behind this year's event have worked tirelessly year after year to make the race happen – and they've done it simply because they love the event and they love their sport – I can't speak highly enough about the effort they put in.
"But what's happened as a result of this passion is an event that has long been recognised as one of the most professionally-run and sought after races in the country to compete in – and our region and our local economy benefits hugely from this each year."
Cr Milne said Council was proud to partner with the North West Victorian Motorcycle Club this year through more than $46,000 through Council's Events Funding and Support Grant program.
"It's a privilege for us to be able to play a small part in making each year's event happen through the Club's regular application for funding through this grant program," he said.
Race schedule
Friday 11 July
3pm – 8pm: Scrutineering at Red Cliffs' Quandong Park
Saturday 12 July
10.15am: Junior Small Wheel race
12pm: Junior Big Wheel race
2.15pm: Senior Prologue and Top 10
Sunday 13 July
6am: gates open
9am: Senior race start.
