For many Motorsport Australia officials who volunteer at events all around the country – the sport has always been a big part of their life.

However, that wasn’t necessarily the case for highly respected Clerk of Course Kaye Callander.
 
Growing up, there was no one in Callander’s extended family or close circle of friends who lived and breathed motorsport, so it’s no surprise that the sport was never front and centre in her mind.
 
It wasn’t until she was randomly invited by a work colleague to a race meeting at Amaroo in 1993 that she got her first real taste for the sport – and she instantly fell in love.
 
It wasn’t just the cars or the speed that grabbed her attention, or the best seat in house – it was just about the people she met at that event and the environment she found herself in.
 
She decided to return shortly after, which soon saw her become a regular at race meetings around the state.
 
Starting off as a flag marshal, Callander’s natural ability stood out and she was soon moved up to sector marshal, then Comms at Race Control at SMSP.
 
That paved the way for her to work in comms at multiple IndyCar events on the Gold Coast, which eventually led to the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
 
For many years, she continued to break down barriers and excel in multiple areas, which eventuated in her being promoted to Clerk of Course at Repco Supercars Championship and Motorsport Australia events.
 
Incredibly, when Callander started in the sport three decades ago, she had no idea she’d still be in the game all these years later.
 
“I was always a tomboy growing up, but no one in my family cared for motorsport, so going to that first motorsport event in 1993 was a unique experience,“ Callander said.
 
“The enjoyment of the cars, the environment, the friendships, the speed and being so close to the action – I guess it all accumulated into a memorable weekend and I was hooked. In fact, I never looked back.
 
“I have really enjoyed my time over the past 30 years – especially being a Clerk of Course. It’s a good experience and really tests you from time to time. 
 
“I have been lucky enough to have had a range of senior roles, where you have to think logically and out of the box, there are many factors that I really enjoy and can’t wait to continue.
 
“Honestly, I never would have expected to be in the sport for this long. It’s only been possible because of the people who have guided me and entrusted me with each position over the years”
 
As for being a women in sport, it’s no secret that there are more men in high-level positions, however Callander believed that is slowly changing with more women being chosen for senior roles.

“There are definitely more women in senior positions and roles across all disciplines, which is nice to see,” Callander added.

“With that said, I don’t believe there is a single barrier as a woman to progress in the sport. I think everyone I am in contact with are always very supportive. 
 
“At the end of the day, if someone is good and capable of a role, then they will be allocated to it. I was given the opportunity to be in the Senior Development Program, exposed to different people.
 
“Overall, it’s fantastic to see more women getting involved in the sport and long may it continue.”

This feature is part of a series highlighting the success and contributions to motorsport from women around the world in celebration of International Women’s Day 2024