The AGL Rally SA- Rally of the Heartland has been awarded a special Community Achievement award, nominated by the Regional Council of Goyder where the event is held.
A staple round on the MRF Tyres Motorsport Australia South Australian Rally Championship calendar, the 450km classic rally takes place in the rural town of Burra and features a host of picturesque stages set around a number of local landmarks, including some windfarms.
Outside of the rally and its popular super special stage, which takes place around the town’s national heritage copper mine area, the event has been lauded for the community work it does outside the rallying itself.
From organising barbecues and sponsor-run luncheons to competitors giving special gifts to the town’s kindergarteners, the event has been widely accepted by the community.
Event Clerk of Course Ivar Stanelis was proud the rally received recognition for its work within the community and the positive impact it has had on the region since beginning there three years ago.
“Given it’s a motorsport event in a rural community, it’s a sign of the acceptance and we feel really chuffed with the award. It’s an honour to get it,” Stanelis said.
“I think we do our best to connect with the community, especially by trying to involve them along the way. In the three years we have been running the event, it seems we have been able to gain wide acceptance.
“We have quite a presence and everyone gets around it, which is fantastic. We have a community committee which features a representative from all aspects of the town, and they really support us.
“Whenever we are there, every man and their dog attends the event in some capacity, spending money around town and boosting the community’s economy for the three days. I think this is another reason we’re being recognised.
“Since the award is given by the local council who nominates us to the Australia Day Council, it’s very special that they think that much of us.”
The award will be presented to Stanelis during a ceremony in Burra on Australia Day, which will also recognise the community’s citizen of the year and community event of the year.
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