Andy Kelk has a background in software engineering and is a senior manager with the Wesfarmers group, looking after digital assets across the group’s retail businesses – it’s a leadership role Kelk takes seriously. But it’s not Kelk’s only leadership role. He is a Motorsport Australia Official, and recently worked alongside the 996-strong team of volunteer officials at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.

Kelk’s story starts as a spectator at the 2019 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, when he heard an announcement thanking the volunteer officials, which piqued his interest. Fast forward a few weeks and he had signed up to become a volunteer official.

Kelk started out as a flag marshal and through a structured training pathway has progressed to silver status and now takes on sector marshal roles – although he will still happily wave flags when the situation demands, citing the unique needs of a circuit the size of Phillip Island where ‘everyone simply does what they need to do so the event runs smoothly’.

After six years as a Motorsport Australia Official, Kelk is well on his way to becoming a long-standing senior official in the years to come.

“It’s a part of who I am, it’s part of my identity,” Kelk said.

“While motorsport and my day job may seem worlds apart, the leadership lessons are similar.

“At the Australian Grand Prix, we have just four days to build a high-performing team. Everyone has a role, but success depends on teamwork – being willing to support each other, adapt, and step up when needed.

“Leadership trackside is situational. At the start of the weekend, it’s about team-building and setting expectations. But when the pressure’s on – whether sweeping the track minutes before a race broadcast to millions or retrieving debris – you need to adapt your style instantly.”

Kelk enjoys the leadership and satisfaction of a successful event as a Motorsport Australia Official.

“The best results come from knowing when to direct, when to empower, and when to lead by example. And sometimes leadership just means rolling up your sleeves and getting the job done, even if it’s not the most glamorous task,” Kelk said.

“Your role as a leader is to make everybody else better at what they do, and trackside is a great example of how to do that. You’re not there to tell people what to do, you’re there to help them succeed in what they’re doing.

“There is satisfaction in seeing a team come together and achieve extraordinary things. It’s the best seat in the house.”

Trackside perks aside, there are other elements involved as a Motorsport Australia Official. Kelk experienced the importance of a Motorsport Australia Official early on in his career after a serious incident unfolded and he had to assist the post-event reporting.

He recalls the support of more experienced officials and the number of people who rallied around him to not only help, but to also do welfare checks.

“It was a really supportive environment, and that happens a lot,” Kelk said.

In a fast-paced and inherently dangerous sport, Kelk also reiterates the importance of safety and safeguarding the community.

“It’s very clear how much safety is valued. As officials, we talk about it all the time,” Kelk said.

“Certainly in the context of being trackside, it’s what we talk about first thing in our briefings, but also personal safety – not just in terms of an incident but also your wellbeing, checking if you have the right clothes to cope with the conditions, or are you drinking enough water, but also are you safe from a psychological point of view.

“Everyone has the right to feel safe in what they’re doing. That is made very clear.

“It sounds like a cliche, but it’s such a welcoming community – it is like a family.”