Motorsport Australia is pleased to announce the newly established Motorsport Australia Foundation, the new philanthropic arm of Motorsport Australia dedicated to supporting the future of Australian motorsport through investment in people, skills development and community participation.
Working in partnership with the Australian Sports Foundation, the Motorsport Australia Foundation will raise funds for community and charitable initiatives that support responsible and sustainable growth of the sport.
The inaugural fundraising campaign supports the critical role of volunteer officials in delivering safe, fair, and fun motorsport across the entire country.
Motorsport Australia President, Andrew Fraser, made the announcement at the iconic Bathurst 1000 at Mount Panorama, where more than 400 Motorsport Australia officials are volunteering on the ground.
“We are thrilled to launch the Motorsport Australia Foundation during Bathurst weekend, where volunteer officials work tirelessly to deliver a world-class event,” Fraser said.
“The Motorsport Australia Foundation has been established to invest in the people, programs and initiatives that underpin the sport’s long-term success.
“The world-renowned Bathurst 1000 at the iconic Mount Panorama circuit is the perfect place to launch the Foundation, and our first fundraising initiative for officials training and development with a target of $500,000to deliver expanded training and support for our volunteer community.
“The reason is simple: without our volunteer officials, motorsport is not possible.”
The Foundation provides a new way for industry, government and the wider community to contribute to enhanced training programs, expanded in-person learning opportunities, digital education tools, mentoring and coaching initiatives, and the Appointed Officials Development Program.
Motorsport Australia thanks Supercars, Australian Grand Prix Corporation and SRO Motorsports Australia whose donations to the inaugural campaign will help the development of our 12,500+ volunteer officials across Australia.
Contributions will also support state-based training calendars, officials’ expos and onboarding events, travel assistance for regional volunteers, safety and wellbeing initiatives, and pathways that encourage greater diversity and inclusion across the officiating community.
Tax deductible donations can be made through the Australian Sports Foundation.
Additional quotes
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Sport The Hon. Steve Kamper MP
“Motorsport is about more than what happens on the track, it’s also about the people who give their time and keep the sport running.
“Across NSW, volunteers are making motorsport possible at every level, and they deserve the opportunity to develop and grow with the sport.”
“This Foundation is about investing in those people and helping open the door for the next generation of motorsport participants and volunteers.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison
“From grassroots racing at local circuits to the iconic Bathurst 1000, behind every successful event are hundreds of dedicated volunteers who give up their time to keep drivers, spectators and officials safe.
“Many of these volunteers travel long distances and dedicate countless hours to supporting the sport they love, often without recognition.
“The Motorsport Australia Foundation is a fantastic initiative that will give these volunteers the training, skills and support they need, while encouraging the next generation to get involved.”
Quotes attributable to Ben Fry, Mayor, Bathurst Regional Council
“Bathurst is synonymous with Australian motorsport, so there is something particularly fitting about launching a Foundation here that invests not in another piece of machinery, but in the people who make the sport possible.”
“The Bathurst 1000 might be defined by the drivers and cars people see on television, but behind them are hundreds of volunteer officials giving their time, judgement and expertise to make the event safe and successful. They are an indispensable part of the Mountain.”
“If we want Australian motorsport to remain strong for another generation, we have to invest in the skills, training and pathways that bring people into the sport and keep them there. From grassroots racing to Mount Panorama, that investment in people is ultimately an investment in the future of Australian motorsport.”
Quotes attributable to Barclay Nettlefold, Executive Chairman and acting CEO, Supercars
“Supercars is proud to be a foundation partner of the Motorsport Australia Foundation, an initiative that recognises our sport is built on the passion and commitment of thousands of people across the country.”
“Volunteer officials are the backbone of Australian motorsport. From grassroots events through to the Repco Bathurst 1000, they are the hardworking people who make competition possible, and investing in their development is an investment in the future of our sport. Without volunteers, we don’t have motorsport.”
“There is no more fitting place to launch the Motorsport Australia Foundation than Bathurst. The Repco Bathurst 1000 showcases the very best of Australian motorsport, and this foundation reflects our shared commitment to strengthening the people and programs that provide support for our sport and our industry at every level.”
Quotes attributable to Ben McMellan, Chief Executive Officer, SRO Motorsports Australia
“SRO Motorsports Australia is delighted to get behind this special initiative by Motorsport Australia as our sport simply doesn’t exist without officials.”
“We are more than happy to champion their development and are big supporters of all volunteer officials as their time, experience and effort enable us all to go racing.”
Quotes attributable to Travis Auld, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Grand Prix Corporation.
“The Motorsport Australia Foundation is a fantastic initiative and one that the Australian Grand Prix Corporation is proud to support. AGPC have a long and proud relationship with Motorsport Australia, and we share a commitment to growing motorsport in this country.”
“Motorsport can open the door to an incredible range of careers and experiences, but we know those opportunities aren’t always easy to access. The Motorsport Australia Foundation can play an important role in breaking down those barriers, creating meaningful pathways and helping the next generation take their first steps into the sport.”
Quotes attributable to Jerril Rechter AM, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Sports Foundation.
“Philanthropy can play an important role in growing and strengthening Australian sport, and creating more opportunities for people and organisations to contribute is a positive step forward.”
“The Australian Sports Foundation has been proud to support Motorsport Australia in the strategic development of its Foundation, creating a dedicated vehicle for philanthropic investment. Starting with volunteer officials is a strong example of how that investment can support the people, skills and programs that are essential to the sport’s continued growth.”
About the Australian Sports Foundation
The Australian Sports Foundation (ASF) is Australia’s leading not-for-profit sports fundraising organisation, connecting philanthropy with Australian sport to help sporting organisations, athletes and communities access greater investment.
Founded by the Australian Government in 1986, ASF works with sporting organisations, athletes, donors, philanthropic organisations, businesses and government to support the development of Australian sport and create greater social impact.
Since its establishment, the ASF has helped distribute almost $1 billion to Australian sport with the help of the ASF, supporting clubs, organisations, athletes and communities across the country.
