Hattah Desert Race
Jade BENHAM (Mildura) (09:39): I rise today to offer my sincere congratulations to three organisations in the Mildura electorate, beginning with the North West Victorian Motorcycle Club, who are responsible for Australia’s most challenging desert race, Hattah. The Hattah Desert Race is growing each year and this year, with over 800 competitors, was a major event for Mildura, attracting riders nationwide. Run by a team of volunteers contributing 34,000 volunteer hours to inject $6.55 million into the local economy as well as at least 60 grand into other local community groups, the Hattah Desert Race is the jewel in Mildura’s crown, thanks to the generous support of the Mildura Rural City Council and support from the state government. But as insurance premiums and costs everywhere go up, let us hope these issues do not affect the race’s future. Congratulations to the committee volunteers and competitors on a magnificent Hattah Desert Race. I will keep my promise and ride next year.