Following a three-year absence due to drought and COVID-19, the much-loved sound of hooves thundering down a sandy desert track has returned to the Innamincka Racetrack.
The Innamincka Sporting Club, together with Santos, was proud to host the popular Innamincka Races last month, a century old event that is an important social occasion for locals and the wider pastoral community. Innamincka is a remote outback town of just 20 people, located 100 kilometres northeast of our Moomba plant, and has been hosting an annual picnic race meeting on their famous dirt track since 1910.
The weekend is run by a small and dedicated band of volunteers who are passionate about this important community event and raising money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Almost 200 people travelled from all over South Australia, Southwest Queensland, and northern New South Wales to attend the weekend.
The weekend featured a packed schedule of events including the main race, the children’s and adult’s horse and motorbike gymkhanas, novelty events for children, Santos Fashions on the field, Dish Licker Racing (small dog races), an auction, live music and dinner.
Santos’ sponsorship includes prizemoney and funding in-kind assistance including the provision of a skip to manage waste and rubbish from the event, provision of electrical and plumbing services, potable water and prizes for events. Thanks to Veolia, Delta FM and Toll for their assistance in helping deliver this important community event.
Santos Land Access Adviser Mark Mayfield said contributing to the communities in which we operate is about making a positive and lasting difference: “The Races are an important social event for the Innamincka and surrounding district, enabling the community to come together while supporting the RFDS – a great cause that locals rely heavily on.”
“It’s really great that we can support the event but it’s also a great opportunity to catch up with the majority of the station managers in our operational areas. After a tough few years it was great to have everyone back together again!,” said Mark.
