Frontier Services has been standing with the Birdsville community for over a century. Over that time, people from across Australia have journeyed to Birdsville for its iconic races.

Over one frenetic week, the town’s population balloons from a little over 100 to well over 10,000. Interstate motley crew gather in caravans and on campgrounds.

Standing with a community rich in culture

Those who make the pilgrimage are rewarded with sights and sounds, like the ceremonial drumming outside Fred Brophy’s famous Fight Tent and the blaring of custom car horns for the Big Red Bash.

Year after year, Frontier Services is standing with the Birdsville community so that its rich legacy endures. We turn up so that they can keep going. Our team is there to be called upon for help, offering a comforting presence, a friendly chat and a chance to connect.

The outback can be isolating, but for one week in Birdsville people come to the desert to be together.

Frontier Services history in the Birdsville community

From the earliest days of the Australian Inland Mission, Rev John Flynn formed many of his astute observations on the outback passing along the Birdsville Track. It would even help inspire him to form what today exists as the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

This year, pouring rain and gale force winds could not dampen the spirits of our Outback Links volunteers led by Bush Chaplain Rev Sunny. The bright red Frontier Services stall stood out like a beacon against overcast skies. Passersby stopped for a chat or a helping hand.

Showing up when it matters most

With a legacy so deeply ingrained in the community, Frontier Services will keep showing up when it matters most to stand with people in the bush. And in Birdsville, that involves collectively rejoicing at an iconic Australian event. Even if it means weathering a storm in the desert.

Because beneath the revelry are countless years of toil and untold stories. Like Bert West, a retired dairy farmer, who has been through the worst of cancer but is today appreciating every moment of life. With years of hardship behind him, giving up his free time to be among strangers in Birdsville is a welcome reprieve. The community and unlikely bonds of friendship are also what bring Hoppo to town in his big, pink Mr. Whippy van with his 11-year-old son, Lance.

The main event is an added bonus. A soaked and muddy track could only delay the Birdsville Races. The collective spirit, resilience and hope of people in the bush always comes out on top.