The hot plates are sizzling at the iconic Birdsville Races for the Frontier Services Great Outback BBQ which was launched this morning.

In its second year, the Great Outback BBQ is an opportunity for people to host a BBQ with their friends, family, work mates or community group to raise money for Frontier Services, which this year celebrates 100 years of support for people in isolated and remote parts of Australia.

“The Frontier Services Great Outback BBQ is your chance to make a difference for people in the bush,” said National Director Rosemary Young. “The money raised will help us support some of the most remote communities in Australia.”

The Birdsville Races attract about 6000 people to the tiny outback community each year. The launch of the BBQ kicked off at 8.30am at the Old Birdsville Hospital (which is now the Frontier Services Museum) before races began.

Race goers are flocking to the first Great Outback BBQ of the year which has on offer a sausage sizzle breakfast being served up by Frontier Services National Director Rosemary Young, Patrol Minister John Case and a team of staff and volunteers.

Tomorrow the final race of the meet will be the John Flynn Outback Dash Class 1 Handicap, celebrating 100 years of the work begun by Flynn, the man on the $20 note, and continued today by Frontier Services.

“Frontier Services makes a difference by providing essential services to more than 15,000 families in remote Australia. Our 1000 staff deliver more than 120 services – from the tip of Cape York, to the west coast of Tasmania, west to the Pilbara and in between,” said Ms Young.

“By hosting your own Great Outback BBQ in September you can show your support for rural and remote communities and help us raise the money needed to continue to provide a network of care and vital services across the outback.”

“All you need to do is get the barbie sizzling with sausages or fire up the ‘billy’ for a morning tea with scones and damper, then ask for a donation to Frontier Services in return. It is a fun way to support a great cause.”

Everyone who registers will receive a Great Outback BBQ Host Pack with invitations, recipes, fundraising ideas and other materials to get you started.

This year’s Great Outback BBQ is already gaining momentum – Frontier Services has received 50 registrations so far for BBQ events across the country.

Register now at www.greatoutbackbbq.com.au or phone 1300 787 247.