Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour to Cunnamulla

This event will be managed by Paroo Shire Council and all communication and marketing will run via the normal marketing protocols and sign off to ensure correct messaging.

Please be aware that all official communication, interviews, media releases, official invitations, and communication with the VRC and The Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour officials will be solely from the CEO or Mayor of Paroo Shire Council. It is important to follow processes established by the VRC to ensure clear and consistent communication and quality control of their brand.

Like council, VRC has strict guidelines that must be followed when promoting the 2023 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour and the use of some terms that are trademarked by them.

Exhibition

“Celebration of Cunnamulla and District Racing and the Melbourne Cup through the years”. Work has already commenced on the exhibition and the date allocated to put the display together and hang is the 4th September.

Working Bees

We are seeking business owners and services to clean-up the main CBD in front of your  shop area within Cunnamulla. Further communication will be sent regarding this Businesses may seek volunteers to assist on a range of tasks over the coming 5 weeks. Please advise if you are willing and able to be involved. Help and support will be most appreciated.

A range of fun competitions will roll out over the coming weeks and some of them you can get started on now.

Garden Display  

Hanging Pot

Potted Plant

We will be looking to Glam up Stockyard Street on the day when the official launch of the 2023 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour will take place. Remember bright and cheerful!

1. It is important for an Entry Form, to be completed.
2. Entries close 5pm Fri Sept 8, 2023.
3. Plant must be delivered to Stockyard street between 7-9am Tue Sept 19, 2023 & will be used for event decorations please label name.
4. Winners will be announced in the official festivities between 12-2pm on the day to the public.

Poster Creation

Design and colour an A4 poster that promotes the history of racing in the Cunnamulla district and the 2023 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour.

1. It is important for an Entry Form, to be completed.
2. Poster complete and submitted by 5pm Fri Sept 8, 2023.
3. Winners will be announced in the official festivities between 12-2pm on the day to the public.
    

Story Writing Display

Write a story about the racing you have experienced and what you like about Melbourne Cup.

1. It is important for an Entry Form, to be completed.
2. Stories complete and submitted by 5pm Fri Sept 8, 2023.
3. Winners will be announced in the official festivities between 12-2pm on the day to the public.

Hat Making

Terms & Conditions

1. It is important for the hat to be accompanied by an Entry Form, completed and a photograph showing how the hat should be worn on the head. Deliver in person or post to the Cunnamulla Visitor Information Centre.
2. All entries must be received by 4pm Tuesday September 12, 2023 to the Cunnamulla Fella Visitor Information Centre 2 Jane Street Cunnamulla, Qld 4490. 
3. No late entries will be accepted.
4. This competition is open to all milliners whether amateur, professional or student.
5. Your hat or headpiece can be made using any materials of your choice.
6. The finished headpiece should be suitable for our theme. The theme is "Celebration of Cunnamulla & District Racing and the Melbourne Cup through the Ages". 
7. It must have no label or makers name attached.
8. Each competitor may submit one hat per entry. You may enter as many times as you wish. Please complete the online form or print entry form for each hat you enter.
9. The hat must be designed and made by the person registered for the competition.
10. Judging criteria will include comfort, style, line, balance, weight, technique, finish and originality.
11. Judging will take place Wed September 13, 2023.
12. Hats may be collected from 10am Thursday Sept 14, 2023. We encourage everyone to wear their hats to the events on September 19, 2023.
13. Winners will be announced in the official festivities between 12-2pm on the day to the public.
14. Competitors may not publish photos of their entries online or otherwise prior to Judging which is when the social media promotion begins.
15. Winners will be published on the Paroo Shire Council website and Facebook pages after September 19, 2023.
16. If your entry was posted it will be returned to you on the week following 19th September, 2023.
     

Dressed Shop Window

The theme is Cunnamulla, district racing and the Lexus Melbourne Cup through the ages. We can’t wait to see what businesses and services come up with given there are so many great stories and successes spanning more that 150 years.

• Dressed window complete by 5pm Fri Sept 1, 2023.
• It is important for an Entry Form, to be completed.
• Winners will be announced in the official festivities between 12-2pm on the day to the public.
   

Creative Photography

Send in your best racing or race day photo or if you have been to a Melbourne Cup or a great Melbourne Cup event send that photo.

• It is important for an Entry Form, to be completed.
• Winners will be announced in the official festivities between 12-2pm on the day to the public.

Please email photo to: Beatrice.Todd@Paroo.qld.gov.au or print and post or deliver to Cunnamulla Fella Visitor Information Centre 2 Jane Street Cunnamulla Qld 4490.
 

Video Competition

Put together a 3 minute video that promotes Cunnamulla and district horse racing or the Lexus Melbourne Cup.

• 90 sec video or photo submitted by 5pm Fri Aug 25, 2023.
• It is important for an Entry Form, to be completed.
• Winners will be announced in the official festivities between 12-2pm on the day to the public.
   

Hobby Horse Making & Decorating Competition

This will be fun and we know there are some seriously talented crafty people in the shire and we can’t wait to see what you come up with. Then on the day OFF and RACING with a hobby horse race!

• Hobby Horses complete by Mon Sep 11, 2023 and delivered to PSC Office & will be taken to a location in the main street and displayed until the day.
• It is important for an Entry Form, to be completed.
• Winners will be announced in the official festivities between 12-2pm on the day to the public.
• Hobby Horse Race on the day must be entered by Mon Sep 11, 2023 for the draw on a separate Entry Form.
   

Arrival – The official party will arrive in Cunnamulla around 10am. They will meet the Mayor, CEO and Deputy Mayor at the Council building and Mayor Suzette Beresford and Deputy Mayor Rick Brain will look after the group during their stay.

11AM - Cunnamulla Street Parade

Cunnamulla has always put on a great street parade! A street parade is a great way for everyone to be involved in the lead up as well as on the day either as a spectator or as part of the parade. We encourage you to get together with family, friends, business, clubs, attractions, other events, or individuals and be part of the parade to add extra interest and fun. The parade is also a great way to promote and expose your business and possibly be photographed or filmed for promotion during and after event.

At 11am the Street Parade will begin at John Street at the intersection Louise Street. The parade will travel north along John Street and at the roundabout take the first exit along Jane Street. At the next roundabout the parade will end. Following the parade festivities will continue at Stockyard Street.

Spectators

The best place to view the parade and enjoy the entertainment along the way will be to line John and Jane Streets and then make your way to Stockyard Street for the remaining festivities which will commence at the completion of the parade.

Official Paroo Shire Launch 2023 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour

From 12 midday to 2pm a public event will be held in the centre of Stockyard Street to attend. Spectators are encouraged to wear hats and their race day best as the theme is racing and Melbourne Cup through the years. We hope to see some modern designs as well as stunning vintage racewear from both men and women.

This section of Stockyard Street was chosen over the front of the Shire Hall because of the stunning garden strip and the number of local food businesses who could be engaged to provide food and drinks to the public as opposed to engaging external contractors. It was also thought the compact area will build great atmosphere and the many windows will be decorated.

Lunch will be available from participating local businesses along Stockyard Street between The Hotel Cunnamulla and Jones Greengrocer who may choose to set up tables and chairs along the footpath. It is recommended you make contact early to see what’s on offer and make a booking.

Paroo Shire Council will set up theatre style seating along the road facing the main stage which will create the centrepiece for the event. This will ensure there will be plenty of public seating on the day.

Hospital Visit

We thank Director of Nursing Mrs. Tina Jackson from Cunnamulla Hospital who has welcomed the request from the Paroo Shire Council to have the 2023 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour visit residents, patients and staff as part of the official series of events on the day.

This is the perfect example of working together and accessing all areas of the community and shire where possible and practical.  We have identified the hospital as an area of inclusion that we will work hard to engage and include for this event and others in the future.

Sportsman’s Dinner – Club Boutique Hotel Cunnamulla- 6pm
BOOK NOW - On Sale Now!

Join us for the ultimate Sportsman’s Dinner to celebrate the 2023 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour and Cunnamulla & District Racing Through the Ages, 6pm Tuesday September 19, 2023. 

Officials from Victoria Racing Club (VRC) and a former multi-Melbourne Cup winning Jockey (soon to be announced) will be in attendance.

Trent Luckhurst is the VRC representative leading the touring group, and will conduct the Q&A sessions as well as speak about the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour, the trophy and its meaning to Australasia and the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

A former jockey whose credentials include, 2 Melbourne Cup wins, Inducted SA hall of fame, Australian Hall of Fame, awarded AM (Australian Medal) and South Australian Sport Hall of Fame whose name will be announced soon will participate in the Q&A component of the Tour as well as mingle and take photos.

Our Sportsman's Dinner MC’S are Paroo Shire Council CEO Cassandra White &, Paul Sawtell. Paul has spent the last 15 years working at RadioTAB. He started out as the producer of The Breakfast Show before moving into the hosting chair. He was also the original host of Sundays Past The Post. Paul, will share the highs & lows of Cunnamulla's rich & storied racing history, weaving together tales of the past & present, adding an extra special touch to the festivities.

In addition to words from the 2023 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour legends we will feature some home grown national and international racing identities through the ages including; Mr. Darby McCarthy, Mr. Peter Moody, Mr. T.N. Trevor Miller, Mr. Darryl Brown, Mr. B.N. Barry Miller, Mr. Les Ross, Mr. Darryl Ward, Mr. Barry Sheppard, Mrs Lorraine Nagel and the legendary Mr. C.W. Cocky Easton, Mr. Noel Thompson and more.

Despite there being over 4 million unique cities and towns across the world the 2023 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour will be visiting Cunnamulla. This historic opportunity has sparked excitement and pride in our community and our local racing industry prompting us to include celebrations for our own racing greats past and present.

Club Boutique Hotel Sportsman’s Dinner will Celebrate Cunnamulla & District Racing & the Melbourne Cup Through the Ages and feature the very best Club Boutique Hotel Cunnamulla has to offer – premium cold beers, bold wines, delicious canapes, and some seriously sumptuous cuisine in the perfect setting under the outback stars.

Club Boutique Hotel Cunnamulla will proudly support local horse racing via [Cunnamulla & District Horse Racing] with the meal proceeds being donated to the club. Raffles and an auction will also take place and be donated to [Noorama Picnic Race Club].

Tickets strictly limited and pre-purchase prior to the event only by 6pm Friday 15th September 2023 or when sold out. No tickets sold at the door or on the day. Tickets are non-refundable.Tickets on sale now. Get yours HERE 

Tickets are $85 Per person Include canapes, main and cheese platter, tea & coffee. Individual tickets can be purchased or a Table of up to ten are available. There will be a cash bar operating. Tickets on sale now. Get yours HERE

Where: Club Boutique Hotel Cunnamulla
Attire:  is semi-formal. 
When: 6pm Tuesday September 19, 2023

• 6pm – 7pm Meet & Greet & Canapes
• 7pm – Seated for dinner 

Let the fun begin – Along with words from Victoria Racing Club (VRC) will be a former twice Melbourne Cup winning Jockey (to be announced), Q & A session, Racing Trivia Round, Some Local Legends and more…
11pm Last drinks.

Stay up to date with the event by RSVP’ing to our Facebook event
 

Who pays for the visit? How much does it cost ratepayers?

There is “in kind” support from both the Paroo Shire Council, some businesses, clubs, and community members but the cash investment is minimal.

In kind means we are working together collectively pooling our resources, workload, staff, systems, skills, equipment, and knowledge for minimal cash investment by the shire or community with maximum inclusion, engagement, and participation.

The working group has worked hard to identify opportunities for collaboration and accessing existing systems, staff, and facilities to deliver a great event in Cunnamulla worthy of the 2023 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour event and showcasing our towns and community.
 

How much does it cost to attend?

Most events and activities being offered for the (2023 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour in Cunnamulla) are free and everyone is invited to attend. To ensure facilities are adequate to seat the crowd and have everyone comfortable we ask you to (complete a registration form). Early completion of the form will also mean you will get up to date communication as opportunities become available and event plans roll out.

The only ticketed event as part of the tour will be a (Sportsman’s Dinner) hosted at (Club Boutique Hotel) and the meal portion of the ticket will be donated to the (Cunnamulla and District Diggers Race Club).

There will be some (auctions during the dinner) and those proceeds will be donated to the (Noorama Picnic Racing Club). Anyone can attend the dinner but must pre-purchase a ticket. No tickets will be available on the day or at the door. Tickets can be purchased in person at the (Cunnamulla Fella Visitor Information Centre), from (Club Boutique Hotel) or (online.)
 

How can I get involved?

The best way to get involved is to

1. Make sure you complete your (contact details form) and submit as soon as possible so you are kept updated with all communication and promotion (“HOT OFF THE PRESS”) directly to your email, phone, or home.
2. Like, comment and share posts on social media to share the messaging with your friends and contacts.
3. Get excited about this unique opportunity that only 590 towns have had around the world in the past 20 years. Share that excitement with others to create a great buzz around the shire.
4. Tell your friends and family ASAP locally as well as away as they may take the opportunity to return to Cunnamulla for a visit. Remember they may need notice to get leave or (organise a trip) so the sooner you let them know the more likely they will be to return and be part of the fun!
5. Get involved in the (competitions) as they are a great way to participate and have some fun in the lead up and during the event on the day.
6. Register your idea, theme, business, car, horse, yourself or other for the (Street Parade.) Cunnamulla always puts on a brilliant parade and who knows this could even see you on the national news!
7. Register your interest in attending the (“Official Launch”) event in Stockyard Street so we can organise plenty of seating, tables, and ways for the crowd to be photographed with or near the (2023 Lexus Melbourne Cup or the Melbourne Cup winning jockey).
8. If you have a friend or family member in the (Cunnamulla Hospital), make sure they know a (special gathering afternoon tea) will be held in the communal room of the hospital so staff, residents and patients can be included. Tina Jackson Director of Nursing (Cunnamulla Hospital) and Paroo Shire Council CEO Cassie White have planned to ensure inclusion as part of the official tour.

If you are able to offer support as a volunteer, please make yourself known via emailing Beatrice Todd at the Paroo Shire Council office and let her know how you can help. Please be aware that Bea works Monday to Wednesday only so a response may take a few days but your interest will be actioned to the relative person and you will be followed up.
 

I would like to attend but require assistance

Please contact the Paroo Shire Council office or have someone make contact on your behalf. Every effort will be made to ensure your safety and participation. Be sure to outline all the details so we understand your needs and can do our best to find a solution and assist.

Disabled access to all of the events will be catered for.
 

How did Cunnamulla become involved in the 2023 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour?

Each year the VRC invites councils from around the world to submit an application to be involved in the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour.

On behalf of the Paroo Shire Council Beatrice Todd (Executive Administration Officer) put a great deal of effort into the application for Cunnamulla. Beatrice identified these opportunities for promotion of the Paroo Shire Council and for wider inclusion with the existing racing clubs, general community, businesses, and tourism.
 

What do VRC provide and pay for?

The VRC pays for all the costs associated with bringing the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour to Cunnamulla.

They bring the talent which is either a former Melbourne Cup winning jockey or trainer, a VRC staff member, the 2023 Lexus Melbourne Cup, security, and in some cases representatives from their PR Team and photographer or videographer.

The VRC will supply a list of the confirmed personnel who will represent the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour in Cunnamulla prior to the Cups Tour visit.[JL2] 
 

What the location provides and pays for?

It is expected that the locations for the 2023 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour develop appropriate events for their community to be able to be involved in the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour to their town.

Everything that is organised for the town is paid for by the town. To get the most from the experience and event in Cunnamulla we are asking that the Paroo Shire Council and the community work together.

Everyone will benefit from the 2023 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour coming to Cunnamulla and the subsequent media exposure. There are many opportunities for promotion of the towns racing history, businesses, attractions, services, and people.
 

Who will travel with the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour to Cunnamulla?

The VRC will supply a list of the confirmed personnel who will represent the 2023 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour in Cunnamulla a couple of weeks prior to the Cups Tour visit.
 

Street Closures

Street closures on the day (Tuesday 19th September 2023) will be kept to a minimum and most will be rolling closures and will relate to the street parade. Rolling means that once the parade passes the roads will open quickly behind the parade with minimal disruption to the public.

Stockyard Street will be closed from the roundabout on the Northern end to the intersection of Louise Street from 7.30am to set up for the official festivities to welcome the VRC and the 2023 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour to Cunnamulla as part of its promotion tour.

Access to Businesses in Stockyard Street will be available via foot and alternative routes will be provided for Mail Contractors and deliveries.
 

What time does everything start?

The day’s events kick off at 11am with the Street Parade which will depart from outside the Bowling Club on John Street. The Official launch of the 2023 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour will be held in Stockyard Street between Jones Greengrocer and the Cunnamulla Hotel corner from 12pm – 2pm. Local businesses along this section of Stockyard Street will be invited to be involved by providing seating tables food and drink to the public along their section of footpath. This is still a work in progress and there will be some more planning involved to ensure the setup and pull down does not disrupt public access on the day of the event.
 

What time does everything finish?

The official launch event finishes at 2pm and the official party will depart with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor to complete the other scheduled activities as part of their visit. A Sportsman’s dinner will commence from 6pm at Club Boutique Hotel which is a ticketed event.
 

Toilets

As this is a street event the closest and most practical toilet facilities will be in (Bob Poncho Park) directly opposite the event on the corner of Jane and Stockyard Streets.
 

Emergency procedures

TBA
 

Insurance

Paroo Shire Council will be covering insurance for the event which will include an overarching cover for all activities and participants involved in the festivities for Cunnamulla’s hosting of the 2023 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour.

You are not required to take out insurance individually unless you personally choose to including for the street parade.
 

About the Trophy

The Tour deleation will always travel with the Lexus Melbourne Cup trophy, and it will be accompanied by security organised by the VRC for all activities. At some events the community will have the opportunity to hold the trophy wearing a white glove supplied by the VRC.

Lexus Melbourne Cup Trophy:

• The Victoria Racing Club (VRC) announced earlier this year that the 18-carat gold Lexus Melbourne Cup trophy is now valued at $600,000, making it one of the most prized trophies in world sport.
• The Lexus Melbourne Cup is 18 carat yellow gold and weighs 3.8 kilograms. It is entirely handcrafted, consisting of a bowl with three handles, atop an ornamental stem and base all in 100% Australian gold on a wooden plinth made of Western Australian Jarrah
• It is precision handcrafted in Australia by master craftsmen at W.J Sanders & Company on behalf of its Pallion sister company ABC Bullion using timeworn bespoke traditional techniques and specially crafted tooling.
• All components of the Lexus Melbourne Cup are Australian sourced including gold from the Newcrest Cadia Gold Mine near Orange in New South Wales and Western Australian Jarrah for the plinth.
• This trophy is to be presented to the winning owners of the Lexus Melbourne Cup and is a reciprocal trophy, with a new Lexus Melbourne Cup crafted each year.
• The trophy is known as the ‘Loving Cup’ due to its design, the three handles symbolizing the relationship between the winning jockey, trainer and owner.
• The Cup is also known as the ‘People’s Cup’ due to its engagement in hundreds of community events across Australia, New Zealand and other countries around the world
   

About the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour

• 2023 marks the 21st annual Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour, which has seen the coveted trophy travel over 900,000 kilometres, visit more than 590 destinations, engage with tens of thousands of people and raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for local fundraising initiatives.
• This year the VRC received a record number of applications, with 99 communities across Australia and the world applying to host the People’s Cup on tour.
• A record 41 destinations will play host to the 2023 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour, with the final route spanning seven countries including Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Hong Kong and Japan.
• The Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour (LMCT) officially kicked off on Saturday June 10 when the iconic trophy began its 150-day tour taking in the sights of the Japanese metropolis Tokyo.
• So far, the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour has visited Japan, New Zealand, United Kingdom, South Australia, the Kimberly region in Western Australia and Outback Queensland as part of its 150-day world tour.
• Cunnamulla will also be part of this year’s Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour National Sweep which has become an important addition to the tour in recent years.
• Introduced in 2019, the sweep sees 24 rural and regional tour destinations across Australia allocated a barrier for the Lexus Melbourne Cup, with the town which draws the barrier of the Cup-winning horse presented with a cash prize of $50,000 to be contributed to a nominated charity for a local community initiative. 
• The Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour brings communities together in celebration of the ‘People’s Cup’ and the rich 162-year history of the Melbourne Cup, relaying the stories and heroes intrinsically linked with the iconic race.  
   

Photography

Several photo booths will be themed and set up to capture what will be a once in a lifetime moment for many in the community.

Paroo Shire Council will call for volunteer official local photographers and videographers for the event to capture as many of the moments and people during the Cup Visit as possible. This will assist us to adhere to the security protocols of the 2023 Lexus Melbourne Cup Trophy and will allow the maximum number of people, activities, and moments to be captured. We are also asking the rights to these photos and videos are handed over so they can be used in further promotion post the event.

The photos will later be posted onto the Paroo Shire Council and the Cunnamulla Visitor Information Centre websites and social media where you will be able to download and share. We will notify the community once the images are loaded after the event so you may access.
 

If I send photos or equipment, will I get them back?

Everything will be packaged and sent back to its owner from the 19th October 2023 unless it was donated.
 

What happens to the exhibition after the event?

The exhibition will be pulled down after 30 days as the Regional Gallery has other exhibitions booked in.

There is a school of thought that the collections could be stored or displayed in a temporary location and could be a work in progress that would later be moved to a suitable location like Cunnamulla Racecourse. Funding could be sought, and a great permanent historical display could be another point of the town’s history.