Why Volunteering Is the Ultimate Way to Be Part of the Action
Published on 06 March 2026
There are plenty of ways to experience Rare Spares and Repco Rockynats 06 but ask any long-term volunteer and they’ll tell you the same thing. Nothing compares to being part of the team that helps bring Queensland’s largest car and bike festival to life.
From the smoke and spectacle of the burnouts to gleaming chrome of the show cars lined up along Quay Street, volunteering at Rockynats offers a front-row seat to one of the state’s most popular high-octane events and a chance to experience it from a unique, front-row seat.
Rockhampton local, Andrew Grahame, has been volunteering at Rockynats since the very first event back in 2021 and is preparing to return for his sixth consecutive year. A lifelong motorsport fan, Andrew’s journey into volunteering was driven by a love of race cars and being close to the action.
“I’ve always had a passion for sports and race cars,” Andrew says. “My best mate has raced super sedans for years and I spent a lot of time as part of his pit crew. As I got older, I realised I still wanted to be behind the scenes and close to the cars, but in a way that didn’t require as much of the hands-on work anymore.”
For Andrew, a typical day as a Rockynats volunteer is anything but ordinary.
“It’s always full of the best-looking show cars and bikes around this part of Queensland,” he says. “You’ve got people from all walks of life smiling, laughing and enjoying the one thing they all have in common, beautiful motor vehicles.”
What Andrew loves most about the event is the way Rockynats brings people together.
“It’s amazing seeing so many different people in one place, enjoying the sound and sights of what all of the entrants have poured their hearts into,” he says.
Across his years volunteering, Andrew has collected plenty of memories, but the once-in-a -lifetime opportunity for a helicopter ride stands out above the rest.
“Being offered a helicopter ride would have to be my all-time-favourite memory for sure,” he laughs. “I’d never been in one before and I certainly didn’t expect that as a perk when I signed up to volunteer. It’s something I’ll always be thankful for.”
While Andrew has always been a car enthusiast, he’s quick to point out that you don’t need to be a self-certified rev-head to volunteer.
“I encouraged one of my daughters to volunteer, and now we look forward to doing it together every year,” he says. “She’s not really a car person, but she fell in love with Rockynats because it’s a great way to meet people, make new friends and really appreciate just how much effort goes into putting on an event like this.”
It’s this sense of connection that has Andrew and his daughter excited to return as volunteers again in 2026.
“Volunteering instantly makes you feel connected to the whole Rockynats community,” he says. “Without volunteers, events like Rockynats simply wouldn’t happen. It brings people together and creates shared moments you’ll never forget.”
Rare Spares and Repco Rockynats 06 volunteers play a vital role across the entire event, with opportunities available in front-of-house ticketing, guest services, event set-up and pack-down, as well as a range of motorsport-related roles. In return, volunteers receive a range of perks, including a Rockynats volunteer pack, free access to event precincts during downtime, meals and snacks (depending on your rostered timeslot) and free training. Motorsport volunteers also receive an event accreditation that allows you event access outside your rostered shifts, an additional event pass for a plus one, and a donation made back to your nominated car club for shifts worked.
Andrew encourages anyone considering volunteering to take the leap and apply.
“You get to see Rockynats in a completely different way,” he says. “You realise it’s not just noise and dirt. It’s an incredible community event built by people who genuinely care.”
Volunteer applications for Rockynats 06 are now open. Apply today to be part of the crew.