QUEENSLAND’S Kangaroo Bus Lines is celebrating seven years of shuttle services to the Birdsville racetrack, raising more than $150,000 for the Royal Flying Doctor Service in the past by doing so, the company reports.
Two-time Sunshine Coast Business Award winner Kangaroo Bus Lines (KBL) is for its seventh year providing a continuous shuttle service between the outback township of Birdsville and the local racetrack, in support of the often life-saving Royal Flying Doctors Service.
According to the company it has raised in excess of $150,000 towards the charity in the six years prior and looks forward to building more funds this year with its ‘gold coin donation services’ running September 4-9.
Darren Webster, CEO of Kangaroo Bus Lines, says he’s thrilled with the response to the annual event and reflects on the seven years of fundraising.
“The Flying Doctors Service provides 24-hour emergency aeromedical services and primary health care to over 290,000 rural and remote Australians every year. So, it’s important to us to continue to raise funds so they can continue to deliver their vital work,” Webster said.
“The Birdsville Races is an event that we all look forward to every year. “We’ve had enquiries of interest flooding through our website as early as January, so it’s very exciting for us to witness the growth in attendance.
“Just recently we purchased four more large buses adding to our 133-vehicle fleet, so guests attending the Birdsville Races can look forward to even better and more comfortable service than ever before,” he said.
CHARITY SUPPORT
The staff at Kangaroo Bus Lines also reflect on the many fun and memorable stories that are experienced at the outback event, encouraging more visitors to attend and support the cause.
Virginia Peake, a regular attendee said: “We’d love to see more people of all ages attend the Birdsville Races, as it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience where people can support a valuable charity, be surrounded by great people, and enjoy the unexpected entertainment.”
“It was only a few years ago we witnessed a police escort of Pricilla, Queen of the Desert, riding on top of a trailer to the campsite; Darren’s face was priceless.”
CONTINUED SUCCESS
In light of KBL’s seventh anniversary supporting the Birdsville Races, the company continues to prosper with the celebration of their 40th anniversary and their consecutive win at the last Sunshine Coast Business Awards.
Webster said, “It’s an exciting time for all of us at KBL as we continue to exceed within the transport industry and strive towards delivering a premium experience to our customers.”
The Birdsville tour with Kangaroo Bus Lines is no exception to this high-quality service, it says. KBL provides an all-inclusive annual package for guests with luxury coach travel, accommodation, meals, entry to the races each day and a choice of exploration time to see the Simpson Desert and a visit to the outskirts of the Big Red.
Leaving from several locations, the KBL crew goes “above and beyond to make the camp stay comfortable and enjoyable for all their guests” the company says.
Photography: courtesy KBL