An early date at the Speedway wasn't a winner for Kylie Murdoch. It was noisy and dirty and she wondered why on earth her date didn't play rugby like everyone else she knew. 

Fast forward and she’s now married to that date, and heavily involved in volunteering at the Central Motor Speedway in Cromwell. 

What changed was partly the excitement of the racing and the atmosphere, Kylie said, but it was equally the people. 

“They were so friendly and welcoming. With Speedway you have friends all around the country, everyone knows everyone. It’s really unique like that.”

Central Motor Speedway is a not for profit organisation located on the Queenstown/Cromwell Highway approximately 6km from Cromwell; nestled in a natural amphitheatre which provides excellent spectator viewing and is regularly known for the ‘Rumble under the Mountains’.

Ranked within the top ten tracks in New Zealand, it provides safe, fun family entertainment with local participants and Otago, South Island and NZ wide championships.

“Because it's located next to Highlands Motorsport Park a lot of people think that they’re associated businesses,” Kylie said, but the community asset (established 41 years ago) relies on public gate sales and race day sponsorships for funding. 

A committee of 12 and an army of volunteers make it happen.

Kylie’s Speedway volunteering started by manning the pit gate. “It's the coolest role. I get to see and talk to everyone on race day - drivers, the pit crews, volunteers.” 

She has continued that role while moving onto the committee two years ago and taking up the role of secretary six months ago. 

Most weekends and holidays Kylie and her husband Ivan, Amelia (10) and Finn (6) will be doing something Speedway related. “...I love the fact that it’s a genuine family thing. The kids are recognised as junior volunteers and it’s such a warm community.”

Central Motor Speedway brings a lot to the community and race days contribute hugely to the local economy, Kylie said. 

“We bring people in from all over the Southern region and they all want fuel, food and a bed.”

Volunteering means “you can meet great people, fill your bucket and you might even find where you belong”, Kylie said.

Volunteer South is a charitable trust that engages and supports both tūao volunteers and volunteers involving organisations and community groups in the Southern region of Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Volunteer South can discuss your skills and goals for volunteering and help make the perfect match. See Volunteer roles in your Wānaka App.