As the Tatts Finke Desert Race celebrates its 50th anniversary, St John NT is preparing to support the iconic event for the 49th consecutive year, continuing a partnership that stretches back to 1977.
Paramedics, volunteers and support personnel will provide medical coverage across the 2026 event, with crews positioned from the Alice Springs start and finish line through to remote sections of the track and the Finke community itself.
St John NT acting Chief Operating Officer Craig Garraway will this year mark his 34th consecutive Finke Desert Race.
“While St John wasn't involved in the very first race, we've been part of the Finke story for almost everything that has followed,” Mr Garraway said.
“This will be my 34th Finke in a row, and every year I'm reminded of the scale of the operation and the commitment of the people involved.
“Planning and preparation starts almost as soon as the previous year's event finishes. Our volunteers and paramedics put in hundreds of hours before anyone even arrives trackside.”
Mr Garraway said the 50th anniversary race was expected to attract some of the biggest crowds the event had seen in years.
“Finke is an enormous operation spread across hundreds of kilometres in remote conditions, with thousands of competitors, officials and spectators making their way into the desert,” he said.
St John NT Director Ambulance Services Sam Kellick said spectators played an important role in helping keep the weekend safe.
“Finke is iconic Territory racing, but it's also campsites along the track, long drives on remote roads and thousands of people spending long days in harsh conditions,” Mr Kellick said.
“We're asking everyone heading out to make good decisions, look out for each other and follow event safety requirements.
“Drive safely, stay hydrated, supervise children and avoid unnecessary risks around the track and campsites.
“Every unnecessary incident takes resources away from competitors and others who genuinely need help. The best thing spectators can do is help us keep the focus where it needs to be.”
