Melbourne Cup Tour goes virtual to visit Australians affected by fire, floods and coronavirus
The Melbourne Cup Tour kicks off the countdown to the race that stops the nation. And despite coronavirus it will go ahead this year — with one major difference. Plus: The tour’s 10 most iconic moments.
Victoria
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The Melbourne Cup Tour will be conducted as a combination of physical and virtual visits to nationwide communities for the first time in its 17-year history.
The coveted Cup will take in 27 destinations as part of this year’s domestic schedule, and will virtually visit fire-affected towns of Marlo, Buchan and Mallacoota in Victoria, Kangaroo Island in South Australia, Casino in New South Wales and La Trobe in Tasmania.
Melbourne Cup-winning trainer and Victoria Racing Club ambassador Gai Waterhouse is joining part of the tour with daughter Kate.
“The Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour is wonderful, it takes Australia’s most iconic sporting trophy to the people and I can’t wait to be involved again this year,’’ Waterhouse said.
“It will be great to spread some joy to communities who have been through so much this year, from fire to flood to pandemic, we all need something to look forward to and for me that’s always the Lexus Melbourne Cup on the first Tuesday in November.”
The tour will also take in Gympie in rural Queensland, the home of reigning Melbourne Cup winner Vow and Declare.
Virtual integration will include the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour team dialling in via teleconferencing platforms and talking with groups including schools, aged care and designated fundraising events across the nation.
If restrictions ease, the VRC hopes to conduct Victorian visits in October in person.
VRC chairman Amanda Elliott said it was more important than ever to share the iconic trophy’s magic.
“This year has been exceptionally challenging for all Australians. Devastating drought and
catastrophic bushfires, as well as a global pandemic have contributed to a sense of isolation,
uncertainty and in many cases financial hardship. This has amplified the importance of
community and connectedness,” Mrs Elliott said.
“In the year of the 160th running of our great race, we are looking forward to connecting with
people in a very modern way. To be able to share stories, celebrate favourite moments, while
raising much needed funds for a large range of worthy causes.”
The Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour will kick off this Friday in Moree, New South Wales.
2020 LEXUS MELBOURNE CUP TOUR DESTINATIONS:
Victoria
Melbourne, Nillumbik, Geelong, Donald, Birchip, Marlo, Buchan, Mallacoota,
Grampians Region, Horsham, Kyabram, Murrindindi/Mansfield Region, Fosterville, Bendigo
New South Wales
Sydney, Moree, Casino and Moruya/Bateman’s Bay, Malua Bay
Queensland
Brisbane, Gympie, Sunshine Coast and Mareeba
Northern Territory
Katherine
Western Australia
Busselton
South Australia
Kangaroo Island
Tasmania
Latrobe
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Originally published as Melbourne Cup Tour goes virtual to visit Australians affected by fire, floods and coronavirus