TAC steps up to the starting blocks at the Stawell Gift

Date: 16th March 2017

MEDIA RELEASE: TAC steps up to the starting blocks at the Stawell Gift

The organisers of the Stawell Gift Carnival are delighted to announce that Victoria’s Transport Accident Commission (TAC) has been confirmed as a major partner of the upcoming 2017 Stawell Gift.

As part of the new partnership, TAC will receive exclusive naming rights to Australia’s premier 1,600 metre race, the TAC Herb Hedemann Invitational, which will be televised live nationally on the Seven Network on Easter Monday.

TAC senior road safety manager Samantha Cockfield said the timing of the Stawell Gift coincided with a major road safety push over Easter the long weekend.

“Easter is a time when Victorians love to get out and about and the TAC’s involvement in the Stawell Gift helps us get the road safety message out to thousands of people at the event and hundreds of thousands watching on television,” Ms Cockfield said.

“It’s important that we are always looking at new ways to remind Victorians that they are at the heart of our Towards Zero vision and that they have a personal role to play.”

Regarded by many as one of Australia’s great distance runners, Herb Hedemann won the Federation Mile and Grampian Stakes Two Miles on the same day in both 1912 and 1913. In 1958, the Stawell Athletic Club re-named the Invitation Mile in Herb Hedemann’s honour.

The premier distance race on the Stawell Gift programme has produced numerous memorable races, most recently when Kenyan Collins Cheboi won from scratch in 2011.

“There are a number of nice synergies with the TAC and the Stawell Gift. Just as our athletes are clocking up the miles in training to prepare for the TAC Herb Hedemann Invitational, many Victorians will be travelling on our roads, particularly over the Easter period.

“Together we can help spread the message to make every journey a safe one,” said Event Director, Ricky Marcy from Twenty3 Sport + Entertainment.

As part of the partnership, TAC will also receive benefits throughout the 3-hour live broadcast on the Seven Network, along with branding and activation opportunities in the lead up to and across the Easter weekend.

The Minister for Sport, John Eren, welcomed the announcement.

“It’s great to have the TAC on board for this iconic event.”

“The Stawell Gift brings tourists to regional Victoria, create jobs and keeps our economy strong and local businesses busy.”

“It inspires the next generation of aspiring athletes to join clubs and get involved in athletics,” Minister Eren said.

The Stawell Gift continues to be supported by major partners Australia Post, Cadbury, CUB, Telstra and the Victorian Government.

Opportunities still exist for sponsorship opportunities with the 2017 Stawell Gift, including Naming Rights. For further information on sponsorship opportunities contact Matthew Hughes of Twenty3 Group on 03 9864 2308, 0422 710 658 or matthew.hughes@twenty3group.com.au

The 2017 Stawell Easter Gift runs from Saturday 15 – Monday 17 April. Grab your tickets now at stawellgift.com.

Applications for media accreditation are open, click here to apply.

For all media enquiries, please contact:
Richard Welsh
Twenty3 Sport + Entertainment
+61 409 820 248
richard.welsh@twenty3group.com.au

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