Mallee Rally
Sea Lake is the home of the Mallee Rally, each Queens Birthday long weekend.
The event is run by the Sea Lake Off Road Club.
Sea Lake Off Road Club Inc
The 2007 George Bailey Mallee Rally was an outstanding event built on the traditions of the past 34 years.
The Sea Lake Off Road Club Inc took over the organising and promotion of the Sea Lake Mallee Rally in 1987 and, through a down-to-earth approach, hard work and dedication, has seen this unique event move successfully to what it is today. The committee is comprised of primarily local competitive off roaders. With their expertise and understanding of the needs of the competitors, they have been able to host this exciting rally, drawing competitors from all over Australia. The Committee not only organises this event, but the majority of its members compete in the event also.
This committee organises the event from scratch, not only the required paperwork for the competitors but toilets, chairs, marquees, 100's of volunteers, bunting, radios, radio operators, starters, commentators, timekeepers and CAMS (Confederation of Australian Motor Sport) officials. In addition to all this, the local businesses and landowners band together with their tractors, graders, fire trucks, steel posts and of course their invaluable time to mark and maintain the track.
The Sea Lake Mallee Rally is the second longest running off road event in Australia. The track, 7km north of Sea Lake, runs around Lake Tyrrell (the second largest salt lake in Victoria) and is 88km long. The competitors must complete 4 laps of this gruelling track. The challenge lies in the way in which the surface of the track varies, from high-speed grass to sand, salt and clay, not to mention the numerous gates and trees that the competitors must navigate to finish.
The Mallee Rally is held annually during the Queens Birthday Long Weekend in June. It starts with the Friday Night spectacular at the Sea Lake Recreation Reserve consisting of live band, jumping castle, merry-go-round, a static display of off road vehicles and fireworks.
On Saturday we move out to the track (travel north on the Robinvale Road), for the prologue (time trials) and a 'dash for cash'.
Sunday is race day - 4 laps of grueling racing around the 88km track!
Not only does the Sea Lake Off Road Club organise the Sea Lake Mallee Rally but members band together to ensure that the shores of Lake Tyrrell are preserved in a strong partnership with Parks Victoria. Every second year a scenic drive is conducted around the Lake with a 22 seater bus filled to capacity and approx 30 4WD vehicles tagging along behind. This Scenic Drive (21st Sept 2008) aims to ensure that the shores of Lake Tyrrell are only used with the knowledge and cooperation of Parks Victoria, whilst providing an insight into this fantastic natural environment. As part of the 2007 event this Scenic Drive was conducted in September and culminated in the unveiling of a plinth at the Recreation Reserve which honoured past directors and winners. (And contains extra space for the next 34 years!!)
In 2007 the Sea Lake Mallee Rally changed its name for a one time event in honour of George (Gordon) Bailey, who has been Director for the past 20 years. For recognition of this great achievement George was recently inducted into CAMS (Confederation of Australian Motor Sport) Hall of Fame.
A further innovation for 2007 was the family fun night on the Friday night of scrutineering. This provided great entertainment for all involved and drew a large crowd of local and extended community to enjoy the novelty and camaraderie of off road racing.