Ipswich Hospital Foundation Continues Partnership

The Coates Hire Ipswich 360 is a signature event for the Ipswich community and the V8 Supercars family is giving something back to the host city through an ongoing charity partnership with the Ipswich Hospital Foundation.

The Foundation is the official charity partner of the Coates Hire Ipswich 360 for its second year, and will use the opportunity to promote healthy decisions for individuals and the community.

V8 Supercars Director of Promoted Events Mark Perry said V8 Supercars was thrilled to be supporting such a vital community organisation.

"We enjoyed partnering with the Ipswich Hospital Foundation in 2012, and are delighted they're back on board this year reminding event goers to slip, slop, and slap while they're at Queensland Raceway," Perry said. 

"Our official charity partners are invited to collect donations during the event, and we encourage the Ipswich community to dig deep and give generously to the Ipswich Hospital Foundation as they are an integral part of the local community." 

Ipswich Hospital Foundation Chief Executive Officer Tom Yates has some health tips for those looking to enjoy the weekend's on track action. 

"Don't rely upon just watching sport – get out and do something too," he said. 

"But while you're watching, make sure you're protected from the sun, and that you protect your hearing, and your eyes with sunglasses. If you've forgotten sunscreen, and need ear plugs, track down our volunteers who will be able to help you out." 

Yates said the partnership offered great opportunities for his organisation to raise awareness about healthy living for individuals and the community through the Foundation's 'Healthy You Healthy We' program. 

"Last year was the first year of this partnership and it was a great opportunity for us to get out into the community and introduce ourselves to a wider audience. Our core business is improving the health of our community by promoting healthy living," he said. 

"We're looking to build on last year's efforts through what we've learned. So we have more volunteers on hand to give out sunscreen, to sell earplugs, to educate people on healthier lifestyle options, and to collect donations to help the Ipswich Hospital Foundation continue its role in the community.

"There are two aspects of our approach to improving the health of our community. 'Healthy You' encourages individuals to take responsibility for their own health – whether that be exercise, eating more nutritious foods, applying sunscreen, making sure you receive proper health check ups.

"What we can do is provide motivation, opportunity, and accurate information – there's a lot of stuff that goes out there into the world these days that isn't all that accurate.

"Through 'Healthy We' we support health research, the development of health facilities, and provide resources for community groups promoting healthy events.

"I want to thank V8 Supercars and Coates Hire for considering the health of the community and providing some fantastic racing events for locals to see."

The Coates Hire Ipswich 360 is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland as part of a growing calendar of sporting, cultural and regional events throughout the state.

Tickets for the Coates Hire Ipswich 360 can be purchased through ticketek.com.au. There are new family and junior pricing options for racegoers aged between 13-17 and kids aged 12 and under receive free entry with a paying adult.