Tracie Murphy from Bangor has fond childhood memories of the Sydney Royal Easter Show; going to the Moore Park showgrounds as a family with mum and dad.  So for her, becoming a Show volunteer was a natural progression.

“Being a long-term Showgoer I’ve always had affection for it. I saw the opportunity to be a volunteer as a way to give back,” she said. “People save up all year to have a great day at the Show, and it makes me feel good if I can help them enjoy it without stress and hassle,” Tracie said.

What’s surprising about Tracie’s story is that she’s one of three generations in her family to join the volunteer ranks. Her father and son also proudly wear the volunteer’s green shirt, the reason behind affectionate monikers you’ll hear like Green Army and Green Machine.

“Dad and I were at the Show after Mum passed away in March 2009. As I was wondering how I could help him keep busy, we strolled past the ‘Green Room’. We went in and both signed up on the spot,” recalls Tracie. “We’ve volunteered every year since.”

Tracie’s son, Liam, was too young to be accepted back then, but as soon as he turned 16 he applied. He’s able to combine the Show with his personal interests.

“Liam loves our pet pug. His annual highlight is volunteering in the Dog Pavilion on Good Friday during the Pug Competition.” 

The National Roads & Motorists’ Association (NRMA) are long-term Show Partners and make the 400-plus squad, who enthusiastically give their time and expertise to help others, possible.

NRMA Group CEO Rohan Lund said the organisation was delighted to be a part of the 2017 Show.

“At the NRMA we help people every day, and we are proud to extend that help to Sydney Royal Easter Show visitors by supporting the volunteers,” Mr Lund said.

You can find Tracie managing the Olympic Boulevard entrance. She makes sure kids coming through the gates know that sometimes mum and dad can get lost. 

“I tell them if that happens, to look for someone in a green shirt, they’ll help.”