Behind the Scenes with Motorsport Australia Officials at the Australian Grand Prix

Motorsport events are supported by a dedicated cohort of officials who ensure everything operates seamlessly behind the scenes. At the 2025 Formula 1 Louis Vuitton Australian Grand Prix, pivotal roles are filled by seasoned professionals such as Kaye Callander, Assistant Clerk of Course, and Emily-Kate Williams, the Event’s Assistant Secretary. Their respective journeys into officiating, coupled with the enthusiasm they exhibit, underscore the essential role that volunteer officials play in the sport.

In 2025, women accounted for nearly 30% of Motorsport Australia Officials at the Formula 1 Louis Vuitton Australian Grand Prix. The involvement of individuals like Kaye and Emily-Kate signals a growing trend of women making significant contributions in the realm of motorsport.

From admin to trackside: Emily-Kate Williams

Emily-Kate Williams transformed her passion for motorsport into an active volunteering career. After completing an internship with Supercars, she immersed herself in the administrative aspects of motorsport, progressing through various officiating positions.

“Following my internship, I delved into race operations and administration,” Emily-Kate shared.

“I started volunteering at events, taking on roles such as a flag marshal, pit lane official, and scrutineer. Eventually, I transitioned to stewarding and now serve as the Assistant Secretary of the Event.”

Her duties include disseminating essential information like grid sheets and race timings, ensuring that officials stay informed and operations proceed without a hitch. Working diligently behind the scenes, she is integral to event coordination, guaranteeing the right information reaches the appropriate personnel promptly.

Though she only began her officiating journey in 2022, Emily-Kate is already leaving her mark.

“This is my second Grand Prix in this position, and I’m thrilled to continue expanding my experience and connecting with more individuals in the sport.”

Decades of expertise: Kaye Callander

In contrast to Emily-Kate, Kaye Callander has dedicated over 30 years to motorsport. Her journey commenced in 1993 when a colleague invited her to volunteer at a local event. Since that time, she has progressed through numerous roles, from trackside flag marshal to sector marshal, eventually moving into race control.

“My debut event was at Amaroo Park, and I haven’t looked back since,” recalled Kaye.

“I’ve served as a communications chief, emergency coordinator, and now as the Assistant Clerk of Course.”

“I’ve been privileged to officiate at significant events, including IndyCar on the Gold Coast in the past, as well as serving as Clerk of Course and Deputy Clerk of Course at Supercars events nationwide, and Deputy Race Director for GTWC Australia.”

In her role as Assistant Clerk of Course at the Australian Grand Prix, Kaye manages race control operations, making sure the event adheres to its schedule and promptly addressing any track incidents.

“From race control, we coordinate the response teams, dispatch recovery and medical vehicles, and ensure that the race schedule stays on track while safeguarding our officials and drivers at all times. Race control is the heartbeat of the event.”

Having extensive experience, Kaye has witnessed the growth of the motorsport officiating community.

“The best aspect is the people. You forge lifelong friendships in this sport. It genuinely feels like a motorsport family.”

For both Emily-Kate and Kaye, officiating transcends logistics; it’s about immersing oneself in the action.

“There’s nothing quite like the thrill of an event,” Emily-Kate stated.

“From the early mornings to the final chequered flag, there’s an energy that makes every Grand Prix memorable.”

Kaye cherishes some of her most unforgettable moments, which she experienced behind the scenes.

“One of my favourite memories was riding around Eastern Creek in a Ferrari F40 with Sir Stirling Moss. Another highlight was travelling around Bathurst in an army tank. Motorsport has taken me to astonishing places and granted me remarkable experiences.”

Advice for aspiring officials

For anyone keen to get involved, Emily-Kate recommends newcomers explore various disciplines.

“Don’t confine yourself to just one area; try rallying, circuit racing, and off-road events. Club and state rounds provide excellent learning opportunities and will help you build the skills needed for larger events.”

Kaye concurs, adding, “Just go for it. It’s the best seat in the house.”

Get involved

Officials form the backbone of motorsport events, and there are numerous opportunities to join in the action. Whether your interests lie in race administration, trackside roles, or working within race control, becoming an official is an exhilarating and rewarding way to be part of the motorsport scene.

With over 12,000 accredited officials, Motorsport Australia offers various pathways for motorsport enthusiasts to get engaged and make an impact.

For further information on how to become a volunteer official, visit motorsport.org.au/officials.