That is, if the regional community jumps onboard according Goondiwindi Tri Club spokesman Drew Fox.

“We want the Hell of the West not only to be a celebration of sporting achievement but of the town and district, and we want it to be fun, something everyone is keen to join in and enjoy,” he said.

“The Gourmet in Gundy is a perfect example of how a community event can ‘sell’ the region. We want the Hell of the West to be another event which will achieve just that,” he said. It all means this year’s Hell of the West will be ‘bigger and better’ especially if the community rallies around in support.

That doesn’t necessarily mean the Tri Club expect people to start running, swimming and riding, although the number of local competitors has sky rocketed over the past few years.

David Vincent and his team retired two years ago, handing over the reins to the Tri Club. “The race itself is “in great shape” and has an excellent reputation throughout the triathlon community. What we want to do now is add another dimension,” Drew said.

“It’s a great opportunity to involve the whole community and for Goondiwindi businesses to showcase themselves to a whole new audience.”

The Tri Club is working with Bruce McCollum from the Border Rivers Chamber of Commerce on a business plan. Together they will be knocking on doors to see how local business would like to get involved.

“We have lots of ideas and are open to any suggestions. We hope to get stalls and entertainment in the park on Saturday as well as Sunday to add to the atmosphere.

“If visitors to the town enjoy the experience they will want to come back. We might even attract people who may want to come back and live,” he said.