In this episode of The Outback Way Podcast, Helen interviews Damien Ryan about the Tatts Finke Desert Race. Damien is the Mayor of Alice Springs, and he talks about how he grew up in the town, and the wonderful outback events that happen in Alice Springs. He shares some background of how the Tatts Finke Desert Race (www.finkedesertrace.com.au) came to be, and some information about this year's race, coming up on the 7th June 2018. Damien also mentions the Parrtjima Light Festival (www.parrtjimaaustralia.com.au) and the Red Centre NATS in September (www.redcentrenats.com.au), and the Masters Games in October (www.alicespringsmastersgames.com.au). There are many reasons the sealing of the Outback Way is important for Alice Springs and for grey nomads and other tourists in Australia, but it's also especially close to Damien's heart due to his father's involvement in other historical road projects. You can find all notes and links on our website, www.outbackway.org.au where you can subscribe to our newsletter, buy our guidebook and download the app if you haven't already. Join us on Facebook and Twitter @OutbackWay1 Send your questions, comments and travel stories to info@outbackway.org.au and if you share your story, we may even feature you on this podcast! Thank you for joining us through the heart of Australia, on Australia's longest short cut.