Billboards and posters are more common advertising methods for community events, but the Wandoan Camel Races are putting painted rocks to use in a quirky campaign.
The idea is the brainchild of Wandoan and District Kindergarten teaching director Trish Pitkin, who was on holiday when she came across the Bargara Rocks movement and wanted to put the idea to use in her own part of the world for the annual kindergarten fundraiser camel races.
She painted 20 Wandoan Camel Races rocks and hid them across the Western Downs, with the idea that the lucky finders would share photos of the rock on social media and then hide them again.
Now the kindergarten students have become involved, painting even more rocks to help spread the word for the event, which last year attracted more than 1500.
Ms Pitkin said so far about 45 rocks had been sent out into the community and children had great fun with the project.
"It's really good because they like going out and finding them with their families," she said.
"It's my goal to get over 100 of the rocks out there.
"I want to get them all over Australia."
So far photographs have been taken of rocks in locations including Taroom and Chinchilla, but Ms Pitkin is excited to see them go even further afield.
"We have a fair few caravanners that come through and some are getting involved… there's one rock I know of that's actually on it's way to Canberra," she said.
"It's really important people share the photos as well because at kindergarten we've got a map and are pinning the places people find the rocks, so it's a learning opportunity too."
Western Downs Regional Council spokeswoman for communities and cultural development, councillor Kaye Maguire said the hide and seek game was a fantastic way to get the whole community excited for the Camel Races.
"This is such a fun idea and what a great way to show our community pride in the Western Downs," she said.
"The Wandoan Camel Races are always a fantastic event and hopefully this clever game of hide and seek will spread the word to everyone that it's worth the trip in 2019. "
Anyone who finds a painted rock is encouraged to share it to the Wandoan Camel Races Facebook page.
The Wandoan Camel Races will be held on Saturday July 20 at the Wandoan Showgrounds.
