General News
17 April, 2026
Rally drivers gearing up for charity
A REGIONAL breast cancer nurse and a couple who lost a family member to cancer will be among teams from across the country taking part in the Shitbox Rally in the coming months.
The rally will see cars valued $1500 or less driving across Australia to raise funds to support Cancer Council, which will assist in funding research into cancer.
Brother and sister Chris and Rebecca Hay from Darlington have formed the team ‘The Haymakers’, aiming to drive in the winter edition of the rally.
The winter rally will see them travel from Mildura in northern Victoria to Townsville in Queensland, passing through Hawker and Mungerannie in South Australia and Bedourie, McKinlay, Karumba and Chillagoe in Queensland over the course of seven days.
Chris said close to 85 per cent of the course is on dirt roads, but they were keen to take part in the challenge.
“It’s something my sister and I have always wanted to do – one of these variety charity rallies,” he said.
“We had one which was unusable, so we got rid of it and got another VY Commodore wagon donated to us.
“We’re just in the process of getting it roadworthy thanks a company who came on board a couple of weeks ago and got us six brand new tires for it.
“Our first goal was $5000 to be eligible to participate – we reached that pretty easily, and I think we’re up to around $11,000 now with a goal of $15,000.
“We’ve got a few outstanding bills, so it should climb.”
At the time of publication, the Haymakers had raised $12,294.
Rebecca said it wasn’t just the fun of the rally which drew them to participate.
“As a regional breast cancer nurse, I have witnessed the impact that cancer research has had to both the patient and their family when navigating a cancer experience, particularly via improved treatment options and optimal outcomes,” she said.
“It is therefore a cause close to my heart and it also a present a fabulous opportunity to give-back.
“We have been truly overwhelmed with the support of the community, be it in the form of monetary donations, in-kind of prizes for our upcoming trivia night event, goods for a monster raffle and tyres and car parts needed to get our vehicle roadworthy or sponsorship – we are deeply appreciative of the support from everyone who has contributed in some way.
“We have even had Camperdown’s Carole Manifold make Christmas cakes which were then sold at the Southwest Regional Cancer Centre in the lead up to Christmas, with all rockers dedicated to our fundraising tally.”
Chris said all teams were raising awareness for cancer and encouraged residents to donate.
“We’ve all been affected by cancer in some way in many different forms,” he said.
“If people could dig deep and help us out and donate, that would be great.”
In Skipton, Dan and Mel McKinnon from Anywhere Crutching will become the Anywhere Adventurers in a BF Falcon wagon.
Anywhere Adventurers will be participating in the autumn rally, which has been postponed until July due to the rising cost of fuel and distribution issues in some regional areas.
The seven-day journey will see them begin in Port Douglas in Queensland, pause at The Oasis Roadhouse and drive down to Aramac and Toompine before crossing the border into New South Wales and visiting Louth, Narrandera and Dargo before finishing in Melbourne, Victoria.
Like Chris and Rebecca, Mr McKinnon said he and his wife had always wanted to participate in the Shitbox Rally.
“I saw it in Darwin 15-20 years ago and thought it looked cool,” he said.
“A few years ago, we had one of our workers die of brain cancer, so we thought it would be a good reason to do it.
“We thought we’d support it and raise money.
“We both don’t mind driving around and seeing different places in Australia.”
Mrs McKinnon said the cause was dear to her as well, having lost a family member to cancer in the last 12 months.
She said they’ve had a number of different ideas for their fundraising efforts.
“We’ve been doing Cash a Can, so we’ve been collecting aluminium cans and raised quite a bit of money doing that,” Mrs McKinnon said.
“We’ve had a fair amount of support from businesses we deal with as well – people we know through the agricultural industry.
“It’s mostly been rural businesses which have supported us through donations and sponsorship.
“It’s been fantastic. We’re very thankful.
“A lot of small businesses have supported us, and they’re all about supporting the cause as well.”
At the time of publication, the Anywhere Adventurers’ tally was $5018.
“We’ve had a few businesses donate us through our website,” Mr McKinnon said.
“It’s been hard for us to do fundraising – we’ve been in New South Wales for two months working, so it’s hard to organise fundraising when you’re not around.”
To donate to either team, visit www.shitboxrally.com.au/teams-categories and search their team names.