Graphic: Outback Car trek
After two years of dealing with COVID lockdowns and restrictions, an opportunity to get out and see some of the great sights of regional Australia is just what is needed according to Outback Car Trek CEO (Chief Excitement Officer) Bill Patrick.
Every year the Trek raises valuable funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, travelling through communities and spreading the word of our organisation’s great work.
After the 2020 Trek was cancelled due to the pandemic, and border restrictions stopped anyone from outside NSW taking part in the 2021 Trek, Bill said everyone is enthusiastic to get out this year.
“Everyone is champing at the bit to get away. Our interstate cohort have had an extra year without the Trek so they are particularly keen,” he said.
The route for the 2022 Trek has been announced, starting from Parkes on Saturday, June 4, travelling through Nyngan, White Cliffs, and Cameron Corner before moving into Queensland through
Outback Car Trek back on the road to raise funds Thargomindah, Scrubby Creek and Taroom. It will finish in Hervey Bay on Saturday, June 11.
“We’re really pleased with the route for 2022. Normally we’d have this organised more than 12 months out but with COVID impacts we were forced to leave the choice of route as late as possible to avoid possible cancellations,” Bill said.
“Normally we wait about 10 years or so before we return to a town, but the rule book has been thrown out the window this year. It’s been more than 10 years since we have been through these towns so it’s great to be getting back out there.”
“The trek takes place in the colder winter months so our participants like it when we can get a bit further north and find a bit of warmer weather.”
In the 31 years it has been running, the Outback Car Trek has raised $31 million for the Flying Doctor, including $1.526 million in the COVID-restricted 2021 edition.
“Most of the money we raise comes out of capital cities. When we go out to communities we don’t expect donations, it’s more about bringing a strong financial input and just as importantly the social aspect. We bring big smiles, fun, joy and excitement to tiny outback communities, and often lifetime friendships are forged between the city and the bush,” Bill said. “We’d really love to see you on the road!”
