You may have heard about the epic Outback Car Trek, returning for its 35th year this 29 May to 8 June. But how much do you know about the amazing trekkers who have helped raise over $36 million for us? We spoke to just a few of the hundreds of trekkers who generously donate thousands of dollars and hours of time to learn why they go above and beyond to support the RFDS.
The Cockroaches Team: Generations of Trekking
How many school kids get to arrive at their school formal in a 30+-year-old car with a toilet strapped to the roof?
For Josh and Luke Graham, this was their high school reality as their dad, John Graham, would treat them with a lift to their school formal in his amazing trek car – and he continues this tradition decades afterwards with his grandkids.John Graham is one of the original members of the Cockroaches, founded in 1994. He first joined the Outback Car Trek simply because he loved driving, and it had a short waiting list. Little did he know that one trek would kickstart a 30-year-long passion…
“I instantly fell in love with the trek,” John explains. “There’s nothing like being out on the open road, having the best time with your mates, and fundraising for the RFDS. I couldn’t have been prouder when my sons joined the team, and I reckon my grandson will join us when he’s old enough, too.”
John has understood the importance of the RFDS since he was a child. “My mum, dad, aunt and uncle were camping in rural Queensland in 1963. My aunt and mum both came down with pneumonia, and it was pretty critical. The RFDS flew them from this tiny campervan in the middle of the bush to a hospital in Charleville. If the RFDS hadn’t been there, they could have died.”
John’s son, Josh, got an insight into this when the Outback Car Trek travelled through the Flying Doctor’s service areas.
“I didn’t realise how much the RFDS does for people in the bush. In Cobar, an RFDS mental health nurse explained why they support people in the bush. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room. At Hungerford, the residents said that without the RFDS, they’d have to drive hundreds of miles just for a simple check-up.
“The RFDS provides services that everyone should have access to, but they’re a charity. That’s why the Outback Car Trek is so important. So far, the Cockroaches have raised over $1.5M for the RFDS, but there’s still so much to be done. We keep trekking to help the RFDS make sure that no one gets forgotten about because of where they live.”
Jen Manning: Empowering women to get into the driver’s seat
Meet Jen. A fearless former nurse who left Sydney’s city life for an adventure in the country when she was just 17. Fast forward to today, and her love for life in the bush is just as strong.
The Outback Car Trek drew her in 17 years ago, and she hasn’t looked back. Jen was first introduced to the Outback Car Trek through her partner and Founder of Just Cuts, Denis McFadden. She is an irreplaceable member of Team Just Cuts and has helped the team raise at least $800K over the years. The team’s biggest fundraising event is the Just Cuts-sponsored Cut-A-Rama: the iconic hair styling evening that kicks off every Outback Car Trek. Just Cuts fly hair stylists from across the nation to give trekkers wild hairdos, perfect for turning heads along the route, and raising money at the same time.
Jen believes, “It’s an outdated myth that the Outback Car Trek – like many motoring events – is just for men. There’s a strong and growing number of women in our ranks, and we want to keep increasing this figure. The Outback Car Trek is for everyone. If you’re after an adventure in the Outback while supporting the Flying Doctor’s essential work, you’ll fit right in."
The Big Dog team: Passing on the knowledge
For Big Dog’s Captain John Gorman, aka Gormo, the Outback Car Trek is nothing short of addictive. “If you do it once, you’ll be hooked for life.”
Like many trekkers, the impact of the Outback Car Trek extends far beyond the trek itself. Fundraising events in the months before, like auctions and their annual Golf Day, are key fixtures that have helped them raise well over $500K over the years. Throughout the year, the Big Dog team also hosts a weekly trek prep session in teammate Rob Lanham’s garage for any trekker, regardless of which team they’re part of.
Gormo said, “The reason I’ve been trekking so long is because of the mates I’ve made. The weekly sessions are a bit of a bonding moment. We work on our cars, help each other with mechanical problems, and have a good yarn. Rob’s garage is kitted out with all the tools, car hoists, and gear you could need. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first trek and you need a hand figuring it out, or if you’ve been doing it for years, everyone’s welcome.”
As the Outback Car Trek enters its 35th year, it's this kind of support that helps bring new trekkers into the fold. And, hopefully, keep the trek going for at least another 35 years.
Are you inspired to support a trekker, or perhaps become one yourself? Visit outbackcartrek.com.au to find out how.
