Outback trek returns to raise money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service

Almost every winter for the past thirty years, John Graham has set off into the outback in a V8 Ford hearse from 1966. His car was one of only three ever built and he says it would sell for a hefty price if he took good care of it. Instead, he drives it hundreds of thousands of kilometres to raise more than $250,000 for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Mr Graham participates in the Outback Car Trek, an annual charity rally for the RFDS. This year, the trek comes to Western Australia for the first time since 2014. One hundred and seventy trekkers in 85 cars will leave Geraldton on May 31 and travel through the Pilbara to Broome, then take the Gibb River Road to reach Darwin on June 11. Since it began in 1990, the trek has raised more than $32.5 million for the RFDS. “Trekking is hard on the body and easy on the mind,” Mr Graham said. “You get to see what a great country we have, and you appreciate how important the Flying Doctor is for the people of the outback.” Sydney-based Mr Graham has his own appreciation for the RFDS, as his mother and aunt were rescued by them in Queensland in 1966. He hopes to raise another $100,000 this year and is even holding a special “roach-tail antipasto extravaganza” for locals and trekkers at Mount Elizabeth on June 7. The theme comes from his trek alter-ego as “Captain Cockroach” — a nod to his early sponsorship by Gilbert & Roach trucks and to the NSW-Queensland rugby league rivalry. Captain Cockroach is just one of the many colourful characters on the trek. David Meyer, from Adelaide, leads “Team Cobber” — a multi-car convoy of family and friends in everything from Toyota Land Cruisers to a vintage Datsun 1600. Since 2014, Team Cobber has raised over $500,000 for the RFDS. “I treat it like fire insurance,” Mr Meyer said. “I’ll happily pay for the Flying Doctor in the hope that I never ever need them.” Bill Patrick has been the event organiser since 2008, volunteering almost full-time and travelling the country to plan the route eighteen months in advance. He says much of the trek’s charm comes from taking off-road routes and visiting small communities he would not otherwise see. “On a normal day on the trek, in the towns and villages, we’ll probably spend $50-75,000 (on food, fuel, repairs, and camping).” Mr Patrick estimates that trekkers donate a further $100,000 to local charities and community groups as they go. “(It’s) the sort of outside capital that just wouldn’t be available to these towns if it wasn’t for events such as ours coming through,” he said. Gascoyne Junction is one of the refuelling stops on this year’s trek. The town’s population will more than triple when the trekkers arrive on the morning of Saturday, June 3. The Gascoyne Junction Remote Community School will host a fundraising morning tea and raffle. “The kids get such a kick out of the vehicles coming through, it’s a real highlight for them,” school council chair Ainsley Hardie said. “It’s going to be a good country morning tea, with locals contributing and baking for the occasion. Then we’ll be sending them off with a packed lunch made with love, with Junction love.” Ms Hardie hopes to raise up to $7000 for the 12-student school. The funds could go to a range of a proposed projects, including shade sails, water fountains, or a school camp to Perth. The Shire of Upper Gascoyne predicts the trek will inject up to $15,000 into the local economy over half a day. “The RFDS is crucial for us, living 200km away from the nearest hospital,” she said. “To support the Outback Trek on a cause that is so important to us, and have them also give back to our community, is an incredible thing. “It will certainly be a memorable day here in the Junction.” RFDS South Eastern Section CEO Greg Sam said donations from the public are essential, with charities providing about a third of the service’s funding. “The contribution of the Outback Car Trek over the past 32 years is immeasurable,” he said. “Their support is vital for the continuation of our lifesaving health services to communities across the country.” For many trekkers, the sense of camaraderie is what keeps them coming back. Paul and Vicki Horner from Toowoomba have been doing the trek together since 2015. “We’ve just got a great group of mates, it’s a reunion every year,” Mr Horner said. “(They are) such authentic, genuine people. We not only help the (Flying) Doctor, we help each other.” Meanwhile, Mr Meyer is enthusiastically recruiting more trekkers — including his grandchildren — and encourages anyone who is interested to hitch a ride with a participant on next year’s trek. “We introduce the next generation,” he said. “You’ve got to allow for us old farts having to retire.”