From first timers to rally regulars, and teams realising a dream… over 150 drivers and 70 car teams descended upon Longreach earlier this month, wrapping up 10-days of fundraising as part of the Great Endeavour Rally.
In the tone of raising dust and hard-earned dollars, the annual rally raised over $685,000 for leading disability service provider, Endeavour Foundation.
Journeying from Roma to Cameron Corner (junction of QLD, SA and NSW), Tibooburra, Betoota, Birdsville, Big Red, and Innamincka, the rally wound up overnight with a dinner at the Qantas Museum Air Park under the wings of its 747.
For one Warwick resident, Geoff Lang, this is much more than just a rally – it’s a labour of love.
The local RACQ representative and truck dealership business owner of Transport Field Service, has been participating on the Great Endeavour Rally since 2016, voluntarily driving his tow truck, as a way to help others if needed.
“I believe in Endeavour Foundation and the wonderful work they do, and I feel grateful to be able to offer others a hand on the rally if they need it,” Mr Lang said.
“The rally has some wonderful supports already on the event, including the army and their range of trucks and skilled personnel, and a team of apprentice mechanics from Komatsu. Bringing my flat tray, just adds to that network of assistance so everyone can enjoy the rally, feel safe and finish.
“As a small business owner, I also really love how the rally allows you to get out and about, see some beautiful parts of Australia you’d not usually get to see, and chat with like-minded people along the way,” he said.
Nicknamed ‘Towsta’, the master mechanic also fundraisers for the event, teaming with his son, Tim, and daughter-in-law, Michaela, under the name of ‘General Chow’.
“We did a fair bit of fundraising in both Warwick and Toowoomba ahead of the rally, and we were really proud to amass over $25,000, which landed us around sixth on the national fundraising board. Thank you so much to everyone who helped us fundraise to help others,” Mr Lang said.
According to event organiser, Nathan Woolhouse, “the Rally has raised over $13 million in its 35 years, to help Endeavor Foundation support people with disability to live their best lives – like this year’s supported participants, ‘the Camerons’.”
“I have been camping and caravaning ever since I was young,” said Sunshine Coast Business Solutions employee, Cameron Nicholas.
“Since starting with Endeavour in 2007 and seeing and hearing about people’s experiences on the Great Endeavour Rally, I’ve always wanted to give it a go myself.
“As the rally was going to Cameron Corner, what better omen can there be, than having a Cameron on board,” Mr Nicholas said.
For the second year in a row, the fully kitted out Endeavour Foundation 4×4 team vehicle carried two supported drivers who had a driver’s licence and wanted to navigate the rally themselves.
This year, this chariot of choice was commandeered by Mr Nicholas and fellow Maroochydore co-worker and friend, Jaime Barling, as well as an onboard support worker.
“I’m so excited we got to go on the rally. I saw a part of the world I hadn’t seen before, especially coming from New South Wales. So, seeing so much of Queensland was wonderful.
“I also drove in mud, through water and over rocky tracks, and I really feel part of the rally family now,” Mrs Barling said.
But according to Mr Woolhouse, why have one ‘Cameron’ when you can have two!
Fellow Sunny Coast local and workmate, Cameron McNamee, also got the call-up; a long-term goal he too was delighted to be finally realising.
“I have a big interest in 4WD’s and off-roading. I enjoy camping and love things outdoors.
“I loved seeing our outback, going to Big Red and even getting bogged. But the highlight was going to Cameron Corner – it’s our corner,” Mr McNamee said.
Mr McNamee travelled the journey, on the Endeavour Foundation Troopy vehicle as a passenger.
With a focus on support and safety, the Rally once again provided a fun and inclusive atmosphere, making it appealing for all to enjoy and participate.
“For 35 years, we have continuously improved Rally safety,” added Mr Woolhouse.
“Each car will have a RallySafe monitoring system, to help keep us across the live progress of every team to ensure every team enjoys the experience and feels safe.”
