Shitboxes Rally for serious cause

Shitbox Rally teams, outside the Back O’Bourke Information Centre – Jarrad Bryce, Shelley Robson, Jodi Hansson, Ange Bowerman, Taylor Hannan, Jamie Scott, Paddy Hore, Simon Perry, Ryan Rose, Rodney “Boyo”. Front l-r: Seid Ali, Jake Kerr, Ben Smith, Sharon Nichols. Photo: Beverley Callow

Story and photo by Beverley Callow

A wave of rock stars in wildly decorated shitboxes descended on Bourke on Sunday morning, with locals forgiven for thinking a fancy dress party had driven into town.

Almost 250 teams taking part in the annual Shitbox Rally passed through Bourke, stopping at the Visitor Information Centre and various local businesses on their way from Mildura to Townsville.

Behind the costumes, wigs and car stickers is the serious purpose – participants are raising money for the Cancer Council by driving cars worth less than $1,500 across some of Australia’s most remote outback roads.

Sydney participant Paddy Hore, who is travelling with teammate Simon in team Muppets, said every team must raise at least $5,000 before being allowed to take part.

“Every team has to raise a minimum of $5,000 to qualify to be on the rally, but a lot of teams raise a lot more than that.” […]

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