PRESS RELEASE: On the road again – The Outback Car Trek

Media Release 31 May 2022

On the road again – The Outback Car Trek
Big boost for bush economy plus millions to be raised for Flying Doctor

After a COVID-enforced cancellation in 2020, the first in its 32 years, and the loss of almost one-third of its cars to the 2021 Victorian lockdown, the Outback Car Trek (OBCT) is back to full strength and ready to roll for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).

The OBCT is one of Australia’s longest-running and most successful charity motoring events. In the past 32 years it has covered around 130,000 kms and has raised over $32 million for the RFDS.

“Not being able to get out there to support them during a time of crisis was tough,” admits Bill Patrick, who is preparing for his 18th Trek – 13th as Trek Organizer.

“At the same time the RFDS was extraordinarily busy working through the pandemic to deliver emergency and clinical services to regional and remote areas, forming a critical part of the vaccination rollout.”

“However, despite losing a third of the cars last year they still donated all the funds they raised enabling us to deliver a boost of over $1.5m to them, equalling the return from a pre-pandemic Trek.”

“That speaks volumes for the spirit and generosity of the Outback Car Trek.”

Matt Tosolini (38), one of the new generation of ‘Trekkies’, personifies that spirit of generosity. He lives and works in the Hawkesbury area near Sydney and is a Rural Fire Service volunteer. After a tough few years with fire and floods, he’s taking a break from helping people in the city to help out other people in the bush.

“Team 145 is named after the 1974 Volvo we bought and customised and consists of me and two old mates,“ said Matt who.is s preparing for his fourth Trek.

“We are a self-funded team with no major sponsor and have to scrap for every donation we can get. We even spend every night in the open to ensure every cent raised goes to the RFDS.”

“I’m a country boy, grew up on the land and know how important the RFDS is.
Love the Trek, the people on it and the cause that it serves.”

Apart from their contribution to the RFDS the 100 car/ 200 person convoy will also provide a welcome financial boost for the many small towns they will pass through. Bill Patrick estimates that in years gone by a full complement of hungry and thirsty Trekkers would spend some $750,000 – not counting what they tip into the bucket if they hear of a local cause that needs support.

“It’s a real leveller seeing the struggles the small towns and businesses are and knowing the Trek is helping them out does us all good,” said Bill.

“I remember in one town they were ecstatic because 10mm of rain had fallen. Puts everything into perspective.”

Last year the Trek threaded the eye of the needle between lockdowns in Victoria and then New South Wales and was not only cruelled by COVID but also by the weather. Hot sun and dry paddocks gave way to torrential rain and snow – literally four seasons in one Trek.

OBCT 2022 kicks off at the Star Hotel in Parkes at 6pm on Saturday 4 June with the traditional ‘Cut-a-Rama’ fundraiser – hosted by long-time Trek supporters, Just Cuts. Their hair stylists, drawn from Just Cuts salons across Australia, will be doing some wild and wacky custom haircuts – no style too outlandish, no colour too vivid – in return for a donation.

This year’s Trek is sure to offer kinder conditions. as it meanders north through the backblocks of New South Wales and Queensland and ending up at Hervey Bay on the Sunshine Coast – a trip of some 3,500 kms.

Day One – Saturday 4 June Cut-a-Rama Parkes
Day Two – Sunday 5 June Parkes to Nyngan
Day Three – Monday 6June Nyngan to White Cliffs
Day Four – Tuesday 7 June White Cliffs to Cameron Corner
Day Five – Wednesday 8 June Cameron Corner to Thargomindah
Day Six – Thursday 9 June Thargomindah to Augathella
Day Seven – Friday 10 June Augathella to Taroom
Day Eight – Saturday 11 June Taroom to Hervey Bay

Among the many highlights will be the Outback town of White Cliffs.

Although the RFDS is best known for outback emergency retrievals, the majority of its work these days involves vital outback primary health care. This includes mental and dental health, breast care, women and children’s health, drug and alcohol counselling and chronic disease screening, as well as GP and other specialist services.

“It is also a place that reminds us of our mission, supporting the Flying Doctor. White Cliffs is serviced by the RFDS South Eastern Section out of Broken Hill Base,” said Mr Patrick.

“We’re proud of our long association with the Flying Doctor and this is an important reminder of why we are on the road. Many years trekking through the more remote parts of Australia have taught us just how vital a lifeline they are for those on the land and how much it’s still needed.”
Greg Sam, Chief Executive Officer of the RFDS South Eastern Section, paid tribute to the longevity of the Trek.

“The support of the OBCT is greatly appreciated in these troubled times and I’m sure they will lift the spirits of the communities and everyone they meet along the way.’

“Nationwide, the RFDS has a ‘waiting room’ of some 7.6 million km sq and during the past year we flew more than 27 million kms to help over 320,000 people, nearly one person every two minutes.”

“A third of our funding comes from private donors who help cover the cost of maintaining and upgrading our aircraft, infrastructure, medical equipment and facilitating our clinics. In that context the contribution of the Outback Car Trek over the past 33 years has been immense.”

You can support the Flying Doctor by donating to the Outback Car Trek:
https://www.outbackcartrekfundraising.com.au/

– ENDS –

More information and the full Outback Car Trek route is available at:
http://www.outbackcartrek.com.au/

Footage/ photos/ interviews from the Trek available on request

Media contacts:
Nick Bleszynski, Media Consultant, RFDS (South Eastern Section)
0403 931 291

Kell McGregor, Head of Brand and Communications, RFDS (South Eastern Section)
[email protected] / 0407 583 854

ABOUT THE ROYAL FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE

The not-for-profit Royal Flying Doctor Service has been taking the finest healthcare to the furthest corners of Australia since 1928. It provides primary healthcare and 24-hour emergency cover to 90 per cent of the Australian continent, via a modern fleet of specially equipped aircraft.