Well I've just completed the Winter 2025 Rally from Perth to Darwin with my friend Wally, and guess what? Despite our best efforts to destroy it, the old Tarago has defied the odds and lives to fight another day.
She's travelled over 13,000 kilometers in 19 days and is in need of a little TLC after conquering the Gibb River Road through the Kimberley, and various other outback roads, but is good for at least one more rally.
This time around Judy and I will be doing the Autumn 2026 Rally from Port Douglas to Melbourne, and those of you who have supported us previously will know that the 250 odd vehicles in the rally must be valued at no more than $1,500 dollars! So the experience of driving these old bangers over 3,500 kms of outback roads is unforgettable to say the least.
It's not just the journey but also the experience of doing it with 500 hundred slightly crazy individuals who are all united in one cause - it's doing our bit to raise funds for CANCER research that makes this event so special.
My personal journey with cancer in late 2024 was totally unexpected and while I've been fortunate and my prognosis is very good, the process of going through treatment bought into sharp focus the benefits of a well funded system enabling ongoing research to identify new and less invasive treatments all the time.
I think its important to reiterate that every dollar raised goes directly to the Cancer Council and helps fund vital cancer research.
This is why we keep putting our hand up to be involved.
Your support, whether big or small, will have a real impact and is greatly appreciated.
TARAGONAUTS are fundraising for Cancer Council
They're doing what!?
Shitbox Rally is a 7-day challenge like no other. Participants drive cars worth no more than $1,500 through some of Australia's most stunning (and often rugged) landscapes, all in support of cancer research. It's not a race — it's a challenge and more importantly, a celebration of the power of community.
Yes, the cars break down, and yes, there are plenty of unexpected twists along the way, but that's all part of the fun.
The rally is designed to be a colourful and unpredictable experience, where teams travel in small groups, helping each other along the way.
And when the day's drive ends, we gather around the campfire, share stories, and reflect on the day's achievements.
This event brings together people who have been impacted by cancer in different ways — whether it's through their own battles or through loved ones. Together we'll make memories that last a lifetime while supporting the fight against cancer.
Donate NowEvery rally. Every dollar.
Directly to Cancer Council.
Box Rallies is the largest funder of cancer research in Australia — outside of the government. Every dollar supports Cancer Council.
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Leading development of a novel epigenetic test to more accurately determine tumour risk — particularly for tumours misclassified by current clinical tools.
Developed innovative x-ray hardware under $0.5M that produces MRI-quality images and captures 3D scans during live treatment delivery.
Targeting pancreatic cancer via anti-fibrotic NID2 therapy combined with Gemcitabine/Abraxane chemotherapy to stratify and improve treatment outcomes.
Exploring genomics to identify high-risk patients earlier and guide development of new therapeutic strategies — improving survival chances.
Advanced pre-clinical evaluation of sphingosine kinase 1-targeting agents as a therapy for acute myeloid leukaemia.
Advancing CAR-T cell therapy for extracranial solid paediatric cancers.
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Harnessing epigenetics for early detection of residual and recurrent breast cancer through advanced liquid biopsy testing.
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A new targeted therapy for resistant HER2-positive breast cancers.
