In May 2017, 450 participants will take to the Australian outback in cars worth less than $1,000 to raise much-needed funds for critical cancer research initiatives.
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Next year the Shitbox Rally will follow the early explorer John McDouall Stuart’s third expedition and embark on an arduous 3800km seven-day adventure from Adelaide to Cairns via the Oodnadatta Track and Plenty Highway starting on May 27 2017.
From the temperate climate of Adelaide and the iconic desert plains in central Australia, to Queensland’s lush rainforest valleys and the picture-perfect white-sand beaches of Cairns, participants are going to experience them all in one week.
The rally will travel through Mount Isa on day five and local 2016 Shitbox Rally participants Emma Harman and Rebekah Moore said this was very exciting.
“We have been involved with the shitbox rallies for three years now and each time we have seen some amazing and remote regions of Australia,” Ms Harman said.
“Many of the participants of the rally are city folk, some of whom have rarely ventured past the city limits. Having it pass through an iconic outback town in the icing on the top of a great route. Having it come home is even better.
“We get to show off our town to the rally participants, and we get to show off the rally to everyone who has ever supported us through our fundraising efforts.
“Bek is accepted in the rally and I would love to do another rally. However we will need to change the date of Colours For Cancer if we are going to do the rally, as the rally ends the weekend of the Colours event.”
Ms Harman said with over 200 cars passing through Mount Isa it would generate business to the town.
“Firstly, they will all need fuel including their cars and jerries to fill,” she said.
“Secondly, by now the cars will have copped a battering and will need parts and repairs. Many bottles of oil and coolant will be bought.
“Thirdly the drivers may be dry as well so no doubt they will be stocking up their eskies for the last few days.”
Ms Harman said the main thing for Mount Isa was to simply be here and be a positive place to drive through.