A RECORD number of participants raised a record amount during the 10th anniversary Fraser Coast Dunga Derby held from July 31-August 5.
This milestone annual car rally was a celebration of community, camaraderie and a decade of building a more compassionate community as more than 260 ‘Dungarians’ headed off for five days of a magical mystery tour from Coast to Country.
The participants raised a record $727,800 for charity Rally for a Cause that raises funds for Fraser Coast residents impacted by life-limiting medical conditions or whose lives have been significantly disrupted by circumstances beyond their control.
Since its inception in 2015, the Fraser Coast Dunga Derby has raised more than $4 million to assist more than 320 local families and individuals during the toughest times of their lives.
"The 10th annual Dunga Derby was a fitting tribute to a decade of fun and fundraising," said Kerry Spencer, Rally For A Cause chair.
“This year we traveled more than 2,700km from Hervey Bay to Nindigully, across the NSW border to Caringa Station near Lightning Ridge, Pallamallawa and then to Murphy’s Creek before heading back home to finish with our traditional parade down the Esplanade.
“It was a rugged course taking many dirt roads and tackling mud tracks which presented some driving challenges. But we all got home safely after having a great time and seeing plenty of countryside.
“We are all very thankful to our sponsors, supporters and the community that allows us to raise what we have to help.”
When an unexpected illness or personal tragedy occurs, Rally For A Cause works with families and individuals to ease the burden and financial strain. They engage and determine what it is that would best help get that family through.
The Dunga Derby traditionally travels from Coast to Country to smaller rural communities where it provides a major economic boost for the towns and communities visited.
"Our policy is to always leave a community better than we find it and that was again the case this year. We were able to raise another $25,000 during the Dunga event for two special families we met along the way.”
More information on the charity can be found at www.rallyforacause.org.au
