Hay in South Western NSW is about to become the first country town to host the start of the Shitbox Rally fundraiser, as TANIA PHILLIPS reports.
After waiting for two years due to Covid, on Saturday March 26, 500 people in teams of two, in cars worth less than $1,000 (aka shitboxes) will leave Hay, NSW to take part in Shitbox Rally.
Seven days later, they will cross the finish line in Adelaide, SA having travelled over 3,200kms, successfully completing the largest independent fundraiser for Cancer Council nationally.
With more than $28.3 million raised since the rallies began, the $2 million target for this rally is well in sight with current fundraising totals at over $1.67 million.
The event is a bonus for the outback town according to Hay Shire Council Development officer Alison McLean.
“We got a phone call last year from one of the organisers saying they were looking at Hay as a starting point which is the first time that’s ever happened outside of a major city,” Alison said.
“There will be 500 people in 250 cars, leaving from Hay but its actually part of a really big weekend for us.
“With Covid we missed out so many events that now we’re just all desperate to get together as a community.
“So we will also host a Hay, Health and Booligal day organised by one of our local Community groups. This will look at health and wellness and connectivity which has been really important with what we have all been through in the past couple of years.
“That night we actually have Kasey Chambers performing out at the Golf Club to a sell-out crowd.
“This will be the first big music event that Hay has ever hosted and we’re really really excited about. I’ve seen a lot of live music and she is the best performer I’ve ever seen. She makes you feel like you’re sitting in the loungeroom with her she’s amazing.”
