• PHOTO: Darcie and Dionee take on the outback with their trusty Commodores.
The Autumn Shitbox Rally is just around the corner, and local council worker Darcie Holmes-Smith and her mother Dionee ‘Dee’ Holmes have decided to take on the challenge and drive through the outback in their trusty 2000 VS Commodore.
“Double Dees” are driving in memory of a family member who passed away in 2022, and will join the estimated 500 others who are travelling with them along the way to raise funds for the Cancer Council.
The journey starts on 12 May, where the two will take off from Newcastle before arriving in Townsville seven days later on 20 May.
It’s not exactly a straight shoot up the coast either, the rally will take them through the outback with stopovers in Nyngan, Packsaddle, Innamincka, Betoota, Yaraka and Hughenden.
In the lead-up to the rally, both Dionee and Darcie couldn’t speak highly enough about the support that Coonamble has given them in raising money for the cause.
“Coonamble has always been a great town and been one to help out,” said Dionee.
“Everyone’s been really supportive, the shire put in $500 dollars and a heap of people have been donating and buying our stubby holders,” said Darcie.
“As of this morning, we’ve just got over the $9000 dollar mark.”
Many choose to do the rally as a way to challenge themselves while also raising money for an important cause.
“I want to show people that you can step out of your comfort zone and do something that you didn’t think they could,” said Dionee.
“And we’re raising for a cause that impacts everyone and we want to do our bit.”
“We just wanted to raise awareness and some funds for something that impacts family, friends, pretty much everyone,” said Darcie.
Shitbox Rallies have been running all around the country since 2009, challenging people to experience the challenges and beauty of the Australian Outback, and to date they have raised $37,755,482 with this Autumns rally having already raised $2,145,949.
“It’s going to be an experience, it’s our first one so it’s a bit nerve-wracking,” said Dionee.
“I’m excited to see how mum goes, I’ve been up on trips up that way before but she hasn’t so I’m keen to be there with her for that,” said Darcie.
“Plus there’s all the different dress-up days and themes and all that.”
One of the major challenges that those taking on the rally face is the impact of the outback roads on their cars.
None of the cars entered are allowed to be all-wheel or four-wheel drive and it is quite common for mechanical issues to arise.
“We can change a tyre,” they laughed.
Upon completion of their journey their car, along with the others, will go to an auction to race further funds for cancer research.
Donations can still be made and links can be found on the Shitbox Rally website or on the Double Dees Facebook page.