Two well-known locals, David Thompson (Thomo) and John Stratton (Stratto) are busy preparing to head off on their 2026 Spring Shitbox Car Rally.
Travelling under the name the “Cow Cockies” they need to get to Adelaide and be ready to depart on 14 August, before tackling the unsealed roads through the wild interior to Darwin to arrive on 22 August.
They will be among 70 other Shitbox rally teams, who are also in their specially selected vehicles worth $1,500 or less.
Thomo’s decision to join the rally came last year in Port Douglas when he and wife Angela found themselves welcoming fellow locals, Anita Murray and Teena Hodder, across the finish line on their first ever rally.
After listening to girls’ stories and feeling their contagious excitement and energy, Thomo was on a mission to sign up for a 2026 rally.
Recruiting Stratto, the boys purchased their ‘shitbox’, a 2002 Toyota Avalon, affectionately called Helen after it’s one time owner, and began planning.
Both men commented on how cancer has unfortunately touched all of us in some way and were impressed to learn that since 2010, the rallies have raised over $50 million with 100% of money raised going directly to the Cancer Council.
The funds have been used for 63 vital cancer research projects.
They went on to say they feel extremely proud to be able to contribute to this cause.
The “Cow Cockies” team are grateful for the generous sponsorship from local businesses and donations they have received so far. They successfully raised the required $5,000 to ensure their participation in the rally and have so far attracted just over $8,000.
“We’ve got a couple of weeks to round up some more funds,” Thomo said. “We hope to raise over $10,000.
“I’m looking forward to seeing different country and meeting all different kinds of people.
“It’s a long way but Stratto feels quite comfortable because of my superior mechanical skills.”
Stratto says that he is not daunted by the distance or rough roads.
“I’m confident in Helen,” he said.
“She has airconditioning and a working CD player but we’ll still carry a couple of spares and a jerry can.”
He says his internationally-tested diplomacy skills should help them negotiate any sticky situations.
“There’s lots of rules around this rally and of course we’ll be following all of those.”
Both Thomo and Stratto have been inspired by fellow locals, Anita Murray, Teena Hodder, Grace Andrews and Anita’s sister Jeanette, on their success in the Autumn Shitbox Rally, congratulating them on their incredible fundraising efforts.
If you would like to donate to the Cow Cockies go to https://spring2026.shitboxrally.com.au/cow-cockies/donate, or look around town for their posters with their QR code or you can call into Halcroft and Bennett.
The boys also have on offer $10 cattle ear tag stickers, where you can write a message and it will be stuck on Helen to go on the rally.
These can be purchased at Halcroft and Bennett.
Enjoy the ride boys, we’re cheering the Cow Cockies on.