Think about it – this is going to be great fun. Sure it’s not for everyone, those who don’t like to get their hands dirty or spend any time away from civilization need not apply.  For the rest of us, this may just be what you have been looking for.

This rally is for those that want to have an adventure, that crave something different, something memorable, but most importantly, it’s for those who want to raise much needed money for charity.

Many of us have been affected by cancer in one way or another. Whether it be parents, family, close friends, people we know or ourselves that have battled or are battling cancer, this all too common and the horrid disease has touched us all. We not only want to raise awareness and money for the Cancer Council, but we want to be able to offer support and a friendly ear to those that have suffered or are suffering.

This event is officially endorsed and supported by the Cancer Council.

How does it work?

Each team needs to raise a minimum (hopefully a lot more) of $4,000 to participate in the rally, so if there’s two of you it’s only $2,000 each.

Once the teams have raised their minimum amounts they are given up to $1,000 back for the car.  Teams are also provided with a $500 fuel budget with anything over that coming from the teams pocket.

What does it cost?

Very little.  We want to keep the costs down as much as we can as the teams put a lot of effort into fundraising, which is why you do not pay for the $1,500 for car and fuel.  What is paid by you, out of your pocket, not the fundraising, is the registration fee of $250 per person.  This is paid separately and in advance once your registration has been accepted.  We use this registration fee for a number of different things including all of your Shitbox Rally merchandise and other safety items, this is not a money making exercise.

Feeding, sleeping, drinking

This trip is not about creature comforts. This is a challenge, it will be dirty, dusty and tough. But it’s going to be an amazing experience and something that you will remember forever. We will be camping all but the last location. Therefore you will need to bring your own tent, sleeping bag and matress.

The final 2 nights we will stay in a hotel in Darwin. We have secured discounted rates for the participants and we will provide you with the registration form once you have signed up. We always choose a hotel with a pool bar so we can park ourselves at it all day Saturday and unwind.

We organise (where possible) all of your meals and all of your accommodation locations.  We will provide you with an itinerary that will list what we are doing at each place and the costs for everything.  You will have plenty of advanced notice in case you need to take care of your own lunches etc, you will know all about it before we leave.

Teams

As a general principle we say 2 people/drivers per team. The reason for this is that we may need all the extra room we can get for passengers of those machines that can’t manage the entire journey. We do have an exception to this rule, we allow a ‘hitch-hiker’ for those that want to join, but are unable to drive.

All teams need to raise a minimum of $4,000 to participate in the rally, so if there’s two of you only $2,000 each. So get onto friends, work colleagues, family and start thinking of some ideas to boost your fundraising. Cancer council have a helpful booket of fundraising tips that you can download here.

The cars

The only stipulation that we have for the car that you choose is that you spend no more than AUS$1,000 on buying it and this must include registration and roadworthiness. There are plenty of cars on www.carsales.com.au and www.tradingpost.com.au for $1,000 or less all inclusive.

Get creative and make sure you turn up in something that is truly memorable – it will make the adventure that much more rewarding when you are on the Savannah Highway, 200kms from anywhere and you are trying to fix a burst water tube with gaffer tape, string and pliers.

The cars are an asset that we will auction off or donate at the end of the rally so getting all of the cars across the line is very important to us, we will all work together to ensure we do.

Race?

It is not a race, but there will be a winner.  Prizes are awarded at the end of the rally.  The main prize, or 1^st place if you like will be judged on a number of factors including how hopeless your car is, how much you have gotten into the rally spirit, how much your team has raised and a number of other undisclosed reasons that I will generally make up as the rally unfolds.