OUTBACK CAR TREK SPENDS TIME IN CONDOBOLIN
The Outback Car Trek (OBCT) visited Condobolin on Sunday, 5 June.
After a COVID-enforced cancellation in 2020, the first in its 32 years, and the loss of almost one-third of its cars to the 2021 Victorian lockdown, the OBCT was back to full strength and ready to roll for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).
The cars and their crew made their way to St Joseph’s Parish School Condobolin for a delicious bite to eat and help raise awareness plus funds for the RFDS.
“Could today have been any more exciting?!!” a post on the St Joseph’s Parish School Condobolin Facebook Page read. “Thank you to our incredible P and F for catering for the trekkers on the Outback Car Trek and raising funds for our new school library space. “The food was delicious. Thank you to the staff and students who supported the day and a big thank you to the Outback Trekkers who raise much needed funds for the Royal Flying Doctors! “What a wonderful way to spend a Sunday!” the post concluded.
The OBCT is one of Australia’s longest-running and most successful charity motoring events. In the past 32 years it has covered around 130,000 kms and has raised over $32 million for the RFDS.
“Not being able to get out there to support them during a time of crisis was tough,” admitted Bill Patrick, who participated in his 18th Trek (13th as Trek Organiser).
“At the same time the RFDS was extraordinarily busy working through the pandemic to deliver emergency and clinical services to regional and remote areas, forming a critical part of the vaccination rollout.
“However, despite losing a third of the cars last year they still donated all the funds they raised enabling us to deliver a boost of over $1.5m to them, equalling the return from a pre-pandemic Trek.
“That speaks volumes for the spirit and generosity of the Outback Car Trek.”
Apart from their contribution to the RFDS the 100 car/ 200 person convoy can also provide a welcome financial boost for the many small towns they will pass through. Mr Patrick estimated that in years gone by a full complement of hungry and thirsty Trekkers would spend some $750,000 – not counting what they tip into the bucket if they hear of a local cause that needed support.
Although the RFDS is best known for outback emergency retrievals, the majority of its work these days involves vital outback primary health care. This includes mental and dental health, breast care, women and children’s health, drug and alcohol counselling and chronic disease screening, as well as GP and other specialist services.
“It is also a place that reminds us of our mission, supporting the Flying Doctor. White Cliffs is serviced by the RFDS South Eastern Section out of Broken Hill Base,” Mr Patrick explained.
“We’re proud of our long association with the Flying Doctor and this is an important reminder of why we are on the road. Many years trekking through the more remote parts of Australia have taught us just how vital a lifeline they are for those on the land and how much it’s still needed.”
Greg Sam, Chief Executive Officer of the RFDS South Eastern Section, paid tribute to the longevity of the Trek.
“The support of the OBCT is greatly appreciated in these troubled times and I’m sure they will lift the spirits of the communities and everyone they meet along the way,” he stated.
“Nationwide, the RFDS has a ‘waiting room’ of some 7.6 million km sq and during the past year we flew more than 27 million kms to help over 320,000 people, nearly one person every two minutes.
“A third of our funding comes from private donors who help cover the cost of maintaining and upgrading our aircraft, infrastructure, medical equipment and facilitating our clinics. In that context the contribution of the Outback Car Trek over the past 33 years has been immense.”
The not-for-profit Royal Flying Doctor Service has been taking the finest healthcare to the furthest corners of Australia since 1928. It provides primary healthcare and 24-hour emergency cover to 90 per cent of the Australian continent, via a modern fleet of specially equipped aircraft.
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