The Dunga Derby keeps growing in popularity year by year. Not just because it’s a terrific fundraiser, but because it’s terrific fun. Through all the bumps and bulldust, everyone emerges with big smiles. So, this year we wanted to see if we could conquer the derby and raise money for a good cause.

We called our team the Elston Brake Dancers. It was a fun name that suggested perhaps there were some talented dancers in the crew. There weren’t. Tracyann Potts and Damon Bensein who, just like me, are all famously blessed with two left feet, didn’t really know what they were getting themselves in for, but they were eager to try.

On the first day we travelled across to Paradise Dam followed by an afternoon of rough off-road tracks that took us through deep creek crossings and up steep hills. Eventually we wove our way across private property at Manar before finishing our evening at Boondooma Dam where we enjoyed warm country hospitality.

Day two was one for the early risers. We set off in thick fog before arriving at the Proston Car Rally Club grounds for an activity that has now etched our very own Tracyann Potts into the Rally Club’s Hall of Fame. The precision of her driving wasn’t immediately obvious. But when the clouds of red dust settled, it was clear that she’d taken out more wheelie bins than anyone else in the rally’s history. This achievement was celebrated with a few ginger beers at the Little Pink Pub at Dulacca, a small township that’s west of Miles & Chincilla.

Day three was spent at the Nanango Country Races where all the Dunga teams made quite an entry dressed in colourful costumes. On day four we stashed away the silly wigs and got back to some serious driving. This return leg took us through Kilkivan, Goomeri and Munna Creek before the Fraser Coast community gave us a warm welcome back on our final parade on the Hervey Bay Esplanade.

Above all the airhorns and sirens on our homecoming, we heard the amazing news that our fundraising had helped Rally for a Cause to reach the million mark. It’s a massive amount of money and much needed in a community where families are facing so many hardships.

We are extremely proud to have been part of this amazing cause. The team wishes to thank Elston as our major sponsor, together with our clients, professional partners and families who gave so generously.

We are also very grateful to our 2006 VE Commodore that didn’t miss a beat across all the rough terrain. We think she’s got another 1400 kilometres left in her for sure. Dunga Derby 2020 here we come! Keep an eye out for Brake Dancer auditions early in the new year.

By Donna Picton