Coolum gears up as A-team ready to rip in the Dunga Derby leaving Aussie World soon
An intrepid trio will take off from Aussie World in a loaded up four-wheel-drive to tackle the four-day mystery tour that is the Dunga Derby.
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Unashamed bush basher Michelle Stewart and her intrepid team really love it when a travel plan comes together … even when they don’t have a clue where they’re off to.
The Coolum Beach businesswoman will team up with Sarah Kimmorley and Adam Govett to take on a four-day mystery tour, the Dunga Derby.
They’re aiming to raise more than $2500 for Rally For A Cause, an event which since starting up on the Fraser Coast has provided more that $1 million for 130 needy families and individuals.
“It’s leaving Aussie World July 29 and you don’t even know where you’re going,” Ms Stewart said.
“It was just beautiful hanging out and meeting so many amazing people, just coming together and having a blast.
Last time she took part she and her good-hearted rally ratbags found themselves as far south as Tenterfield, facing fines from the Dunga police for rally infringements like hogging the radio airwaves.
Ms Stewart said there was a price to pay after the embarrassment of stalling her entry on a steep hill in front of a bunch of much-amused mechanical “grease monkeys”.
The 47-year-old graphic designer developed a passion for the derby back in 2018 when she went along for the ride as an observer.
“I went up to Hervey Bay just to check the rally out, because there was an opportunity to maybe bring it to the Sunny Coast, because it was so successful up there,” Ms Stewart said.
“It’s for families and individuals who are affected by life limiting conditions – life goes on and you still have to pay the bills, even though you’ve had to quit work to look after a loved one.”
Her team assembled in Coolum Beach Lions Park on Thursday with a couple of Dunga Derby rally enthusiasts and keen supporters including Linda Cunningham and her 33-year-old daughter Allyce, who has cerebral palsy.
“All the money they will raise goes to the Sunny Coast, so we want to support them,” Mrs Cunningham said.
“They’ve funded a kitchen for us, Allyce is one of the first recipients on the Sunshine Coast.”
Ninderry MP Dan Purdie has chipped in $300 towards the team’s cause.
“I’m keen to throw my support behind Michelle and the A-team because even though they’ve yet to hit the road, the charity has already provided much needed assistance,” Mr Purdie said.
For more information on the team go to https://sunshinecoast.dungaderby.com.au/teams/a-team
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