The Travelling Jackaroo Sam Hughes’ Southern Downs link revealed as he passes through Warwick

The inspiring story of a young man and his historic tractor’s three year expedition around the country to raise money for charity has a surprising link to the Rose City.

Sam the Travelling Jackaroo with his impressive ride in July (Photo: Facebook/ the Travelling Jackaroo)

They say a person’s car tells you a story about them, and how they take care of it even more.

For one young Queensland man, his 1957 tractor, adorned with hundreds of stickers, caps and even a small plane, tells hundreds of stories.

Maleny’s Sam Hughes, also known as the Travelling Jackaroo, has been crisscrossing rural Australia on his iconic orange tractor ‘Slim’ since 2021.

Slim the iconic tractor outside St Mary's in Warwick (Photo: Supplied)

Setting out aged 18, the now 21-year-old has seen a lot more of our country than a lot of people, while raising money for a good cause that has a close link to the Rose City.

The larrikin passed through Warwick on Wednesday on the final lap of his three year trip, returning home to the Sunshine Coast at a max speed of 50km/h.

Stopping by local business 4 Stagioni Pizza for lunch and parking next to the iconic St Mary’s, the young man was always welcome in the Rose City.

Sam the Travelling Jackaroo's impressive ride at Goondiwindi this week (Photo: Facebook/ Goondiwindi Holiday Park)

Mr Hughes’ main goal is to start conversations in regions where mental health services were limited.

The Travelling Jackaroo has been raising money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Drought Relief and one charity of particular note in the Southern Downs, Dolly’s Dream.

Dolly’s Dream is a charity set up in the aftermath of the tragic death of 14-year-old Warwick student Amy ‘Dolly’ Everett in 2018.

Dolly’s parents became anti-bullying campaigners in wake of her death and established the charity, a platform dedicated to stamping out bullying.

“We encourage parents, carers and educators to help create a safe space for kids to open up and have conversations about what is happening in their lives, and discuss any challenges they may be facing,” Mrs Everett said in 2023.

“My advice to other parents would be don’t be afraid to have these hard conversation, don’t be afraid of creating change for your child, it feels difficult now, but it’s for the better,” she said.

“When it comes to bullying, we want kids to feel supported and confident in speaking up,” Mr Everett said.

Mr Hughes has raised so far more than $250,000 for his chosen charities and is expected to be home this month.