Anthony Campagnolo: Townsville man living with disability to take part in Endeavour Foundation rally
It’s been more than 20 years in the making but now a Townsville man living with disability will finally tick an epic 15,000km journey off his bucket list.
Townsville
Don't miss out on the headlines from Townsville. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A Townsville man living with disability will finally get the chance to tick a decades-long dream off his bucket list.
Anthony Campagnolo has been hoping to participate in the Great Endeavour Rally since he first heard about it 20 years ago.
“It’s a dream come true,” Mr Campagnolo said.
“I was the first one to take a registration form out of my manager’s hand. I was first to fill it out and bring it back as well. I’ve seen colleagues go on the rally for years and wanted to do it.
“I was just blown away when I found out. There’s no other way to describe it. It hit me like a ton of bricks, and I said, ‘Yes, finally at last!’’
The 44-year-old works for the Endeavour Foundation in Townsville, where he breaks down old TVs, and dismantles other e-waste for recycling.
The foundation, which is focused on raising money and awareness so that people with disability can thrive, holds the rally annually, and invites people with disabilities to take part.
Mr Campagnolo is one of three Endeavour supported entrants and will be hoping to make memories while on the trail.
“I’ve never been to the bush or outback, I’m going to find out what it’s like, see some scrub turkeys, but I don’t want to see any dingoes,” Mr Campagnolo said.
This year’s rally will trek over 15,000kms from Maroochydore, through the Great Dividing Range, Airlie Beach and then move through remote territory to Cairns.
The entire event will take over a week in total, running from September 2 to September 10.
Event specialist and organiser Nathan Woolhouse said the rally was set to be one of the biggest in recent memory.
“We had record entrants last year and raised record funds for Endeavour Foundation to provide much-needed support to people with a disability,” Mr Woolhouse said.
“This year we’re raising dust and dollars for Endeavour Foundation’s online Thrive Learning program.
“Thrive helps people learn new skills, such as cooking and fitness, from the comfort and safety of their own homes and we have more programs we’d like to develop for the people we support.”
In addition to the money raised directly by the teams and individuals competing in the rally, the event itself also draws money to the towns and communities visited, with an early estimation almost $350,000 will be spent along the track.
More Coverage
Originally published as Anthony Campagnolo: Townsville man living with disability to take part in Endeavour Foundation rally
Haughton Pipeline pushes forward despite ‘funding constraints’
Work is progressing on stage two of the Haughton Pipeline, despite a massive cost blowout to the key water security project. Find out how much pipe is now underground.
‘Friendly and kind’: Business opens up world for its clients
A thriving local disability provider is offering its clients the opportunity for adventures and learning important life skills. See where they’ve relocated in the CBD.