Shitbox rally auction held at Darwin Showgrounds, with proceedings put towards cancer research
In truly Australian fashion, a group of ‘s--tboxes’ were put to good use for vital cancer research funding. SEE THE PHOTOS.
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Trashed out cars have been put to good use for vital cancer research funding, as hundreds turned out for the ‘2025 Shitbox Rally’ car auction in support of the cause.
After more than 500 people left Perth on June 20 to kick off the rally, racers finally arrived in Darwin late Friday.
Punters from across Australia then gathered at the Darwin Showgrounds on Saturday for a chance to get their hands on the shitboxes that made the distance.
Some sold for as low as $250, while others as high as $3,000.
Founder of the Box Rallies James Freeman said the whole journey was “really, really special” and he hoped the auction would go well.
After losing his parents to cancer within 12 months of each other, Mr Freeman started the Shitbox Rally to honour them.
From humble beginnings in 2010 when it fundraised about $100,000, it has since blossomed, with more than $2.6 million raised at this rally alone.
“It has an enormous significance on the fundraising and research side, but it also has enormous significance on the community side,” Mr Freeman said.
“We’ve built an incredible, wonderful community of people that really look out for each other.”
Brendan Andrew, who has raced his car ‘Olaf’ in four shitbox rallies in the past six years, said he was “pretty proud of the car” for making it as far as it did, even if it had to be towed to the Showground in the end.
“Everyone is touched by cancer; my partner, she’s had breast cancer,” he said.
“We feel there’s a need to do research into cancer and try to find a cure.”
Graeme Brickmell, who made the full journey with his son Joseph, said that the Shitbox Rally had become somewhat of a family sport.
“I did one with my wife, then another with my brother, and then this one which was great to do with my son,” he said.
Mr Brickmell said he felt good knowing that all the money fundraised was going towards cancer research.
“It’s a great cause, and it’s great fun,” he said.
ALL THE SHITBOXES
Originally published as Shitbox rally auction held at Darwin Showgrounds, with proceedings put towards cancer research
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