The People We Meet

BY CHRIS MORTON

The Travelling Jackaroo

Sam Hughes is not your typical 19-year old. Along with his rescue dog, Bitsa, he is travelling Australia driving a Chamberlain 9G Tractor, raising money for several charities, including Dolly's Dream and the Royal Flying Doctor Service as well as raising awareness for mental health.

His unique rig tows his mobile home, a bright orange trailer, topped with the carcass of a small aircraft, a gyrocopter and is adorned with stickers of sponsors and his supported charities. Sam is a very passionate young man who saw an opportunity to do something memorable that would benefit the wider community by raising money for two charities close to his heart. The Royal Flying Doctor Service helps all Australians in need and is a vital lifeline for those living, working or travelling in remote areas. Dolly's Dream, as Sam said, “There is no place in the world for bullying.” His planning started well before turning 18 and his interest in tractors was the driving force in selecting a Chamberlain 9G as his vehicle. “My parents thought I was nuts but now they are extremely proud of me.”

How far have you travelled to date? “So far we have been on the road for 14 months and covered about 7,000km. There is still another 14,000km to go and that means about another 12 months on the road.” How much money have you raised so far? “To date, I have raised just over $100,000 for my charities. I am hoping over the next 12 months to increase that total as much as I can. Every cent helps these amazing charities achieve their goals.” How do you sustain yourself on the road? “I pick up work wherever I can. Usually labouring jobs. I have been earning some money working with the Moscow Circus in Darwin and am going to follow them south, grabbing work with them when I can.” Sam has a camp built into the trailer he tows, which also carries a small 1981 Suzuki Sierra and a motorbike so he can get around when stopped anywhere for an extended period. Have you ever tried to park a 9G in the Woolies carpark?

How can our readers help? “Go to my Facebook page and donate whatever you can afford to my charities is the best way to help,” Sam said. I asked him if people can help him along the way by chipping in for fuel and food and he responded with, “It’s not about me. It's about helping the RFDS and bringing an end to bullying. That is the best way to help.” By the time you are reading this, Sam will have crossed over the border at Kununurra and be heading south-west to Broome. He will be cruising the blacktop on an average of about 40km/h, making his way south to Geraldton. He will be at Mellenbye Station on 9th July for 'Hoedowns for Country Towns'. Sam will then head to Perth and get some maintenance done on his rig before hitting the south coast and then into South Australia. For more information or to donate to Sam's charities, check out:

www.facebook.com/thetravellingjackaroo

RFDS: rfds-qld.giveeasy.org/ the-travelling-jackaroo Dolly's Dream: mycause.com.au/p/243337/ the-travelling-jackaroo

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