Two South Australian mates, a $1,500 Ford wagon and thousands of kilometres of outback roads have helped raise vital funds for cancer research.
Lynton Francis and Greg Smith, from Moonta Bay on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula, recently travelled through Bourke in Old Man Emu while taking part in the Winter 2026 Shitbox Rally.
The Shitbox Rally is not a race. It challenges teams to drive cars worth no more than $1,500 across some of Australia’s most formidable roads, all while raising money for Cancer Council.
Lynton and Greg began their journey by driving from Moonta Bay to the official starting line in Mildura. Weather conditions forced organisers to change the planned route, with the 205 participating cars travelling through Cobar and Bourke before continuing north through Charleville, Longreach, McKinlay, Karumba and Chillagoe, eventually finishing in Townsville.
The seven-day rally covered about 4,000 kilometres, with Old Man Emu then facing another journey of around 2,800 kilometres from Townsville back to Moonta Bay.
Teams travelled in buddy groups of six or seven cars, supporting each other through the long days, rough roads and inevitable challenges of crossing the country in ageing vehicles.
“We’re in buddy groups of six or seven cars with people we don’t know, and by the end of the rally, we’re family,” Lynton said.
Asked about the highlights and lowlights of the experience, Lynton struggled to identify anything he would consider a low point.
“I don’t think there are any lows, actually,” he said.
“It’s just great fun, driving eight or ten hours a day and promoting the Shitbox Rally and cancer research. That’s what we do it for.”
The Winter 2026 Shitbox Rally raised $2,525,551 for Cancer Council, exceeding its $2.4 million target.
Lynton and Greg also passed their own fundraising goal, with the Old Man Emu campaign raising $13,695, well above its original $10,000 target.
Every participating team was required to raise at least $5,000, with one of the rally’s leading teams raising around $75,000.
Behind the colourful cars, costumes and camaraderie is a cause that holds deep personal meaning for both men.
Lynton and Greg have lost close friends and family members to cancer, and Greg said those experiences were a major reason for taking part.
“We’ve lost a few mates to cancer, and my mum,” he said.
“Everybody is there for the one purpose — to raise money.”
This was Lynton’s third Shitbox Rally in the Ford wagon, while Greg was taking part for the first time after being encouraged by his mate to join him.
“He’s been asking me to do it for a while,” Greg said.
The pair named their car Old Man Emu after an emu puppet Greg once owned, adding some humour and character to the demanding journey.
They received strong backing from businesses and community members across the Yorke Peninsula, including Buildlogix in Moonta, Watsacowie Brewing Co., the Ardrossan Hotel and other local sponsors.
“We’ve got a heap of sponsors on the car and some great sponsors from our local businesses back home on the Yorke Peninsula,” Greg said.
While the rally creates lifelong friendships and plenty of memorable moments, Greg said it should not be mistaken for a relaxing road trip.
“It wears you out. It’s not a holiday,” he said.
“You’re not there to go on a guided tour or visit a winery. You’re up at six in the morning and you might be putting up a tent in the dark at 6.30, getting fed, having a couple of cans of beer and falling into bed.”
Despite the early mornings, long days behind the wheel and nights spent setting up camp, Greg said hearing the final fundraising result made the effort worthwhile.
“At the end, when they tell you how much has been raised, it’s really good,” he said.
Lynton and Greg are encouraging people across the 2WEB listening area to support the Old Man Emu campaign while donations remain open.
“Anybody who wants to donate can click on our Old Man Emu link,” Greg said.
“It can be $10, $100 or whatever you want to donate. It can be anything, and we would really appreciate it.”