It's an ambitious car to drive to Townsville in.
Daniel Borton and Fiona McMahon will set off in a 2005 Ford Focus to wind their way north as part of the Cancer Council's Shitbox Rally.
There's one catch: the CD player doesn't work, and there'll be no radio reception.
But that's what you get when you drive a car that's worth less than $1000. The rally challenges teams to drive across Australia's vast outback expanses to raise funds for cancer research.
Fortunately, Mr Borton and Ms McMahon are well prepared for hours in each other's company.
The friends met working for Mount Alexander Shire Council. Because they both lived in Bendigo, they began to carpool.
It meant a half an hour trip, twice a day, for three days a week.
"We know each other's quirks," Mr Borton said.
The rally will cram a year's worth of carpooling into one week.
Over seven days they will travel 3614 kilometres between Melbourne and Townsville. The Route takes in Wentworth, White Cliffs, Noccundra, Birdsville, Jundah and Hughenden.
The first and last day are on sealed roads, but that's it.
Participants are separated into buddy groups of seven cars that stick together along the way.
Mr Borton and Ms McMahon were given their car, but they've taken its market price from their budget. It's left them with about $180, not enough to fix the airconditioning or the power steering.
Fortunately convoys travel with a team of mechanics, at the ready to get each car back on the road for another day's travel.
At the end of the journey, the cars are auctioned off to raise more funds.
"The mechanics love it because their goal is just to get the car back on the road for the next day," Mr Borton said.
The rally also provides a type of support for people who've lost friends or family to cancer, Mr Borton said.
He got involved in the Australian rally after driving in the New Zealand one several years ago.
He sent an email to several friends to find out if anyone was interested, and Ms McMahon responded.
"It was kind of a rush decision. I'm really glad to be doing it with her," Mr Borton said.
"You're spending nine hours a day sitting in the car together, so it's got to be someone you get on with."
Mr Borton and Ms McMahon have set a goal of raising $7500. So far they have raised more than $3000. They have organised a scenic scavenger hunt through Harcourt on Sunday April 7. Entry is $25 per team.
Register at: thegoodcarsbr@gmail.com. More information at: facebook.com/TheGoodCar2019/
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.
Elspeth Kernebone
Accident brought me to journalism, but every day convinces me again that strong media is more important than ever. After a starting off as the sole reporter in a tiny NSW town, I’m loving the teeming metropolis that is Bendigo. Focussed on health, business and education. Got a tip? Email elspeth.kernebone@bendigoadvertiser.com.au.
Accident brought me to journalism, but every day convinces me again that strong media is more important than ever. After a starting off as the sole reporter in a tiny NSW town, I’m loving the teeming metropolis that is Bendigo. Focussed on health, business and education. Got a tip? Email elspeth.kernebone@bendigoadvertiser.com.au.
