28 Years in the Making: Nick & Wayne’s Shitbox Rally Adventure!
Nick and Wayne first joined forces back in 1989 in the fast-paced world of computer hardware. After too many torturous daily phone calls from the GM (John Linton) - "What have you sold today?' - followed by total silence, we chose to move on when the Americans took over, and business life became even less ‘fun’.We reconnected a few years later after establishing our own IT Companies, - there had to be an easier way than trying to coax a working relationship between Novell and Microsoft and various other OEM hardware and software.Thanks to another old colleague Graham ‘Flat White’ Tap we were encouraged to join him in the fast growing world of coffee equipment supply and all associated products and maintenance, Nick working with the coffee addicts between Newcastle and Sydney down the NSW Central and Wayne repping Brisbane).
Now, 37 years since they first worked together, they’re taking their long friendship, sponsors, and questionable mechanical know-how out into the Australian Outback for the ultimate test: The Cancer Council Shitbox Rally!A 3000 old km drive across the many red dirt roads between Port Augusta and Townsville is a challenge in itself, but when your mode of transport has to be a road worthy 2-wheel drive vehicle worth no more than $1500 then you can anticipate we are in for a tough and bumpy week.
We're not off to the best of starts, our 2001 Toyota Estima (Tarago lookalike) made its way from Sydney to the Central Coast on a trailer (The Flat Tyres component) and after a brief period of motoring it decided not to restart as the petrol pump failed! 'Billybus' should be back from the 'Doctors' at the weekend. Lets hope we can get to Port Augusta so we can at least get a start in the rally - time will tell!
Why We’re Doing ThisThis rally is about adventure, but more importantly, it's personal. Back in 2007–2008, Wayne’s mother-in-law was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). During that incredibly difficult time, Wayne saw firsthand the invaluable support, care, and positive work that the Cancer Council provides to families facing a cancer diagnosis. Nick lost a close school friend at 16 to bone cancer, and more recently Kath's sister Jane has lost her own 7-year fight with AML too. Our good friend, and one who was there for us when we needed help, also lost her life to 'C' earlier this year.
Even more tragically , our long-time family friend and young mother, Georgina Mellor lost her battle too, leaving her husband alone to bring up two very young children.
I'm sure we all know friends and family who have either lost their lives or thankfully survived. We want to do our bit to greatly improve the number of survivors - we appreciate any and all donations or Sponsorships!
Xcllusive Flat Tyres and Flat Whites are driving a $1,500 car from Port Augusta to Townsville to raise money for Cancer Council
They're doing what!?
Shitbox Rally is a 7-day challenge like no other. Participants drive cars worth no more than $1,500 through some of Australia's most stunning (and often rugged) landscapes, all in support of cancer research. It's not a race — it's a challenge and more importantly, a celebration of the power of community.
Yes, the cars break down, and yes, there are plenty of unexpected twists along the way, but that's all part of the fun.
The rally is designed to be a colourful and unpredictable experience, where teams travel in small groups, helping each other along the way.
And when the day's drive ends, we gather around the campfire, share stories, and reflect on the day's achievements.
This event brings together people who have been impacted by cancer in different ways — whether it's through their own battles or through loved ones. Together we'll make memories that last a lifetime while supporting the fight against cancer.
Donate NowEvery rally. Every dollar.
Directly to Cancer Council.
Box Rallies is the largest funder of cancer research in Australia — outside of the government. Every dollar supports Cancer Council.
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Leading development of a novel epigenetic test to more accurately determine tumour risk — particularly for tumours misclassified by current clinical tools.
Developed innovative x-ray hardware under $0.5M that produces MRI-quality images and captures 3D scans during live treatment delivery.
Targeting pancreatic cancer via anti-fibrotic NID2 therapy combined with Gemcitabine/Abraxane chemotherapy to stratify and improve treatment outcomes.
Exploring genomics to identify high-risk patients earlier and guide development of new therapeutic strategies — improving survival chances.
Advanced pre-clinical evaluation of sphingosine kinase 1-targeting agents as a therapy for acute myeloid leukaemia.
Advancing CAR-T cell therapy for extracranial solid paediatric cancers.
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Harnessing epigenetics for early detection of residual and recurrent breast cancer through advanced liquid biopsy testing.
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A new targeted therapy for resistant HER2-positive breast cancers.
