Media Release – 15 August 2023

The iconic Long Drive For Drought, powered by Ampol in 2023, is on again with fifty classic 40 Series Toyota’s travelling in convoy across Queensland to raise money for Drought Angels.

Now in its fourth year, the Long Drive fundraising event, powered by Ampol in 2023, is aiming to add another $100,000 to the cumulative fundraising total of $265,466 to help disaster-affected farmers across Australia through charity partner, Drought Angels.

For the first time ever, the convoy will dip over into NSW stopping at Moree and Lightning Ridge.

Drought Angels Founder, Natasha Johnston said the car convoy also provides hope to communities as well as much needed funds.

“In our great nation of drought and flooding rains, the wheels of compassion turn on the open road with the 40’s series cruisers. The Long Drive for Drought is more than a fundraising journey; it’s a lifeline connecting hearts across our rural communities,” Ms Johnston said.

Long Drive Founder, Brent Reeman, said the charity event started as a drought run but has evolved over time.

“Many of the regions we’re visiting this year have been drought declared for more than six years*, and some of these regions have also experienced other disasters like flood, fire, and plagues,” Mr Reeman said.

The discreet financial and emotional assistance provided by Drought Angels is important to support regional farmers and their communities.

“We’re lucky enough to see first-hand the impact our fundraising has, when we visit farms along the way that have benefited from support from Drought Angels”, Mr Reeman said.

A recipient of Drought Angels’ assistance said their support gave them strength and hope during their toughest times.

“True to their name, [Drought Angels] have been our saviours in the harshest times. Their unwavering support has been a lifeline for my family and our farm during these unforgiving droughts,” a Drought Angels farmer said.

This year, the classic Landcruiser convoy will travel through outback Queensland and for the first time ever, cross the border into rural NSW. Our eight nights on the road will kick off in Goondiwindi and travel down to Moree (NSW), back across the border to Hebel, heading north west to Eulo, up to Eromanga then Windorah, moving further west to Bedourie, with the final night at Birdsville for the legendary races.

The money raised on the road is just one of the goals of the Long Drive For Drought – we also aim to promote tourism of these magnificent towns in outback Australia through our social media partner Outback Queensland Tourism, provide economic benefit to the local businesses and communities we visit, and create a platform for mateship and lifelong memories.

The success of reaching the $100K fundraising goal is thanks to the financial support of many sponsors including Ampol, Peak Services, Local Buy, Travla, Telstra, Hastings Deering, Blooms the Chemist Kingaroy, Ergon Energy, DroughtMaster, RACQ Foundation, Manage My Fleet, Oly Homes and Graincorp plus many small family businesses from the LandCruiser community.

*https://www.longpaddock.qld.gov.au/drought/drought-declarations/

<< ENDS >>

For more information contact: