We're Laura and Max — daughter and dad. One of us has spent a lifetime fixing things in a paddock with whatever's in the ute tray. The other one runs a software company from Adelaide and will be in charge of the playlist, the costumes and the moral support. Between us, that's roughly one qualified person for eight days across the top of Australia in a car that costs less than a decent set of tyres. Cairns, Musgrave, Karumba, Hell's Gate Roadhouse, King Ash Bay, Mataranka, Jabiru, Darwin. Look at a map — most of that is red dirt and a very long way from a mechanic.
But the ute is the fun bit. The reason we're doing it is cancer. Specifically, the cancers that still don't have a way out: the childhood brain cancers with no cure, the bowel cancers that move faster than anyone can respond, the kids who should be worrying about spelling tests instead of scans. Those are the ones that get to us, and they're the ones that only research can change.
The Shitbox Rally is Australia's biggest independent fundraiser for Cancer Council, and every dollar raised goes straight to cancer research. Every team has to raise at least $5,000 just to get to the start line. We'd like to blow well past it.
So here's the deal: you chip in whatever you can, and in return you get to watch a father and daughter attempt to nurse an old ute across the Savannah Way with a roll of gaffer tape and unfounded optimism. We'll keep you posted the whole way — the breakdowns, the dust, the servo pies, all of it.
Thanks for backing us. Broke, but happy about it.
Broke N Happy are driving a $1,500 car from Cairns to Darwin 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.
