The Travelling Jackaroo Tractor is a fundraiser supported by the Rotary Club of Maleny. Sam Hughes, a 19-year-old from Maleny, is driving a fully restored 1960 Chamberlain 9G tractor, which he has named Slim, 13,500km around Australia. The trip will raise funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Dolly’s Dream and Drought Angels.
It is almost 18 months since this inspirational young man left Maleny and to date he has raised just over $100,000 for his three charities. Sam’s travelling companions are a rescue pup named Bitsa and a cockatiel named Flynette. As well as raising money for his chosen charities he is raising awareness for mental health in the bush.
In April 2022, Sam flew home to visit his dad, who he hadn’t seen for a year. During this visit he was guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Maleny and as a true Aussie larrikin, gave an off the cuff speech full of funny antidotes about his adventures. You just have to read his Facebook blog (www.facebook.com/thetravellingjackaroo) to capture the spirit of this enterprising young man. Go Sam! You are a shining inspiration for everyone.