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.
![](https://ad781f.a2cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/rdu654-travelling-jackaroo-1920x1280px2-1024x683.jpg)
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.
![](https://ad781f.a2cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/rdu654-travelling-jackaroo-1920x1280px3-1024x683.jpg)
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.