What’s happening?
A father and son team from Alexandra Hills will take on the Winter 2026 Shitbox Rally, a national charity challenge supporting cancer research.
Barry Halford and his son Dan Halford will join around 250 teams from across Australia for the seven-day event. Participants must drive cars worth $1,500 or less across some of the country’s toughest roads.
The pair will travel about 3,500 kilometres from Mildura to Townsville. The route includes remote outback sections such as the Birdsville Track and parts of the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Their rally vehicle is a $900 Ford Mondeo, prepared with help from local businesses in the Redlands.
Despite the name, the Shitbox Rally is not a race. The challenge focuses on fundraising while teams complete the demanding outback drive.
During a short interview with Redland City Minute, Dan Halford said the team has already begun raising funds for cancer research.
“We’ve raised $3,300 so far and are aiming for $5,000. Every dollar raised goes straight to the Cancer Council.”
Why it matters?
The rally raises funds for cancer research through the Cancer Council while bringing communities together around a shared cause.
Each team must raise at least $5,000 through donations and sponsorship before taking part in the rally.
Speaking with Redland City Minute, Dan Halford said businesses can also support the fundraising effort.
“There are corporate sponsorship opportunities available as well.”
Local businesses have already stepped forward to help prepare the car for the demanding journey.
“We’ve been very lucky that a few local businesses have donated their time to help make the car a little more comfortable for the journey.”
Local Impact
Several Redlands businesses have supported the Alexandra Hills team as they prepare for the rally.
JWS Window Tinting in Alexandra Hills donated time to assist with work on the vehicle.
Mechanics from The Workshop in Cleveland also donated their time to help repair and prepare the car ahead of the trip.
The support highlights strong community backing for the fundraising effort.
By the numbers
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More than $62 million has been raised for cancer research through Shitbox Rally events since the challenge began in 2010.
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Around 250 teams from across Australia will take part in the Winter 2026 rally.
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The Winter 2026 rally aims to raise a combined total of $2.4 million for cancer research.
Zoom in
Barry Halford from Auckland and his son, Dan Halford, will take on the challenge together as a father and son team with a good sense of humour about the task ahead.
Their rally car has already earned the nickname “Festering Ford”, reflecting its rough condition and long history before joining the rally.
The ageing vehicle comes with quirks, including air conditioning that only works occasionally and a few mechanical mysteries the pair have chosen not to investigate too closely.
Barry and Dan also joke about their team name, explaining they would rather be riding motorbikes, but the rally rules require cars.
Even with the uncertainty of driving an older car across remote parts of Australia, the pair says the purpose behind the challenge remains the most important part of the experience.
Zoom out
Since launching in 2010, the Shitbox Rally has grown into one of Australia’s largest grassroots charity motoring events.
Participants drive older vehicles across remote parts of the country while raising funds for cancer research.
Over the years, the rally has raised more than $62 million for cancer research through the Cancer Council.
What to look for next?
Supporters can follow the Alexandra Hills team’s progress and fundraising journey online.
https://winter2026.shitboxrally.com.au/wed-rather-be-on-motorbikes
