Maleny’s Travelling Jackaroo hits road in fundraising drive around Australia

NewsCommunity

30 Mar

And we’re off: Sam Hughes gestures to supporters as he takes off from Maleny.  Photos thanks to  ODS Media — **And we’re off: Sam Hughes gestures to supporters as he takes off from Maleny.** Photos thanks to ODS Media

If you haven't already heard or seen the fuss Sam Hughes from Maleny has been making with his fully-restored Chamberlain 9G tractor and trailer — with an aeroplane on top — you certainly will want to check out his adventure on Facebook (@thetravellingjackaroo).

Sam, The Travelling Jackaroo set off on the trip of a life time on March 21. He is travelling around Australia raising awareness and funds for the Royal Flying Doctors, Dolly’s Dream, Lights on the Hill Trucking Memorial and more.

The tractor has a trailer custom-built to tow a car and store essential items.

And, as if that wasn’t enough to raise attention, the trailer will be fitted with the fuselage of an old plane on top.

Police escort ... Sam is carrying a plane fueselage to sleep in, raise attention and raise money for the Flying Doctors.        Photos thanks to  ODS Media — **Police escort ... Sam is carrying a plane fueselage to sleep in, raise attention and raise money for the Flying Doctors.** Photos thanks to ODS Media

Despite radiator issues, Sam was well on his way, according to his Facebook page, having posted from several country towns including Chinchilla, Dalby and Roma.

He wrote: “Cruising along at 37kph with the trailer just feels incredible. Scanning the gauges: oil pressure 30-40, water temp 70-90 degrees. Checking tyre pressure monitors: 50-52psi on trailer tyres, 13-15psi on the rear tractor tyres. Watching the mirrors and checking blind spots. Checking the rear camera in the tail of the plane for tailgaters. Watching the road ahead for low tree branches and power lines ... really is a rhythm you get into. A lot of people ask “doesn’t it feel slow?” And to be honest to me it doesn’t really feel that bad. All the time and effort put into it really makes it worth while.”

Sam has had great local support from local businesses including tyre supplies from the team at All Coast Tyres.

“We of course jumped on board,” a spokesperson said. “As Sam’s travels continue over the coming months we expect him to reach out to help arrange some new tyres.”