5 months ago
Mesh Cyber gave $1,500.00.
Goal
$15,000
Fundraising for Cancer Council
$16,750
Raised
112%
Our Story …
G’day!
I’m Kane, and I’m hitting the road with my dad, Ian, for a journey that’s equal parts crazy, challenging, and meaningful.
We’re stoked to be taking part in the Shitbox Rally Autumn 2025 — a one-of-a-kind event where teams drive cars worth $1,500 or less across some of the most remote and rugged roads in Australia, all in the name of raising money for the Cancer Council.
We’re calling ourselves “Chip off the Old Block” — a nod to the classic Aussie saying that signifies a child taking after their parent. As a father-and-son team, it felt like the perfect fit.
Together, we’ll be tackling the dust, the breakdowns, and the belly laughs, while celebrating the spirit of family and the power of sticking together through thick and thin.
Our weapon of choice? A 2009 Ford BF Falcon Wagon — not exactly a luxury ride, but she’s got enough character (and rust) to qualify. The route will take us all the way from the ACT to far north Queensland, through some iconic Aussie towns:
- Canberra, ACT – 3rd May
- Hay, NSW – 4th May
- Silverton, NSW – 5th May
- Bourke, NSW – 6th May
- Mitchell, QLD – 7th May
- Barcaldine, QLD – 8th May
- Hughenden, QLD – 9th May
- Townsville, QLD – 10th May
This rally isn’t about speed or style — it’s about endurance, community, and raising much-needed funds for cancer research.
Cancer has touched our lives and the lives of many we care about, which is why this cause means so much to us. We’ve set a modest goal of $15,000, but with your help, we reckon we can smash right through it!
Every dollar raised helps the Cancer Council continue their incredible work in research, prevention, and support. If you can "chip" in — whether it’s a donation, a kind word, or just sharing our story — we’d be over the moon. Together, we’re driving towards a cancer-free future — one bumpy road at a time.
We’ll be posting updates here (reception permitting — though we are taking a Starlink Mini!) so you can follow along and be part of the ride.
Thanks so much for your support — we can’t wait to take you along for the journey.
Cheers,
Ian and Kane
Here's what I'm doing …
Shitbox Rally is the adventure of a lifetime challenging participants and their cars, worth no more than $1,500, on a 7 day drive across Australia to raise money for cancer research.
The rally is not a race – it’s a fun, colourful, unpredictable adventure with participants travelling at their own pace in smaller groups. Vehicles often break down but “we never leave anyone behind” and each night is spent camping beneath the stars and celebrating the day’s achievements. It all adds up to an incredible opportunity to see Australia’s vast and beautiful countryside and make lifelong friends, many brought together after experiencing cancer themselves or seeing cancer impact family and friends.
Since it’s inception the rally has been the largest fundraiser for the Cancer Council nationally.
raised:
$2,392,481
target:
$2,000,000
Chip off the old block Feed
showing 98 / 98
5 months ago
Black Earthworks & Civil Pty Ltd gave $1,000.00.
5 months ago
Innovative Business Computing Pty Ltd gave $500.00.
5 months ago
Anonymous gave $25.00.
Good on you boys! Hope the drive is smooth sailing
5 months ago
Isla & Gray gave $100.00.
5 months ago
Hi William,
Kane and I would like to express our most sincere appreciation for the donation. Thank you so much for supporting such a great cause.
Cheers,
Ian Charles
4 months ago
Origin Energy – Mortlake Power Station gave $1,500.00.
4 months ago
Portland Pine Products gave $250.00.
4 months ago
GJ Gardner Homes - Warrnambool gave $1,000.00.
4 months ago
Smith and Sons Corporate QLD Pty Ltd gave $1,000.00.
4 months ago
SHB Business & Wealth Advisers gave $500.00.
Go get 'em Charlesy...SHB
4 months ago
Miller Motorsports gave $250.00.
4 months ago
Ultrabuild - Hamilton gave $390.00.
4 months ago
Steve Payne gave $200.00.
In memory of Lorraine Payne
4 months ago
Local Locks CBR gave $500.00.
4 months ago
Richard Tuckwell gave $20.00.
Go Red Beard
3 months ago
Michael Holmes gave $500.00.
3 months ago
Mark P gave $100.00.
Nice work mate
3 months ago
Joel Southern gave $100.00.
Donation on behalf of Joel @ Southern City Auto Salvage
3 months ago
Bega Group gave $300.00.
3 months ago
G & M Auto Electrics gave $50.00.
3 months ago
Shaun Bonnett gave $25.00.
2 months ago
Debbie Hoskin gave $500.00.
Have fun, great cause!!
2 months ago
Pro-Med First Aid gave $500.00.
In loving memory of Margaret & Lyle Downs
2 months ago
Chip off the old block
<p>Hey Guys,</p><p></p><p>For those not aware, the rally has been re-routed back towards the east coast due to the flooding in QLD.</p><p></p><p>Whilst it's unfortunate we won't get to do the Birdsville track, we will still be seeing some iconic towns!</p><p></p><p>Cheers,</p><p>Kane and Ian.</p>
2 months ago
Chip off the old block
<p>In typical fashion, Kane left it pretty late to find a vehicle 🤣. We found this one on Facebook Marketplace in Silverdale (West Sydney, near Penrith).</p><p></p><p>It was advertised for a neat $1500, however when we arrived it was noted that it "had a noisy wheel bearing" and thus probably shouldn't be driven. As such, we had to come back with a trailer from Canberra (thanks Trevor!) to collect it.</p><p></p><p>It was only after we tried driving it onto the trailer that we realised the "noisy wheel bearing" was so worse than originally thought. See following posts for those shenanigans!</p>
2 months ago
Chip off the old block
<p>Once we got it home, the first job (before we could even test drive or get it looked at for a roadworthy) was to determine what was wrong with the rear diff/axles. We pulled each of the rear axles out to find that the passenger side wheel bearing had completely failed.</p><p></p><p>All of the roller bearings were able to be pulled out without removing the bearing (this should not be the case!). The previous owner had driven this thing for a long time with a bad wheel bearing for this to happen. It's a mystery why the wheel didn't fall off!</p>
2 months ago
Chip off the old block
<p>Here you can see the bearing race, absolutely shot! 🧨. The failed bearing threw glitter all through the diff. Stay tuned for that mess!</p>
2 months ago
Chip off the old block
<p>Here you can see the glitter ✨ 💣 that had exploded inside the center (and catch a snippet of my lovely housemates' (and former co-driver!) lovely voice belting out some spice girls).</p><p></p><p>The plan was to flush the diff with brake cleaner/kerosene, however once we took it to the local differential shop for a once-over, they let us know that the hardening hard worn off all of the inner bearing surfaces. As such, it had to be overhauled.</p>
2 months ago
Chip off the old block
<p>Kane "accidentally" put a drill through the UHF aerial cable when drilling out the grommet for our power cable to supply the rear DCDC charger and battery.</p><p></p><p>Thankfully Tristan at Watts Communications in Canberra sorted it out! Sorry about that one Tristan 🤣</p>
2 months ago
Chip off the old block
<p>Big thanks to M&A Engineering in Mitchell, ACT for helping sort out the differential on short notice. Top notch service, and for the right price. They also changed over the wheel bearings (we supplied) as well as replaced a snapped wheel stud (also supplied by us).</p><p></p><p>M&A indicated that the gearset was fine, however the hardening was gone off the bearings and they were not far off failing.</p>
2 months ago
Chip off the old block
<p>Someone also appears to have used the "ugga dugga" device when refitting the sump plug. When doing an oil change I noticed there was a helicoil and the sump bolt was covered in thread tape 🤣.</p><p></p><p>A new sump bolt and some "hand ugga duggas" quickly fixed this up.</p>
2 months ago
Chip off the old block
<p>Turns out the distance-to-empty indicator on a falcon is not nearly as reliable as I'd like it to be! 15km left does not mean "dead empty", except on this vehicle! 🚗⛽️</p><p></p><p>Just getting some practice in refilling from jerry cans before the rally!</p>
2 months ago
Chip off the old block
<p>For those of you that know (IYKYK) the B-series falcons are notorious for having the transmission cooler fail. Our falcon had the block-mounted cooler, others have the 2-in-1 radiator. Having seen a BA sedan broken down with this issue last year (ie the coolant and transmission fluid mixing), we thought it would be wise to get ahead of this.</p><p></p><p>We purchased and fitted a Col Voss BF 4-speed (BTR) external cooler kit and gave the auto a service at the same time. Hopefully it's solid!</p>
2 months ago
Chip off the old block
<p>Big thanks to Tom at Towtal Towing & Scrap for supplying some spares needed for the falcon. For any towing/scraps needs in the Canberra area please give him a call!</p><p></p><p>Tom - 0413 361 303</p>
2 months ago
Chip off the old block
<p>Managed to sneak home to Warrnambool for a week to spend some time with dad to get a few more jobs finished on the shitbox. One of the jobs was applying the stickers, what a pain that was 😆.</p><p></p><p>Thank you again to all of our sponsors and a HUGE thanks to Inkline Print & Signs in Queanbeyan, NSW. Inkline did us a solid by getting these done on a tight timeline and did an absolutely superb job.</p><p></p><p>For all decals/signage/etc in the ACT/QBN area, be sure to hit them up!</p><p></p><p>https://inklinesigns.com.au/</p><p>info@inklinesigns.com.au</p><p>P: (02) 6297 1633</p><p>M: 0478 471 633</p><p></p>
2 months ago
Chip off the old block
<p>Dad and I have known Ash from Miller Motorsports for quite a while now. It was a great feeling seeing an email back from them offering to get onboard with sponsorship for this event. Ash and his family are absolute legends, we are incredibly appreciative of them helping out with a formal sponsorship!</p><p></p><p>Located in Warrnambool, VIC, Miller Motorsports is your one-stop-shop for all things motorbike, side-by-side, etc. Please make an effort to stop by and thank Ash and co for their generosity with sponsoring us on the rally!</p><p></p><p>https://www.millermotosports.com.au/</p><p>admin@millermotosports.com.au</p><p>03 5562 9653</p><p>495-499 Raglan Parade, Warrnambool, Victoria 3280</p>
2 months ago
Chip off the old block
<p>A huge thanks to Russell Cairns at Warrnambool Offroad for supporting us with some equipment to support us on our rally adventures. Russell is an absolute legend and has a team of superstars that can sort you out with anything you need for 4x4 (they are an ARB franchise) and camping! Russell was very generous to us; being that he has personally experienced great loss thanks to cancer, he was more than keen to get onboard. We are proud to representing them on the rally!</p><p></p><p>For anything ARB/4x4/Camping in the Warrnambool area please stop by and see them. Exceptional service and big hearts!</p><p></p><p>https://www.warrnambooloffroad.com.au</p><p>info@warrnambooloffroad.com.au</p><p>P: (03) 5561 4354</p><p>1117 Raglan Pde, Warrnambool, VIC 3280</p>
2 months ago
Chip off the old block
<p>A bit about ourselves...</p><p></p><p>We are team "Chip off the old block" and are part of Buddy Group 1 in this years' Shitbox Rally Autumn event.</p><p></p><p>We are a father/son outfit who are originally from Warrnambool, VIC. Kane is 33 and now lives in Canberra, Ian is 62 and lives in Warrnambool.</p><p></p><p>Kane did his first rally last year in the Autumn event (Adelaide to Perth via Uluru) with a work colleague/close friend. Given how incredibly addictive it is, when he found out that the next route would start in Canberra it was as if the planets aligned for Kane; Ian was thrilled when asked to do the 2025 Autumn route with Kane. This is one of those "tick it off the bucket list" kind of things for a father/son duo.</p><p></p><p>Ian is a retired Paramedic of ~25 years who now teaches First Aid. Kane is a IT Consultant who loves swinging spanners for fun on weekends. We've been wanting to do something memorable together for a while now but life always has an excuse for why that can't happen; always too busy, not the right time, etc. Once this opportunity presented itself we jumped at it.</p><p></p><p>When asked "why are you doing this?", both of us had mixed answers. There are many reasons that we wanted to do this (and will hopefully do more in the future), they are below.</p><p></p><p>Doing the rally is equal parts about:</p>Raising much-needed funds to try and eradicate cancer.Making memories together.Making friends along the way.Seeing areas of the country that we wouldn't otherwise normally see.Challenging ourselves to overcome adversity (read: "breakdowns") in the name of charity.Celebrating the lives/memories of those suffering/lost to cancer. We have both had those around us suffer and succumb to the big C. Anything we can do try and put an end to it is something we are passionate about.<p></p><p>We are stoked to be able to represent so many fantastic people and businesses on this adventure. We cannot thank you enough from the bottom of our hearts for getting on board!</p><p></p><p>More updates to come!</p><p></p><p>Cheers,</p><p>Kane and Ian.</p>
2 months ago
Chip off the old block
<p>The legends over at The Tech Geeks have generously donated some equipment to be used for the Starlink internet service we are going to be offering on the rally. We will running a captive portal (like you'd see at a Maccas or Hotel, etc) that will allow people to purchase access. Those funds will go back into fundraising efforts for our team!</p><p></p><p>Massive thanks to Paul and his team, they were absolutely fantastic to deal with. They are really invested in ensuring we provide the best service possible and try to drum up as much interest and boost fundraising efforts. The knowledge and expertise displayed by them is something that I don't often see in the industry (working in IT myself)!</p><p>This is a company I will *definitely* be purchasing from in the future.</p><p></p><p>If you're on the rally and are using our Starlink internet service, this is largely thanks to some equipment supplied by Paul and his team at The Tech Geeks!</p><p></p><p></p>
2 months ago
Chip off the old block
<p>If you're looking to buy or sell a home in the Warrnambool region, please hit up the legends at GJ Gardner Homes; they have come onboard as a sponsor and we are super thankful for their support!</p><p></p><p>Wayne and the team are very knowledgeable, and we are incredibly appreciative of them coming onboard!</p>
2 months ago
Chip off the old block
<p>The legends over at Smith and Sons have come onboard as a sponsor for this event and we couldn't be happier! Nathan and his team at the Warrnambool store have been fantastic to deal with. If you need a house built in the Warrnambool region, be sure to see these guys! Interestingly enough, we found out that Smith and Sons are actually a sister company of GJ Gardner, so even more reason to get in touch given they've both come onboard!</p><p></p><p>Thanks again Nathan and the team, we are so incredibly appreciative!</p>
2 months ago
Emilie Kenny gave $100.00.
2 months ago
Anonymous gave $20.00.
Always proud of what you do.
2 months ago
Tara Colless gave $100.00.
2 months ago
Loretta Riordon gave $200.00.
Here you go again & this time a journey with your dad!So proud of you for being so passionate in all you do!Have an amazing time together & enjoy each & every day! Mum😘
2 months ago
Elley Mae gave $100.00.
So proud of you both! Enjoy the rally and well done on supporting such a great cause 👏
2 months ago
Robyn Watson gave $100.00.
Well done, good luck, have fun 👏👍🩷
2 months ago
Green Tan and Ben gave $40.00.
2 months ago
Ebony and Steve van der Starre gave $100.00.
Well done guys! Have a blast !
2 months ago
Colleen Riordon gave $100.00.
Safe travels Kane and Ian. Well done for getting involved and raising money for such an important cause.
2 months ago
Sarah Emonson gave $20.00.
2 months ago
Jennie Eldridge gave $100.00.
Best of luck to you both Kane & Ian. Safe travels. We will follow along with you both.
Softy & Jen Xx
2 months ago
Diane Riordon gave $50.00.
Enjoy your father/son time travelling our beautiful country and raising funds for cancer research. Thanks for remembering your uncle Shane💞
2 months ago
Stephen Pigdon gave $50.00.
2 months ago
James Fenn gave $100.00.
Hi Kane.
Great work getting the car (and yourself) ready for the rally.
Awesome how you're supporting those affected by cancer.
I hope you really enjoy yourself and being with you 'old block', connecting on a whole new level.
2 months ago
Rajan Khosla gave $50.00.
Great work guys! Wishing you all the best on the long dusty drive up north!!
2 months ago
Maya van der Starre gave $20.00.
Doing such a good job guys ❤️❤️
2 months ago
Cindy Pobjie gave $30.00.
Awesome way to support the charity, have the best time lads!
2 months ago
Leah Crowe gave $30.00.
:)
2 months ago
Marnie F gave $50.00.
May your box go far....
2 months ago
Jarrod O'Grady gave $330.00.
2 months ago
Joel Unwin gave $100.00.
Best of luck for journey and hope you both have a wild time together. And go the good old Aussie Falcon wagon FTW! :P
2 months ago
Anonymous gave $30.00.
Great work Kane
2 months ago
Raghu Bomma gave $150.00.
With admiration for the father and son duo
2 months ago
Brodie Hogg gave $50.00.
hope you guys have an awesome rally
2 months ago
Gavin Jackson gave $50.00.
Good luck guys!
2 months ago
Damian Hughes gave $50.00.
Go you good thang! You champs are amazing, what a good cause. I, like everyone know people affected by cancer, and have lost close family members to it. Keep it up!
2 months ago
Chenna Jekkula gave $50.00.
All the best Kane
2 months ago
Carol Muscara gave $20.00.
Good luck guys
2 months ago
Anonymous gave $10.00.
Good luck!
2 months ago
Amrish Agarwal gave $50.00.
Well done Kane, this is the second time you are doing this noble cause. My best wishes to you, drive safe.
2 months ago
Marco Guijuelos gave $100.00.
Thanks so much for what you do Kane, all the best to all of you.
Marco Antonio
2 months ago
Anonymous gave $20.00.
Good Luck!!
2 months ago
Anonymous gave $250.00.
Good Luck & Drive Safe!!
2 months ago
Sally Hyde gave $50.00.
Good luck guys
2 months ago
Joshua Ross gave $100.00.
Good luck Kane and Ian.
2 months ago
Pablo M gave $100.00.
Good luck - Pablo
2 months ago
Duncan McNeill gave $50.00.
All the best Team!
2 months ago
Rapid Power Industries gave $300.00.
From Rapid Power 😊
2 months ago
Corey Kent gave $50.00.
Enjoy Kane!
2 months ago
Lex van Netten gave $100.00.
Good luck with a Ford muahahaha. But this is awesome, you'll have the best time and it's such a great cause. If you need to get past a buddy group, find out the name of one of the teams and call for a code yellow on their behalf :-P
2 months ago
Jerry Tang gave $50.00.
keep up the good work!
2 months ago
Anonymous gave $30.00.
Go King Charles! Safe travels
2 months ago
Tom Gay gave $50.00.
Have a great trip Kane!
2 months ago
Kaidyn H gave $50.00.
Send it.
2 months ago
Brad Hayes gave $50.00.
2 months ago
Anonymous gave $25.00.
2 months ago
Alison Shawyer gave $50.00.
2 months ago
Dale Shaw gave $100.00.
May your jalopy’s transmission run smooth, like a freshly waxed dolphin.
2 months ago
Stefan Kazakis gave $25.00.
Best Father and son team on the Autumn2025 rally🚀🚀
Been awesome riding with you guys.
Great job on the fundraising 🏆🏆
SK
2 months ago
Angelo Pots gave $25.00.
Well done boys
Angelo
2 months ago
Mel Bonfini gave $65.00.
2 months ago
Shannon Bridgman gave $50.00.
Well done guys!! You should be proud! :)
2 months ago
J K gave $250.00.
2 months ago
Anonymous gave $100.00.
2 months ago
Andrew Dankiw gave $50.00.
2 months ago
Steph Willsher gave $100.00.
Get it done boysss I believe in you!
1 month ago
Target DCO, Northpoint DCO, Henna St DCO. gave $1,500.00.
Team Sponsors
Target DCO, Northpoint DCO, Henna St DCO.
The Impact, Outcomes & Charity
Shitbox Rally is a dedicated fundraising event for cancer research with funds going to Cancer Council.
Cancer Council is one of the largest non-government funders of cancer research in Australia. We conduct and fund research studies across all cancers and all stages of the cancer journey.
Thanks to the community funds raised such as Shitbox Rally we can fund world-class research that reduces the impact of cancer for everyone.
$50 million over the past 15 years has been raised by Box Rallies to date, supporting ground-breaking projects such as:
- A research study to develop a vaccine that protects against lymphoma cancers.
- A research trial to standardise international guidelines on melanoma removal.
- A research grant to revolutionise the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
These projects wouldn’t be possible without your support.
