THE 2023 Dunga Derby has completed it’s 9th year with another record year of fundraising. This year, over $567,307 was raised to support local families affected by life-limiting medical conditions and/or whose lives have been disrupted by detrimental circumstances beyond their control.

Here is a brief summary of their successful journey:

Day 1 : The adventure starts in the cool, crisp early hours of Thursday morning at the Hervey Bay RSL.

Hitting the first dirt track and heading north that finished the day at the picturesque stockyards of The Caves, Rockhampton with a cold drink and many laughs.

Day 2 : The famous pace car “Road Hog” directed the roads northwest, the route incorporates some activities, challenging dirt tracks, and morning tea.

The Dunga generosity was evident at lunch as they visited school kids at Duaringa State School and provided them with a substantial yearly supply of educational tools and toys.

They also were able to support a local young family enduring the tragic loss of their dad and husband. The day finished in the town of Baralaba for a memorable night of dress-ups, locally cooked food, and some entertainment from a local country band.

Day 3 : A chilly morning began the day with some off-road driving as the teams arrived at Gyranda Santa Gertrudis Stud for morning tea.

Then onto Eidsvold for “cow poo tossing” before moving to Cania Gorge for the night. The teams quickly raised over $10000 for Angel Flights to help a young family with travel expenses. The teams created some of their own entertainment early in the night and finishing with the local talented Derek Smith.

Day 4 : Challenging dirt-driving tracks weaved the teams through some beautiful country on the return to our families. The emotional homecoming had records crowds line the esplanade to wave at the cars that Hervey Bay knows the “Dunga” so well.

Plans are already in motion for next year’s 10th birthday celebrations that is rumoured to be over 4 nights.