For families living in regional Australia, especially in the Outback, the challenges of daily life are often magnified when a child faces a life-threatening illness.
Specialist treatment is frequently hundreds of kilometres away, forcing families apart for months at a time, with one parent relocating to a city while the other remains at home caring for siblings and property.
This March, Noosa Heads locals Sally-ann and Anthony Caligari will once again put their hearts – and their Subaru Impreza – on the line, taking part in the 10th Riverina Outback Rally to raise funds for Country Hope.
The charity provides family-centred support programs for country children with cancer and serious illnesses.
“I’m a car enthusiast, I’ve done this the last few years with a friend,” Anthony said, recalling previous rallies.
“You get to see places in the Outback and it’s all for a good cause.”
The rally covers about 2,500 kilometres over five days, starting in Wagga Wagga and finishing near Tamworth, although the exact route is only revealed to participants along the way.
The Caligari’s, having grown up in regional Victoria, will drive more than 2,000 kilometres to reach the start and return home afterwards.
Over the past six months, the couple have been preparing their modified Subaru Impreza to tackle Australia’s harshest and most remote roads.
Sally-ann described the rally as “an amazing week, travelling through outback Australia with a great group of generous people and meeting plenty more along the way. In the past, we’ve also stopped to visit some of the sick kids and their families who are receiving help from Country Hope. It’s incredibly emotional yet heart-warming, and it makes us even more determined to raise money for these amazing families.”
The Caligaris’ effort is supported by local Noosa businesses, with sponsors including Humacology, Butler Aviation Insurance, Noosa Watersports, Noosa Dream Boats, Baker’s Pantry, AM Auto, Canvas and Marine Covers CMC, and Tom Offermann Real Estate.
Their Subaru will be plastered with these sponsors’ logos, turning it into a moving billboard across more than 5,000 kilometres, promoting both the cause and Noosa as a holiday destination.
Sally-ann works locally as a disability support worker at Sunshine Butterflies, while Anthony is part of the in-house media team at Tom Offermann Real Estate.
“We’ve been blown away by the support from the Noosa community,” Sally-ann said.
“We’d love more generous Noosa businesses as sponsors to come along for the ride, also auction prizes and donations to bolster and exceed our target.”
Every kilometre driven in the Riverina Outback Rally makes a tangible difference. Last year, 80 cars and their support teams raised more than $600,000 for Country Hope, directly supporting families during some of their toughest times. This year, all funds raised will once again go directly to the charity, helping country children access life-saving treatment without the added financial and emotional burden.
The 2026 Riverina Outback Rally kicks off on 9 March. For donations, sponsorship or more information, visit the Caligaris’ rally page here www.mycause.com.au/page/374681/wrxpedition
or email Anthony at producer@offermann.com.au
.
