DUNGADERBYSPOTLIGHT Darren’s Dunga Diary
by Fraser Coast Mates’ Darren Bosley
I was fortunate to be invited to be a participant in the 8th Dunga Derby for the Fraser Coast in The Springs Car 01. The 1988 Ford Falcon is one of only a few Dunga’s that has been on all Dunga Derbys.
Day 1
A cold 5:30am morning gathering at the Hervey Bay RSL car park where 248 people in 51 Dunga cars and support crews were prepared for all conditions. We departed 6:30am to a warming sun that had our first stop near the Paradise Dam. The Biggenden CWA ladies provided endless fresh sandwiches and cakes, a definite highlight! Next stop was Munduberra Bicentennial Park along the scenic Burnett River. Again, the local Men’s Group provided quality steak burgers followed by a very entertaining team tricycle race. Next the Dunga Derby headed off on alternative routes due to flooding to the night’s destination of Manar Off Road Park.
Day 1- Fresh and excited
Day 2
RealWay Dunga Derby tream - Darren & Heather Senter with Leanne Griffiths and partner
After a late night of music and catering by the Beach House Fishing Club, the 1.9 degree morning trek started well in the warm Dungas as we headed further south on some testing tracks heading to the town of Miles. We were greeted with a nice selection of the Miles Bakery finest, followed by a thong throwing competition, both footwear and apparel. Final destination of the day was the famous pink Deluca Hotel. Everyone dressed for the 80s theme night, the iconic Dunga Has Talent did not disappoint followed by some great music from the local band. The costumes were another highlight, many appeared to enjoy the excuse of their own wardrobe.
Day 3
Once the ice was removed from belongings with a 2 degree morning, the morning route was through Surat and Glen Morgan where the locals again provided a much needed morning tea. Lunch at Condamine Hotel was a popular venue with a Premiership Rugby reunion and a Hens Party welcoming the Dunga teams as the pub catered for a record turnout. The day finished at the Chinchilla Showgrounds where we united with the Sunshine Coast event which made for a huge gathering that night. We were entertained by another great band that made sure midnight was witnessed by most.
The RealWay experience
Got around safely in this beauty
Day 4 - the final day
A balmy 5 degrees helped some tired heads as we tackled some of the most demanding tracks yet testing the Dungas’ stamina and steep climbing abilities. Heading off road A visit to the Kingsley Grove Wine estate was a nice inclusion followed by more demanding tracks before a late lunch at the Gympie racecourse. The twilight arrival into Hervey Bay was a real highlight with people welcoming us back along the esplanade. The euphoria of the final gathering on the esplanade reminds us all that fundraising is only one element that this group achieves. Fraser Coast can be proud of their adventure and the connections they make with other communities. All participants understand the respect that this Dunga brand has gained in the past and they continue to honour this by their behaviours. This event alone raised over $400,000 for local families to be supported during the most trying times.
THIS WAS the first year RealWay Property Consultants Hervey Bay were gold sponsors of Dunga Derby Relay for a Cause, and were excited to be a part of the cause that helps so many people in the local community. Locals helping locals is what it is was all about! RealWay Principal Leanne Griffiths, was lucky enough to be asked by Team Stratton Finance Wide Bay, Darren and Heather Senter to join their team and travel with them and good friend Vince Fallia in a Commodore station wagon. Leanne had a blast, even getting behind the wheel. “What an adventure I had! We had a great time travelling along roads and tracks not frequently travelled on by many with the help of only Route notes, a few riddles and accompanied with some Where’s Wally to keep us entertained along the way,” said Leanne. “We never went hungry, we were served plenty of lovely food at morning tea, lunch and of course at the end of a long dusty day a hearty dinner.” “Yes, it was freezing and sleeping in a swag was an adventure for me on its
own, but I thought about all the people we could help and that made it all OK.” “The Dunga and Rally for a Cause team, both behind the scenes and on the front line are exceptional people and the organization of so many aspects was perfect and a credit to them all.” “Asked if I would do it again the answer would be ABSOLUTELY!” Congratulations to all involved, an awesome effort by everyone! Bring on 2023!
Team dressed as brekky
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