The Tishbox Rally is a car rally with a difference. It challenges teams to drive cars worth less than $1000 across some of Australia's toughest roads, all in support of cancer research.

The rally was founded by James Freeman in 2009 after he lost both of his parents to cancer 12 months apart. It was a dark time, and James needed something to excite him and help him to make a difference.

The event now occurs twice a year in Australia and once in NZ. It has now grown to a total of 250 teams, plus support crews. So about 550 people are involved. In the last 10 years, it has raised $17 million.

But the rally itself is only part of the project. Teams work for many months on their fund-raising efforts.  Their hard work is rewarded by the rally itself. Other positive aspects of the project include:

• The camaraderie and mate ship that is built over the 7 days of the rally
• The record breaking amount of funds raised
• The positive impact they have on local remote communities
• The enjoyable experiences of the rally teams and the great sense of satisfaction that they are doing something for a worthy cause 

Our presenters, Tim Astengo and Daniel Paproth, are two young happy-go-lucky adventurers who first met at a RYLA camp in 2013. Daniel was sponsored by our club. They enjoyed the experience so much that they spent the following two years volunteering on the same camp in the kitchen, whipping up three meals a day for the hungry 80-odd participants.

They joined forces for the first time in the 2016 rally which travelled from Mackay to Hobart. And they're doing it again in October 2019, when they will share the driving from Melbourne to Townsville, a journey of 3614 kms over 7 days. 

Their team name is LOOK, A TREE which is based on Tim's gregarious nature and his insightful observations of the landscape during a trip. And, if there is nothing else to talk about or to see, he will say "Look, a tree". If you wish to donate to their team, click here.

Click here to visit the Tishbox Rally website.

Our club is one of 8 west suburban Rotary clubs that play a lead role in the management of WERN (Western Emergency Relief Network) which provides essential household goods to needy families in the west. 

To date, Joe Cumbo has been our main representative. But we are looking for a few more volunteers to support Joe. Your involvement would be to attend the new warehouse in Derrimut about once a month and help to sort and catalogue the various items and to assist those who are seeking necessary goods.

If you can help every now and again, it would very much appreciated. Please discuss further with President Brian or Joe Cumbo.

We are actively progressing the establishment of an Interact Club at Wyndham Central College.

Last week President Brian, Kim Deneys and Graham Roper attended the school and met with teachers and students who are keen to get the program off the ground. The club is expected to commence within the next few months.

With the footy tipping comp done and dusted and everyone suffering withdrawal symptoms, we are now introducing a new competition. It's related to horse racing but you don't need to know anything about horses.

We only require 25 contestants but you had better hurry because places are filling fast.

Click here to learn about how the competition works.

Contact Ian Hovey as quickly as possible if you would like to join.

WERRIBEE FOOTBALL CLUB IN FINALS

 

After a good season, the Werribee Football Club has made it to the finals of the VFL competition. They play against Box Hill Hawks this Sunday at Port Melbourne Oval starting at 2pm.

So forget everything else (including Fathers Day) and make your way to Port Melbourne to see Werribee's premier football team battle it out against the Hawks.