BCH Nurse raising funds for Cancer research

A BELLARINE COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSE, HER BEST MATE, AND A CAR CALLED SVEN ARE TAKING ON THE OUTBACK FOR CANCER RESEARCH

For Bellarine Community Health (BCH) Nurse Beryl Downey, a road trip across thousands of kilometres of outback in a car that might not make it isn’t a daunting prospect, it’s an adventure worth having, for a cause that means everything to her.

Beryl and her long-time friend Liz Loft are setting off on the ‘Shitbox Rally’ from Adelaide to Darwin, to raise funds for cancer research. Beryl’s reason for taking part couldn’t be simpler.

“Just about everyone you speak to has been touched by cancer in some way. I have had close family members and friends affected. It’s such a prevalent disease in its many forms and takes a huge emotional and financial toll on sufferers and their families, not to mention the health services that care for them. So, let’s get preventative and fund some research!”

Now in its 15th year, the ‘Shitbox Rally’ challenges everyday people to take on the country in a car worth less than $1,500.

Beryl and Liz, who’ve named their team the ‘Namaste Navigators’ in honour of their yoga classes together, are complete rally rookies. Luckily, they’ve had some hands-on mechanical tuition from their sons to help whip their 1992 Volvo Sedan, fondly named ‘Sven’, into shape.

“So far I have assisted in a timing belt replacement, but I think brain surgery would be easier, removed a thermostat…and removed and replaced an idle control valve so Sven runs much more smoothly now,” Beryl laughs.

Along the way, the pair will stop overnight in remote outback communities like William Creek and Daly Waters, camping out under star-filled skies.

Despite being new to all this, Beryl has full faith in Sven’s ability to go the distance.

“Sven is a dream. He’s like sitting in a very comfy lounge chair inside a brick, but you know the old saying ‘they’re boxy but they’re good’ – well Liz and I certainly hope so.”

The two friends are bracing for a few bumps in the road but say that’s all part of the fun.

“I’m expecting some challenges along the way but that’s OK – we’re here to have some fun and raise as much money as we can, and if we suffer for it then it’s well earnt! Bit concerned about what some of the toilet situations might be like though!”

After 40 years of nursing, Beryl says the hardships of the road are a small price to pay for a cause this important.

“I have looked after so many people over that time that are no longer with us. They have suffered, their families and friends have been devastated, and the universe has missed out on some cracking human beings simply because we didn’t know then what we know now.”

The pair set out with a fundraising goal of $5,000 which they’ve already smashed. Now they’re hoping to reach $15,000 by the time they hit the road.

The ‘Shitbox Rally’ from Adelaide to Darwin kicks off on August 14, 2026. Beryl, Liz and Sven are ready to roll.

If you’d like to help Beryl and Liz on their ‘Shitbox Rally’ journey, you can donate via the link https://spring2026.shitboxrally.com.au/namaste-navigators

Image Credit: Michael Chambers

BCH Nurse raising funds for Cancer research