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During the 1980's Hugh Campbell, a water drilling Contractor and
Peter Nunn, a Machinery manufacturer, both of
Dongara WA, discussed a plan to
make a safe leisurely crossing across Australia by tractor.
After Sydney was awarded the Olympic Games it was
thought it would be a good idea to arrange the trip to arrive on the
East Coast to coincide with the Games. Hugh and Peter floated the idea
amongst a few of their friends, some of whom were farming and still
owned the old Chamberlain 9G tractors.
In
1997 an article appeared in "The Farmers Weekly" which generated a large
response across Australia. Forty tractors nominated to
participate and a similar number of support vehicles.
The 9G Chamberlain
tractor was the famous workhorse of the late 50's and 60's, and was
designed and built in Western Australia. These machines, which are capable of
a relatively high speed ( 50 km/h, can be made comfortable to drive, and
of course have a proven reliability over a long period of time. These
tractors can traverse rock, mud, sand and relatively deep water. They
have a reputation of being a "go anywhere Machine".
A Chamberlain 9G was
used as "Tail End Charlie" in the famous Redex Car Trials around
Australia. Some organisational meetings followed and it was suggested
that the trip could be used as a serious avenue to raise money for
charity. The charity groups chosen were The Flying Doctor, and the
Children's Hospitals in the various states traversed during the trip,
from the money raised in those States.
A constitution was formalised and a meeting was held
on 14/5/99 to form a Club and adopt a constitution. This meeting
resulted in Hugh Campbell being appointed President. Peter Nunn and Gary
Snook as Vice Presidents.
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