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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