Thornlea farmer Michael McCourt and his Furner counterpart Scott Clarke have recently returned from a 6000km jaunt across the Top End from Geraldton to Darwin.

It was not just a break from their everyday farming routines behind the wheel of a Holden Commodore sedan, it was a way of promoting the Royal Flying Doctor Service as they took part in the annual Outback Trek.

Michael’s strong desire to support the RFDS is personal and dates back almost a decade.

He suffered a heart attack in 2014 and the RFDS air-lifted him from Millicent to Adelaide for treatment.

Since then, he has participated in five Outback Treks and has raised funds for the cause.

Michael said he and Scott were part of the six-man Team Cobber team in 2023.

“As a result of the wonderful and generous support we received from our supporters, Team Cobber raised approximately $120,000, and were the top team fund-raisers,” Michael said.

“As in past years, I approached companies with whom I do business for donations to the RFDS and I received a generous response.

“The whole of the money raised by Team Cobber goes to the RFDS in South Australia for the purchase of equipment needed for day-to-day operations.

“We covered all our Outback Trek expenses ourselves including travel, food and accommodation costs.

“This trek was reasonably tough on the 47 cars and only 10%-20% was on sealed roads.

“No 4WDS were permitted and we drove a 1981 VN Commodore.

“We travelled over a variety of roads, ranging from excellent to extremely tough, taking their toll of the vehicles participating.

“However, all the teams managed to get their cars to Darwin, after undergoing a variety of roadside repairs, usually to front suspensions.

“Team Cobber thanks all its very generous supporters as without their support we would not be able to raise the funds for the RFDS, which provides such valuable and essential support to all living and travelling in remote areas.”