South West drivers brave WA’s dirtiest roads to raise $47,000 for mental health & drug addiction support

South West drivers donned crazy colours and quirky costumes this morning as they braved the wet weather to embark on a five-day charity run, raising more than $40,000 for mental health support.

Now in its third year, South Bunbury Rotary’s annual Dirt and Dust Run encourages brave community members to spend five days driving on some of WA’s dirtiest roads in the South West and Mid West to raise money for drug addiction support service Doors Wide Open and Australian Rotary Health.

More than $47,000 has been raised so far, adding to the $100,000 raised over previous years.

While last year’s event could not go ahead due to COVID-19, the 14 cars with 28 riders were today eager to embrace the muck and launch into action.

South Bunbury Rotary Club member Bruce Lynch said the run was about fundraising and having fun.

“We raise money for mental health awareness and suicide prevention and community projects South Bunbury Rotary get involved with,” he said.

“It’s over five days, four nights and we sleep out back — in this kind of weather it’s going to be challenging, but that’s part of the fun.

“When we finish on Sunday we have a wind up luncheon and presentation and a whole new 2021 Dirt and Dust family.”

Mr Lynch said the event was important because it helped people feel part of a team while fundraising for a cause that mattered.

“You’re partnering with an organisation like Rotary, so you’re doing good in your own State, your own country and worldwide,” he said.