Three Ulladulla teams completed the 3,600 kilometre event along remote outback roads from Canberra and Townsville last week, helping raise more than $1.35 million for cancer research and programs.

Michael Cole and Leah Flowers from Fishermans Paradise made the journey in their 1980 Rover SD1, which was auctioned for $300 at the end of their journey.

Michael said the Rover served their Day Late Dollar Short team well, with only one flat tyre 160 kilometres from the finish line.

The Bannisters Tasty Fish team and The B Team also completed the dusty challenge which took them along the Birdsville Track and through the Simpson Desert, with plenty of stops at some of Australia’s most iconic pubs along the way.

Bannisters general manager Peter Bacon was joined by Alice O’Hara in the Tasty Fish Ford Fairlane limousine, complete with stripper pole and colourfully painted, while The B team, consisting of Jeff Crellin and Darren May, hit the road in their bright pink Subaru for the fourth consecutive year.

A mechanic, Michael told the Times he lent a hand to many teams that had car trouble, while seven or eight vehicles “died along the way”.

“The biggest dramas were shredded tyres and punctured sumps and fuel tanks, most of which were repaired,” he said.

“Our team to date had raised $4733 and, by the time we wrap up fundraising at the end of the month, we hope to reach $5,000.

“The rally to date has raised $1.35 million.”

The Day Late Dollar Short team took part in honour of three friends, Joanne Grasso, John Manning and Tereze Downs, who have lost their battles with cancer in the past six months.

Peter said the B Team Subaru “blew up” on day five and was trucked to Townsville before limping over the finish line.

The limo, however, performed better than expected, blitzing the route.

“People in four wheel drives were pretty surprised when they saw a limo driving along the Birdsville Track,” Peter laughed.

“The hinged stripper pole on the back was a big hit and had plenty of use.

“It was a brilliant trip, especially driving through the Flinders Ranges.

“It’s about the people and camaraderie - that’s what makes it so unique.”

Between them, the Bannisters teams raised $6,000 and Peter thanked Emily reid for painting the limo and Ulladulla’s Ink for Cars who donated a spray booth for the finishing coat and also spray painted the race director’s car at the last minute for no charge.

All three teams plan to take part in next year’s event which will run from Mackay to Hobart.

Anyone wishing to sponsor the teams can log on to: http://www.shitboxrally.com.au