At 9am on Sunday, Maleny’s ‘Travelling Jackaroo’ Sam Hughes defied naysayers and set off on a year-long trip around Australia in a bright orange tractor to raise money for charity.
Slim Dusty played on the stereo of his fully-restored Chamberlain 9G tractor as he did a lap of Maple Street and a crowd of well-wishers waved placards, cheered and rushed to shake Sam’s hand when he stopped at the pedestrian crossing.
The freckle-faced 18-year-old sported a smile a mile wide as he lapped up the encouragement, after having been the target of online criticism on a local Facebook forum.
Critics were questioning his motives, saying he might keep the money he intends to raise for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Dolly’s Dream and Lights on the Hill Trucking Memorial.
He also copped flak because he is a P-Plater travelling the country in a tractor that only reaches speeds of 45 to 50km/h. Knockers said he did not have enough experience as a driver to be embarking on such a grand adventure and that he would hold up traffic, despite a route following primarily back roads to complete a 13,500km trip.
“They were just keyboard warriors,” he said, as he spoke with Sunshine Coast News at Maleny Showgrounds before setting off.
“They threatened to blockade me as I drove down Maple Street, but they didn’t show up. They were just worried I wouldn’t be fast enough.”
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Sam was delighted at the farewell he received from those gathered in Maple Street, with one couple having driven from Brisbane with handmade orange placards to match the tractor to send him off.
“It was amazing having that many people come out,” he said. “It was a wonderful feeling.”
Another crowd gathered at Maleny Showgrounds to farewell Sam, with many giving him warm hugs and asking for photos.
The country kid, has spent a year restoring the tractor, having a custom-made trailer built to tow a car and store essential items, and fitting the fuselage of an old plane on top as a conversation starter for his fundraising for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. His trip is entirely self-funded.
“I’m pretty excited,” he said. “I have a few nerves but I’m almost certain they’ll disappear once I’m moving. I’m looking forward to starting the fundraising, meeting new people and travelling the country.”
Sam’s dad made him a farewell brekky of bacon, eggs and sausages and called it ‘The Last Supper’, as he and Sam’s mum bid their intrepid son a teary farewell.
“Of course I felt a bit sad,” he says. “They just said ‘we love you, stay safe’.”
Sam is not sure how much he will raise, but has already attracted donations totalling $2000.
“I just want to make as much as I can make and try not to annoy too many people,” he said.
To support Sam, visit gofundme and search ‘The Travelling Jackaroo’.
