Sam and his trusty old tractor, nicknamed Slim, recently
completed a 27,250 kilometre adventure across the country. Image: Travelling Jackaroo
Over the last three and a half years, 21-year-old Sam Hughes – who many will know as The Travelling Jackaroo – has travelled the length and breadth of the country, to raise money for charities close to his heart.
Steering his trusty old 1957 Chamberlain tractor, Sam travelled to every state and territory, including across the sea to Tasmania, to raise money for three charities: Royal Flying Doctor Service, Farm Angels (formerly called Drought Angels) and Dolly’s Dream.
Departing from his hometown of Maleny on the Sunshine Coast in March 2021, Sam travelled a total of 27,250 kilometres – at a top speed of just 35km/h – before coming home to a hero’s welcome on August 11, 2024.
The goal was to raise a quarter of a million dollars – and he surpassed that goal, with a grand total of over $260,000 for the charities.
Along with the old orange tractor, he towed a trailer with a motorbike and car inside, and a boat and a plane on top, ensuring he turned heads wherever he went.
Since his journey began, many have been captivated by his travels. He’s shared all of his adventures on his Facebook page, where he’s accumulated a massive following of over 267,000.
Upon returning home, a huge turnout of locals made their way to Maleny Showgrounds to show their support for all Sam has achieved. Here, the Rotary Club of Maleny also awarded Sam its highest honour, the Paul Harris Fellow, for all that he’s achieved.
After arriving home, Sam told his followers, “To say it’s been an experience would be an understatement, more like an education. When I left home back in 2021 I was a fresh out of school 18 year old with a dream, and now as a 21 year old, I’ve made it become a reality.”
“But it isn’t something I’ve done on my own, it’s you amazing people that made it possible, all the people who lent a hand when I was having trouble, all those who made a donation, and of course to all my amazing sponsors.”
With Sam’s first big adventure over, he’s now taking some time at home on the farm before work begins on his next project.
He’s purchased a Mack R600 and is planning on building a mobile museum focusing on the people who have helped to shape Australia, including our truckies and the transport industry.
Sam plans to start work on the project in coming months and expects it will take about 12 months to complete, before he sets off on his next adventure, taking the museum across the country.
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