Farmers in outback trek for RFDS

The Royal Flying Doctor Service’s life-saving work is something Piñata Farms’ Gavin and Stephen Scurr value, particularly following the rescue of one of their farm workers in the Northern Territory.

They will be aiming to raise $30,000, including from corporate sponsors, for the organisation, when they embark on the Outback Car Trek from May 30 to June 11.

Since entering their first trek in 2014, the Scurrs have raised more than $120,000 for the RFDS, which provides primary health and emergency care to more than 1000 people in remote and regional Australia every day.

"We were inspired to join the trek when one of our farm workers survived a shocking car accident in the Northern Territory only because of the RFDS," Managing Director Gavin Scurr says.

|"Our passion for this Australian treasure has only deepened as we've travelled over some of the toughest roads in the Outback to meet the people who depend on the RFDS in their hour of need."|

The RFDS covers 7.13 million square kilometres, providing 24-hour aeromedical emergency services to country Australia.

Team Piñata Farms, which has its roots in Wamuran, will travel in two vehicles including Car 13, a 1971 Holden panel van.

The team will include Gavin Scurr's wife Julie and Piñata third-party pineapple grower, Les Williams of the Sunshine Coast.

Backing a vital service

The RFDS, considered Australia's most trusted charity, relies on the Outback Trek as its biggest fundraising campaign.

Since its inception in 1990, the trek has raised more than $32 million for the RFDS and is the premier charity car rally in rural Australia. The event is for older 2WD vehicles only.

For the first week of this year's trek, participants will travel up the coast from Geraldton to Broome before using the Gibb River Rd to travel west to east, on their way to Darwin.

"It is always an eye-opener to see parts of Australia that not many see and further appreciate the remote nature of the work of the RFDS. We urge everyone to help us, help our fellow Aussies," Gavin says.

Piñata Farms has origins dating back to the 1960s in South East Queensland. Founded by pineapple farmer Geoff Scurr at Wamuran, Piñata Farms is now operated by Geoff's sons, Gavin and Stephen Scurr.

Piñata Farms is the largest pineapple producer in Australia, one of the largest strawberry producers and holds the breeding rights to grow specialty Honey Gold mangoes, produced in every mainland state except South Australia.

Donations to the RFDS fundraiser can be made via the website