Tail End Charlie raising funds for cancer research

The vintage Chamberlain tractor is circumnavigating Australia with Wundowie, WA, man Ron Bywaters in the driver’s seat and the help of a small crew.

The journey is raising funds for breast and prostate cancer research and to encourage people to get health checks.

“Early treatment means you have a better chance for survival and we want to raise awareness of that,” said Ron, 82.

The trip also celebrates the 60th anniversary of Ron’s first trip around Australia in a Chamberlain tractor, which served as a sweep vehicle for the Mobilgas Round Australia Rally in 1957.

The tractor was dubbed Tail End Charlie because of its role tagging along behind the rally cars, helping any that came to grief. Tail End Charlie II, a younger 1962 model, will undertake the latest trip.

Farewelled in Wundowie on July 7, Ron expects to be on the road for 57 days.

Men’s sheds, shires and Rotary clubs from Darwin to Dubbo will put out the welcome mat for Tail End Charlie and crew.

Owner Dick Garnett, 78, will be on board and Kerry Bywaters, 77, and Barbara Garnett, 78, will travel in support vehicles. Friends from the UK will follow in their motorhome.

Ron expects to be at the Dowerin Field Days at the end of August and back in Northam, WA, on September 1 for the National Ballooning Championships.