MELTON & MOORABOOL
Home » News » Cancer’s rallying call

Cancer’s rallying call

Melton mates Maz Brown and Joe Cussen are headed on an epic roadtrip to raise funds for a cause close to their hearts.

The duo, who’ve lost many family members to cancer, will be taking part in Australia’s 10th Shitbox Rally to raise funds for the Cancer Council.

Maz and Joe will be driving from Melbourne to Townsville, via Birdsville, next week in a 2001 Ford Fairmont Ghia they purchased off a neighbour for $300.

Ms Brown said the pair will participate in the tour in honour of their fathers, who were both diagnosed with cancer.

Ms Brown’s 65-year-old father Derick Robson is fighting his second bout of cancer after doctors found a carcinoma in his neck about three years ago.

Mr Cussen’s father, Donny Cussen, died in 1990 after battling lung cancer.

“My aunty passed away a couple of years ago from brain and lung cancer, my dad is fighting a second bout of cancer, I have friends that have been diagnosed … the list is way too long to go through,” Ms Brown says. “We’re doing it for everybody and their families who have had to deal with it – not only our families.

“This is a rally that is about all of us, 250 cars, raising awareness for the Cancer Council and raising a huge amount of money.

“You’ve got to be a little bit crazy to do something like this, you’ve got to have a great sense of humour and a sense of adventure.”

Participants need to raise a minimum of $5000 to take part in the drive which Ms Brown and Mr Cussen have already raised through trivia nights, sausage sizzles, raffles and auctions.

Digital Editions


  • Fire causes Calder closure

    Fire causes Calder closure

    A truck fire has closed part of the Calder Freeway this morning. A CFA spokesperson said CFA and FRV responded to reports of a vehicle…

More News

  • Folk at your doorstep

    Folk at your doorstep

    Get ready for an unforgettable night of music and storytelling as the Festival of Small Halls brings world-class folk talent to Ballan next month. On Wednesday 4 March, Ballan’s Neighbourhood…

  • Rockbank CFA now recruiting

    Rockbank CFA now recruiting

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 528517 Rockbank Fire Brigade is inviting locals to learn more about volunteering at a recruitment information session this Sunday 15 February. The session will…

  • Truck rollover in Deanside

    Truck rollover in Deanside

    The Western Freeway is currently closed Melbourne-bound under Hopkins Road, Deanside following a serious collision which resulted in a truck rollover. Traffic is reportedly heavily congested from the Melton Highway,…

  • Leap To Fame on track for bonus

    Leap To Fame on track for bonus

    Champion pacer Leap To Fame has achieved so much during his illustrious career, with records seemingly falling at his mercy. For example, the Grant Dixon-trained son of Bettors Delight holds…

  • Heritage changes coming

    Heritage changes coming

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 323327 Moorabool council has moved to formally protect more than 100 heritage places across the western part of the shire, voting to adopt an…

  • From the archives

    From the archives

    30 years ago 14 February 1996 Melton traders were last week devising a strategy to defend themselves against the expected impact of the proposed Sydenham Regional Shopping Centre development. 20…

  • Lisa and Jess go beyond the bitumen

    Lisa and Jess go beyond the bitumen

    Local Gordon legends Lisa Plaisted and Jessica Wibberley are set to hit the road for the second time raising funds and awareness for mental health with Beyond Blue’s annual rally,…

  • Man charged following bike theft

    Man charged following bike theft

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 206998 A 25-year-old Melton man has been charged following the theft of a motorcycle from an address in Tarneit on Saturday 7 February. Police…

  • Attempted murder charge

    Attempted murder charge

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 206998 Police have charged a man following an alleged assault and fire in Bacchus Marsh last week. The man was arrested at a residential…

  • Centrals taking the positives

    Centrals taking the positives

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 449511 Melton Centrals are taking the positives out of a tough season on field in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Russell Pollock Shield competition.…