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, Beyond the Bitumen.
Beyond the bitumen is all about going bush, using rally driving techniques in navigation and driving to get participants to a predetermined destination through the unbeaten track.
It’s all about spirit, fun and getting the conversation going around mental health, with all funds raised going directly to Beyond Blue’s cause.
Lisa and her sister began the tradition at last year’s first ever Victorian rally, following the tragic death of Lisa’s partner.
“In 2024 my partner Matthew passed away. He was always full of laughter and jokes, lighting up any room he walked. It all started from there, really,” Ms Plaisted said.
She said the experience lifted a weight off her shoulders during an emotional time.
“It was really liberating. The first couple of days were pretty emotional. We were the youngest and only all-girls team to do it.”
What made the rally even more special for Lisa was the car which took her and her sister on the 1500 kilometre journey, a BA Falcon ute belonging to Matthew.
“The ute was Matthew’s, which he’d transferred to me before his passing. We decided to dedicate that ute to doing the rallies,” Ms Plaisted said.
“It’s a bit of a talking point, people stop to ask about it and it starts conversations, it just gets people chatting and that’s the whole point.”
This year’s journey starts in Geelong on 26 February , heading towards Warrnambool, then through Mt Gambier.
Ms Plaisted the rally is a powerful reminder of human connection, and how conversations can make a difference.
“It doesn’t matter whether you’re male or female, your background or culture. It doesn’t matter who you are, you can do it,” she said.
“Things can break down and go wrong, but that’s when you get chatting. It’s just such a good experience.”
Donations can be made to Lisa and Jess’s cause at https://beyond-bitumen-vic.raiselysite.com/lisa-plaisted
If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available at https://www.lifeline.org.au/.
