4WDers unite in support of Beyond Blue
Back in September 2016, the inaugural Driving the Blues into the Dirt event was held in Warwick, Queensland. OFF THE TRAX was there to capture all the action right from the beginning and it’s now become an annual event every September.
Driving the Blues into the Dirt is a jam-packed weekend of camping, 4WDing and novelty events with the primary objective of supporting Beyond Blue, a charity which helps people with depression and anxiety.
Hosted at the Springs 4×4 Park it’s a full program of fun 4×4 challenges including:
Hill Drags
Pair off and pit your vehicle against your mate in a race up the purpose-built track. The event is in honour of Kyle Boycon who tragically lost his life pursuing his passion of 4WDing.
Dukes of Hazard
Just like the crazy television show of the same name, you can expect plenty of antics and often quite a lot of air! Take it as hard or as steady as you like. This one is a driving challenge comp course, that will give everyday drivers a chance to tackle a proper 4WD course.
Gymkhana
This one’s a great team-based event that’s plenty of fun for participants and spectators alike. You can expect events such as an egg and spoon race through the wombat holes, a water bucket challenge, gumboot throw (it’s harder than it looks!) and maybe even a little cross dressing. It’s all a barrel of laughs for a great cause – and it’s amazing to see how many people will eat a raw egg for extra points.
Beer O’Clock Hill
Definitely the highlight of the weekend…
Steep, gnarly and the crowd reactions create an amazing atmosphere. Are YOU game enough to give it a go?!
Mud Challenge
What can we say besides mud, mud, mud! This one’s always a massive favourite with the crowd and not everyone’s guaranteed to stay clean and dry.
Check out these clips with some of the highlights:
Along with all the 4×4 events, the weekend includes entertainment and other family friendly events along with raffles. There are loads of fantastic prizes donated by generous sponsors and all raffle proceeds go to Beyond Blue who specifically deal with mental illness, depression and suicide awareness. The weekend is about removing the stigma and allowing everyone to have fun.
“One in six Australians is currently experiencing depression or anxiety or both and tragically eight Australian’s take their own lives on a daily basis”
Beyond Blue provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, by encouraging people to learn about the symptoms and types of stress, anxiety and depression, which they could face or may already be experiencing.
OFF THE TRAX were proud to be event photographers in 2016 and 2017. We love our 4WDing and supporting a charitable cause, and this one’s certainly a cause close to our hearts, particularly for Ally.
Rest in Peace John, Anthony and Adric xox
Driving The Blues Into The Dirt will be back bigger and better in 2019.
Click here for further details and to register.
Most importantly, if you’re reading this and having a bad day, feeling down or alone please click on the following link and seek some help: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/get-immediate-support
More than 150,000 people in Australia contacted Beyond Blue last year about their worries. Sometimes we all just need someone to listen.
