News
13 August, 2024
Jackaroo’s final stops
Just over four years since he drove out of Maleny in his bright orange 1957 Chamberlain 9G tractor, Sam Hughes, aka The Travelling Jackaroo, is home.
While Maleny was Sam’s final stop, he spent time travelling through the Somerset and Moreton Bay region, where he was given a warm welcome.
The Woodford Lions Club, helped contribute to Sam’s rural causes with a welcome $250 donation.
It is a triumphant homecoming for the 21-year-old, who returns from his Australia-wide trip having clocked a world record 26,000 kilometres in a tractor, but more importantly has raised over $260,000 for rural charities and highlighted the relentless challenges facing many rural Australians.
Sam returned to a hero’s welcome from dozens of locals, who cheered him as he drove up the main street of Maleny and into the Showgrounds, where he was literally swamped by well-wishers.
Parents, Christopher and Julie Hughes and sister Isobel were on hand, with Sam joking he was back to torment his younger sibling.
An emotional Christopher said he couldn’t have been prouder of Sam.
“I never thought it would be as big as this,” he said.
“I thought he might go for a year around Queensland and head home, but what he’s achieved is so fantastic. We’re so proud of him. He’s raised well over $250,000 for charities, generated over 250,000 Facebook followers and of course he’s been great for Maleny.
“He’s travelled easily and well through country areas because he gets on well with country people.”
Christopher added he tried not to worry, although did question whether he had got the green light from NSW Police before ticking off a bucket list item of driving the tractor over the Harbour Bridge.
“Sam said, ‘well Dad, you told me sometimes it’s easier to ask for forgiveness than seek permission.’”
“Haven’t those words haunted me for all those years.”
Sam was happy to be home and was now set on buying a tilt truck and trying to “make a quid” before his next venture.
“To say (the journey’s) been an experience would be an understatement, more like an education,” he said.
“When I left home back in 2021 I was a fresh out of school 18-year-old with a dream, and now as a 21-year-old I’ve made it become a reality.”
He thanked all those who helped him on his journey, who donated and who sponsored him.
“As the years went on and the miles racked up, I’ve learned more about the people who make this country what it is, from truckies to drovers, from firefighters to publicans and so many others, they all play a part in keeping this great nation moving,” Sam said.
“It would not have been possible without you.” Sam’s mind is set to turn to his next project soon – a mobile museum of bush history tour.
“I love history, so I’m going to be creating a touring exhibit of bush, rural and outback history and take that around to agricultural shows,” he said The Rotary Club of Maleny, which gave Sam $1000 to help start his journey, awarded him the Paul Harris Fellow scholarship.
“This is the highest honour a Rotary Club can give,” Maleny Club President, Scott Wassman, said.
“It’s been incredible… his journey, his initiative and the perseverance Sam has exhibited has been fantastic and all the people here today brings home how important this has meant to Maleny and the community and the charities you’ve been supporting.”
