General News
25 September, 2025
Horsham's pink van to raise money for cancer
Best mates Dean Pfeiffer and Brad Barber are set to represent Horsham in the inaugural Riverina Outback Rally 2026 early next year to raise money for those affected by cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.
They named their team' Pothole Patrol', as most people in the country can relate to the state of the deteriorating regional roads.
“We are very excited to participate in this event,” Mr Pfeiffer said.
“We are looking forward to spending the week with other like-minded participants raising money, having fun and bringing joy to the communities we visit.”
The friends, along with 80 other teams, will embark on a rally from Wagga Wagga on March 9, 2026, and drive through the outback to Bendemeer, NSW, over five days, covering about 3000 kilometres.
Mr Pfeiffer said they decided to participate in the rally as both have a personal connection.
“We’ve talked about doing something to raise money for cancer for a while,” he said.
“We were on a trip to Darwin together when we came up with the idea to do a rally.
“Both our fathers died from cancer-related illness, so it’s something that’s close to both of us.
“Cancer has impacted several family members and friends of ours, and we wanted to do something to help others impacted.
“When we heard about the Riverina Outback Rally, we knew it was the perfect fit for us.”
The rally will stop at small towns and communities along the way, engaging and delighting the locals.
The Pothole Patrol will be driving a hot pink FIAT Ducato Maxi, which they‘ve painted ‘cancer pink’ to attract maximum attention both before and during the rally.
“During the rally, we also participate in other fundraising activities such as fancy dress nights and the ‘Rocker Cover Race’ where we literally race cars made out of engine rocker covers,” he said.
Mr Pfeiffer said they chose the Riverina Outback Rally as 100 per cent of the money raised goes directly to the Country Hope charity for children diagnosed with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.
He encouraged local businesses to sponsor and raise money for a noble cause.
“We are offering local businesses the opportunity to sponsor us by putting their names on the sides,” Mr Pfeiffer said.
“We have a big pink van that gets a lot of attention anywhere we go.
“We need help to help raise funds for this charity, so we are offering sponsorship space on the van for local businesses to put their logos.
“They will get their name seen all over the Wimmera (as we drive the van every day), and they’ll also be seen all from here to Wagga Wagga to Bendemeer.
“Not only will they get their name out there on the van, they will also be donating to this cancer fundraiser.”
Businesses or individuals can donate any amount via the Riverina Outback Rally donation page at www.mycause.com.au/page/374699/pothole-patrol.
Their charity sanction number is 230.
All donations are tax-deductible, and all sponsorships and donations will go directly to the charity.