Thank You List. Nice One, Good On Ya Mate!

Brisbane, QLD

2009-06-14T22:38:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Jeremy, again, at the Base Hostel on Edward St, for letting us stay over the weekend, and for the beer and food vouchers for the bar downstairs we were extremely grateful.

Thanks to Justin and Erin at BWS on Queen St, for buying us a six pack of Coopers

Thanks to Callan Knight, the manager of Spiros bottleshops on Edward St for the bottles of wine

Huge Thank You to Heather owner of Rainforest Massage and Day Spa, in Indooroopilly for the kind donation of a massage and relaxation session. And to Danielle and Emma our masseurs we say 'ooh' and 'aah' and 'just right there thanks'.

THANKS MOST OF ALL TO ALL OF YOU AND TO EVERYONE WHO IN ANY WAY OR AT ANY TIME HELPED US WITH ANYTHING HOWEVER LARGE OR SMALL IN KEEPING US GOING AND MOVING US ALONG AND HELPING US RAISE THE MONEY FOR BOOK AID.

WE COULD NOT HAVE GONE ANYWHERE OR ACHIEVED ANYTHING WITHOUT THIS HELP, AND THE GENEROSITY, TIME, LABOURS AND FRIENDSHIP WE FOUND WITH IT.

TO YOU ALL WHEREVER YOU ARE : WE THANK YOU HUMBLY

Muswellbrook, Glen Innes, Warwick, NSW

2009-06-14T22:33:00.000-07:00

Good on it, Pinaroo Leisure Park, along the New England Highway, for the camp

Thanks to the good people at the Caltex who filled our tank for us

Thanks to Aroma Delights Coffee House for the breakfasts

Good on yers yar, to the Fossicker Caravan Park, in Glen Innes for the camp down

Thanks to Volume Plus Servo in Glen Innes, for the $30 of fuel and the hot diggity dang hot chips

Thanks to Cellarbrations, Warwick for the bottles of wine

Thanks to Warwick Caravan Park for the camp on our final night on the road

Newcastle, NSW

2009-06-14T22:30:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Gareth's cousin Jo for being in the right place at the right time

Thanks to Travel Lodge on Steel St too

Thanks to Sharon at the BP Mayfield Central, on Maitland Rd for the coffees

Thanks to Quix Food Stores, Mayfield, for the sarnies and snax.

Sydney, NSW

2009-06-14T22:22:00.002-07:00

Thanks to the Shell in Royal Willens for the $40 of fuel, mate

Thanks to East Lynne Mobil Servo for the $30 of fuel

Many thanks to Blondies Takeaway on the Princes Hoghway for the feed

Thanks tio Elizabeth Plant and Jannah Burgess, Samuel and Maya for just being there when we needed a place to go, for the food, the smokes and the being good folk. And to Auto for being a good dog.

Thanks to the Caledonia Hotel for the carton of piss

Thanks to Ray Mears for teaching us to firmly believe that it's about the journey and not the destination

Thanks to Brett Swinney for offerinf to fill our van up with fuel, which we took him up on, and to which he followed through, and it was a delight to meet with him as well. Coo.

Eden, NSW

2009-06-14T22:19:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Nicholson General Store Servo for the $30 of fuel to get us into New South Wales safely and righteously

Thanks to the fellas at Orbost Thirsty Camel Servo for the change from their pockets $12.50 of fuel

Much obliged and thankful to the Mobil Servo at Orbost for the $20 of fuel

Thanks to the Garden of Eden Caravan Park, in Eden, on Barclay St, off the Princes Highway

Bairnsdale, VIC

2009-06-14T22:13:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Nadine at the Druin United Roadhouse for the $20 fuel donation

Thanks you Kevin and Julie Turrel at the Durnum Stump Tearooms for the sit-down and eat-it lunch

Thanks to Kent Langres at ther GPG Narrangan Gate for the $20 of fuel

Thanks to Kirsty at the BP in Wurruk for the coffees

Thanks to the people at Mitchell Gardens Holiday Park, Main St in Bairnsdale for the nights stay

Williamstown, North West Melbourne

2009-05-06T22:33:00.001-07:00

Big thank you to Quest Williamstown North for providing luxurious accommodation

Judie Harris a lovely lady who helped us out with phone credit when we were in a pickle.

Thanks to Robert at Get the News Williamstown who donated phone credit

Our health thanks Glyn at Replenish for the organic veggies

Cheers Hobsons Bay Hotel for the drink

Thank you Amorosa for the wine

Good on ya The Rose Hotel for the drink

Our stomachs thank Marazita Bros for the food

Grateful grapefruit to Don Clemmens @ Ritchie's Pizza for the delicious pizzas, garlic bread and drinks

Cheers to Laverton Bottle’o

Melbourne, VIC

2009-05-02T22:26:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the lovely folk at Otway Junction Roadhouse, along the Great Ocean Road for their $30 fuel donation

Nice one fella! to the Apollo Bay Handy Mart for the supplies.

Thanks to Danny's Takeaway, Carlisle St, St Kilda for the bacon sandwiches and coffee

All the good good people at the Travellers Motel, Carlisle St, but especially to Martine and Anthony who let us stay for two nights

Thank you Abe Farrugia, McDonalds for the breakfast

Thanks to the fella at St Kilda Tailor and Laundrette who let us wash some festering mould off our clothes.

Thanks also to the kindly people at St Kilda Beach House Hostel for the night's accommodation.

Good On good Old John at the Oslo Hotel, Grey St St Kilda for providing two nights accommodation

Many happy thanks cheers mate salutations to Nick Taig, Tour Coo-ordinator at the Carlton Brewhouse, Abbotsford for donating to us a tour round, and thanks too to Ros for the tour itself and the drinks and goody-bag afterwards.

Cheers fellas, to Ram and his brother Ramsey at Hello Dolly, Charcol Chicken Takeaway, on Acland St, St Kilda for the scran.

Thanks to Haithan at Falafel Xtra for the feed, man.

Good on buddy Laurence at the Prince Wine Store, St Kilda for donating his takehome-aftershift-beer to us.

Thanks to the Niagra Hotel, on Lonsdale Street for the coffees

Andrew at the Telstra Shop, on Elizabeth St sorted us out a treat with a phone charger didn't he, he did

Darren at Melbourne International Backpackers, on the corner of Franklin and Elizabeth St donated a weeks accommodation to us in the cbd, and is the sort of top notch fella we all love and respect.

Cheers The Nash pub, Victoria St, Abbotsford, for donating a couple of schooners of the amber stuff

Thanks also to the Prince of Wales Hotel, in Abbotsford for the coffee.

Thanks to Pen Lynch, lovely Melbournian and tru-blue friend who cooked dinner for us at her house in Balaclava

Thaks to the La Trobe Cafe, on La Trobe St, for the food.

Many thanks also to Thai Culinary, on Elizabeth St for the feed. Love it.

Michael Caine's No.1 fan and witty raconteur Steven 'Steve' Foyle deserves a mention for his gift of homemade cd's he sent from Japan. Rub you rong time.

Thanks to the Immigration Museum, on Flinders St for donating the entry fee in.

Hare Krishna foodery, Crossways, on Swanston St we thank for the meal donated.

To the lovely Jessica and Hannah working at Gloria Jeans, Swanston St, for the coffees, I say 'ciao' and 'bellissimo senor'. Bonjour mange tout!

To Corey, irrepressibly cool and funkier than Samuel L Jackson's afro comb, at the Acmi Lounge, Federation Square, for the 'longus blackus coffemeemos', and the 'piping hot - snackages' it was good to have met you dude. 'Peace love and mung beans to the people', indeed.

Thanks to New Zealander Max, staying at the Melbourne International Backpackers for the soup. Thrillin bro!

Thanksarooney to Edward at the Food Inc on Elizabeth St

Oi psst this one's with me, said Mary, as she led the Welshman into the John Brack Exhibition at the Ian Potter Centre, National Gallery of Victoria.

Thanks to Gloria Jeans, Swanston St, for the coffees.

To Medallion, Souvlaki Bar and Cafe, on Lonsdale St, thanks is earned for the pleasure of the finest lamb kebab in the country. Sincerely.

To Cafe Victoria, 512 Elizabeth St for the brekkie croissants and coffees

Thanks fella, Moussa Maroun at Cafe MiMo, on Swanston St for the lunch and dinner. fine fodder.

Huge mega thanks to Xiang Hair salon on Smith Street or fixing Anne's mop top. The cut and colour is wonderful and the staff are great!

Also thanks to Natasha at Toni and Guy for offering her services

Thank you Ramona and Sandy at Fatto a Mano for the sandwiches and muffins

A True Blue Aussie this man, good old Tim at Beverage Masters, on Victoria St, who paid for a six pack of Melbourne Bitter for us

Thanks to Romana and Sandy at Fatta a Mano in Fitzroy for the muffins and sandwiches

Thanks to Volare cafe, on Brunswick St in Fitzroy for the coffee

At the Hotel Discovery! Thanks to Lisa van Oss for arranging a few nights at this lovely hostel in the heart of the cbd

Thanks to You Misti Dullard, events manager at the Queen Victoria Markets for arranging at short notice a stall for us over the weekend

Princetown and Apollo Bay Great Ocean Road, VIC

2009-05-02T22:24:00.000-07:00

Thank you to N.O.B Shields, Nelson Kiosk, Nelson, for the warm welcome into Victoria with the coffees, pies and bag of biscuits.

Thanks to Melissa Diss at the Port Fairy Roadhouse, Port Fairy for the feed

Thanks also to the Princetown Recreation Camp Ground for letting us stay and warm ourselves with a nice hot fire

Yvonne Papadopoulos of Iluka restaurant for the sandwiches, big thanks.

Thanks Cafe Nautigals for the scones

Thank to Emelyn Leder @ the Blue Bird Cafe for the fried goods

Mount Gambier, SA

2009-05-02T22:21:00.000-07:00

Thanks a lot Craig Richards at the Kingston Shell Roadhouse, Kingston for the 25 litres of fuel

Cheers matey, the Robe Mobil Roadhouse, in Robe, forthe $10 fuel

Ta very much Julie, at Big4 Caravan Park, Mt Gambier

Meningie SA

2009-05-02T22:19:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Lakeview Takeaway for the Fish n' Chips

Thanks to the Lake Albert Tourist Park for the nights camp there.

Good on yer to Keith and Tess at the Dascal Diner fore the feed.

Thank also to Meningie Bakery for the much appreciated on-the-road-food.

Huge thank you to Deborah Kerrigan at Coorong Medical Centre and Pharmacy for the advice, treatment and medicine. Boy, without you helping us out the trip may have been over.

Adelaide SA

2009-04-14T18:45:00.001-07:00

Thank you so much to Brian and Angela Stebbing of Namaste Restaurant for the divine food and brilliant night.

Highwway One Caravan Park, Paralowie put us up and it was good

Paralowie Caltex filled us with 40 litres of fuel

MacDonalds fed us

Thank you to Campbell Brodie and Jessica Leo of the Adelaide Advertiser for covering our story.

Thanks to Matt at Caltex Port Wakefield for the coffees and pies

Good on yer John at Sunnies Backpackers on Franklin St for the two nights accommodation, saw no reason not to help and we were grateful for that

Thanks to Kathmandu Nepalese Restaurant on Hutt St for the delicious meal

Gentlemanly and friendly, the guys, Chris, Phil and Chris at Print Solutions, Giles St, for printing for us 500 flyers we thank unreservedly.

To Gary and Barry and Belinda at the Travellers Inn on Hutt St we cannot but utter words of thanks for putting us up for a week-an-a-bit and for giving us access to the internet and phones but humbly grovel an intricate haiku of unending beauty to their munificence. We're still writing it though.

Smokin' Joe's sandwiches we ate, and tasty too, but the taste of them. Thanks fella.

Thanks to Adelaide Coffee Bar, on King William St for the coffee.

Thank you Kyrikos Vithoulkas @ Piatto Cafe Restaurnt Rundle street

Nice one to Bass and Beth at the Falafel Stop

Hunger shooed away for another day due to the Botanic Garden Kiosk, thanks.

Thanks for the flu relieving soup from the Organic Cafe in Adelaide city centre

Thanks Rio Coffee for the elevenses and take away bread and fruit.

Thanks to MArk at Un Caffe Bar for the sandwiches

Thanks to vodafone Australia Foundation for the phone credit

Thanks to Beau, IGA Hutt Street for the phone credit

A big thanks to Hajime Nijima of the Adelaide Technical Service, Level 2 163 Halifax street for dropping everything and giving my camera a good service, cleaning the sensor and the lenses. Thank you thank you.

Thanks to Trent at the General Havelock Hotel for the meal

Ta to Blue Lemon big baguette bar for the sandwich and coffes.

We courteously bow and thank the Golden Dragon Restaurant, on Hutt St for the takeaway rice.

Thanks too the Hudson's Coffee lot on Hutt St for the goodies and nicelies.

Praising Mike and Evan at Gloria Jeans, in the Rundle Mall for the coffee's and cakes.

Thank you Cafe Michael 2 Authentic Thai on Rundle Street for the tasty thai green curry and noodles.

Thank you for the fried rice Maple Huse Asian Restaurant, North Adelaide Village

Nice one Peter of ABC Adelaide for the can and book donations and for having us in your studio

Adelaide state library for allowing us internet access. The general public can get free internet for 30 minutes a day.

Frank Liu, 21 Hindley st Adelaide Hotpot for the meal, cheers mate

Thank you to my sister Paula Race for the phone credit !

Thanks for Marina Tanaka for her offers to help that came to us months and months prior to us landing in Adelaide.

And we got a lot of Mail in Adelaide!
Cheers Barry Wroth of Esperance for the parcel of laminated newspaper articles of us.
Thank you Lesley Pinder for the sports bra (a long needed item) and Book Aid reading material.

Thank you to the Clinique counter Myer Adelaide for the sample

Thanks 33 on East for the coffees, bread and bananas

Thanks MAx Zollo of Al Fresco East end for the sandwiches

Thanks too to the ANZAC Day Diggers.

Nice one Tanya Hanckel at the Organic Barn

Thank you to Tailem Bend Old Pioneer Town, for donating a tour round to us. A very interesting place.

Wudinna, Kyancutta and Port Augusta SA

2009-04-14T18:41:00.000-07:00

Thank you Kyancutta general store and fuel station for the fuel donation

Thank to Ellen of Wudinna Golden Wattle Roadhouse for the fuel

Thanks to Raandall and Selina Hodge at the Shoreline Caravan Park, Gardiner Avenue, for the nights stay

Thanks to Tim, Meg, Jess, Marie, Merv, and Steven at the Caltex for the $50 fuel card

Thanks to Subway for the sandwiches, or whatever it is you call those things, subs, or whatever, but, they are tasty, so it's not really important is it.

Thanks to the Tin Man Roadhouse, Port Pirie, for the coffees and cakes

Along the Nullarbor SA

2009-04-14T18:31:00.000-07:00

'Welcome to South Australia' said Paul Crawford at the Border Village Roadhouse as he filled our tank for us and fed us too.

Thanks to the Nullarbor Roadhouse for the camp the brekkie, and the only wild dingoes we've seen so far

To Penang Roadhouse we say thankyouverymuch in an Elvis style because, well, the guy was that cool wasn't he, and these people deserve to be flattered by association

Smoky Bay Caravan Park. They squeezed us in besides the ladies toilets on the only spare patch of anything as we forgot it was Easter weekend. Thank you again

Thank You to Wunderna Roadhouse for the $20 of fuel

Get into it! said Terry at the Liberty Windinnie Roadhouse as he donated $30 of fuel to us

Along the Nullarbor WA

2009-04-14T18:24:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Trish Grknic at the Caltex in Norseman for the 25 litres of fuel

To the BP in Norseman we cowtow and offer sacrificial goats in the honour of, for the coffees and lammingtons.

Mate. Balladonia Roadhouse provided us with a 'donga' each to sleep in and in was bloody comfy set up too brother

Caiguna Roadhouse only went and gave us coffee and sandwiches didn't they. Thanks.

Mundrabilla Roadhouse Caravan Park made sure we weren't served up as roadkill by giving us a place to stay for the night.

Esperance WA

2009-04-14T17:15:00.000-07:00

"...and unto thee I hereby set you these tasks three" said Derek Clarke to us, in a lay-by just outside town, where he met us, handed us a folder, with maps, an itinerary, three enigmatic challenges to complete and just a hint of the overly-dramatic. It set us up for all that was to come...

To Laurie and Rachel Seton, and their impish kiddiewinks, the willowy and elegant Rowan, the livewire chatterbox Sarah, irrepressible little Liam and ball-obsessed dog Oscar for the hospitality, the goodwill, and all that goes with staying in a wholesome family atmosphere.

Thanks to APEX who put so much effort into helping us with our fundraising and who disclosed what the three challenges were that Derek had merely hinted at, made sure we were well looked after, well saturated with alcohol and acquainted with everyone in town, to Steve and Dave, Sheree, Sarah, Ross, Derek, Laurie and everyone else

To Wrothie, Barry Wroth, who belies his name to be a very placid and nice man indeed. Until you get him inside a 4x4 and place him along a stretch of open coastline that is. Kill it Wrathie! kILL IT!!

Thanks to Ross Beckett and daughter Sarah who harassed passersby and motorists to elicit donations as we were completing challenge three

Thanks to Luke Winter of Radio West for the interview

They own the Bay Automotive Group and are by name called Stuart Ward and Bruce Kelman, but what is in a name? can you distill the essence of a person from their moniker, their birth-stamp? a Rose by any other name is just as sweet, and sweet indeed are these two gentlemen, as men of the world, men of honour, men to be reckoned with and to be depended upon, men to the very end.
So, in tribute, and defying all convention, is the best we can do for these two giants, who went our of their way for us, above and beyond, who went out on a limb, who sorted us out with supplies, with fuel, with clothing, with things to do, who took us to dinner, who made it their mission to to go and get us absolutely smashed in Stuart's Night Clubesque games room, the suitably titled Sin City, and who still, to this day, carry on the good work. A privilege and honour to meet these blokes.

Thanks to Greame Lamer at Retrovision for the phone and the headsets and sim packs to barter with and use

Bloody Thorpie! Brett Thorpe, Captain of the Ant, took us fishing out to the Figure of Eight and we caught fish, fought the elements, bravely crewed the boat by eating the odd sandwich and holding on tightly as Thorpie, bloody Thorpie, gave us a great day out and the breaking of our duck at catching fish.

Thank you to the Bay Rotary Club for all they did for us too

To Brian Tolhurst, notable Rotarian and baker, who ensured we had enough bread to take accross the Nullarbor

To Jock "The Wrecker" Murray, esteemed Rotarian, raconteur and gladabout, who filled us with fuel before we left.

To Paul Wennegal, who sponsored one of our challenges to the tune of $250, and helped us out in other ways too, we thank and say 'tis was a pelasure, sir'

To Lee Mackay, who donated to us another $250 if we help her out on the Sunday morning serving brekkie to the participants at the Relay For Life fundraiser.

To the fellas at Auto One who provided us with the jerry-cans we needed to cross the Nullarbor

To the other Rotary Club and Rob Leiper who introduced us, for the opportunity to talk and for the good will shown to us there

Yipee-kay-ey! To the Library ladies, Anne Hilton, Jayne Arnold, Marni, and Gladys and Mags who fed us quiche and cakes and were so nice as pie to us.

Thanks to Lucy, at the Onshore cafe for breakfast

To Henrietta and Donald MacKenzie, who run their olive farm in town, and who offered work to us, a place to stay and delicious homemade dinners. Very interesting octogenarian couple, inspiring too, and so full of vim and gusto, joi de vivre and a lust for life that retirement for them means being as active and as busy as ever, producing Olive Oil for sale as others their age sit and drink tea and watch Countdown

Thank you Esperance

Ravensthorpe WA

2009-04-14T17:05:00.000-07:00

So much thanklings they turn to giant THANKS shooting through the sky, as we utter exclamations of gratitude to Jenny and Andrew Chambers at Yooroonga Farm for our beds, for feeding us, for the work at the Community Centre that elicited the donation of $250, and all the goodwill and friendship shown to us.

To Rees, starting his second day at Yooroonga Farm with the Chambers family when we arrived, we thank him for the $50 donation left to us

Good on ya Mazz and Geoff, the neighbours of Andrew and jenny and a bloody good sort too

To Jessie and Geoff Fairhead, who donated $100 to us for a mornings work attacking their garden with the vim and gusto characteristic of Ancient times people, the ones with the wisdom to know the difference between hither and thither

Thank you to Neil and Tracy Harding at the BP Roadhouse for the $50 fuel donation

Thanks to Paula Race, Anne's little, by by no means insignificant, sister who paid for the upkeep on Anne's Flicker Photo account. There's more to photography than point-and-click.

Albany WA

2009-03-28T01:40:00.000-07:00

Jasmine Kinnore at Daralane Patisseries, on York Street, we thank for the sandwiches, coffees and delicious and most welcome slice of apple slice each. Yum? Yum!

To Michael John Delli-Benadetti owner of Nonna's Restaurant for the meals he donated and the mornings work he gave us next day for the $100 we earned for Book Aid

Thanks to Wayne at Premier Hotel/ Cellar for the Carton of beer donated to us

Ever so many thanks to the lovely and generous Joanna owner of the Bayview Backpackers YHA on Duke Street for the room, the internet, for letting us wash our clothes and for the box of tomatoes from her sister's productive veggie patch that she gave us that Phil put to such good use with a splendid tomato soup (see Phil's 'On the Hop Cooking Tips' coming soon).

What more can be said about Terry and Trev at CC Kebabs who, on behalf of owners Bob and Penny, served up some top notch scran

As Aretha Franklin uttered "R-E-S-P-E-C-T" to you Raylene at Star Caltex, North Road for the $50 fuel donation

To Shaun at Boxwood Hill Roadhouse for the Coffees and snacks

Denmark WA

2009-03-28T01:37:00.000-07:00

Keeping it real and really keeping us alive, we thank the benevloence of the Eziway Food Store for the fresh fruit and veggies we got given

Thanks to the Rivermouth Caravan Park for our stay there

Thanks to Barney Arvison at the Telecentre Network for the internet time donated

Thanks too to the BP Shop for the $10 of fuel donated

And to the Co-op Shell for the 15 litres you gave us to keep us keeping on

Nornalup WA

2009-03-28T01:30:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Tony and Marge who run, own and manage, with aplomb and joi'de verve, the Nornalup Riverside Chalets, and who not only gave us a place to stay but a canoe with which to explore the Frankland river, a hop skip and a jump away.

Thanks to Maureen who said of course we could go and walk on the suspended bloardwalk among the canopy of the tremendous Tingle and Karri trees in the Majestic Valley of Giants forest

Thanks to Nigel for feeding us and fueling us up at the Bowbridge Roadhouse

Walople WA

2009-03-28T01:29:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the Golden Wattle Roadhouse and the Golden Wattle Cafe for the fuel and the food. It was a glorious day made all the more so by them.

Pemberton WA

2009-03-28T01:27:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Ian and Linda who suffered to accomodate us at their goodly establishment the Gloucester Motel

You are a superstar Jean! for waiving the National Park fee for us to get up close and personal and scale the 61 metre Gloucester Tree

Margaret River and Augusta WA

2009-03-27T22:42:00.000-07:00

Massive thanks to the good people at the Willy Bay Resort in Metriup for the beautiful chalet and hospitable reception. Amazing.

Thank you to all at Margarets Beach Resort, Gnarabup for the chalet accomodation and all the spontaneous goodwill

To Anthony Jansen Manager at Gnarabar, Gnarabup, who invited us to join him for a meal and a few drinks. A Gentleman and great company too.

To Keith the owner of Margaret River Surf School who donated a surf lesson to us at Redgate Beach, and to Jarred who tried his utmost to teach us idiots to surf. Gnarly it was, and while 'surfing' would loosely describe our endeavours we had a great time trying.

To Laura, owner of Wild Thyme Gourmet Cafe in Margaret River for the wraps and coffees and best wishes.

Thanks to Merysia Roman at the Cyber Corner Cafe for the internet time

Thank you Tanya at the Karridale Tavern and Roadhouse for the milk, bread, eggs and butter. No fuss no muss no bother.

Also to Karridale Crossroads store for the other groceries we need on the road. Bonza

Thanks to Derek at the Augusta and Margaret River Times for taking the time to take some pictures of us for his paper.

Big fat thanks to Cheffy's Cafe, Yallingup for the most delicious Sunday Roast we have ever had. Highly recommend anyone to go there.

Thanks to Stewart and Noelene Grayson who run the Augusta Fresh Fish and Chips on Blackwood Avenue in Augusta and who make the best goddam frittes don la Aussie in the land

Dunsborough and Yallingup WA

2009-03-27T22:35:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all the staff at The Shack, Dunsborough, for the $50 worth of fresh fruit and veg we have so sorely missed and plowed through with glee. Thanks again

Thanks to Big Fella Takey Pissey at the Caves Park Store, Yallingup, for the groceries and the heckling good natured abuse

To the aptly named Cheffy and his lovely partner in crime Angela at Cheffy's Roast Dinner, Yallingup for the top-notch feed my good man

Busselton WA

2009-03-27T22:31:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Gull Service Station, Stratham Downs for the 20 litres of fuel

Thanks also to the Caltex Service Station for the filler'up tank of fuel

Thanks also to Busselton Public Library

Good onyers to the people at the Motel Amaroo

To Ryan at Goacurry a big thanks and a merry christmas to boot

Thanks mate. Seren Nguyen of the Kent St Bakery

Alan Blackford and Lisa De Fagio at Bakers Delight sorted us out a treat alright

Good old Howard at Dick Smiths donated some phone credit

as did the equally good old Glen Shaw at Nova Tech

Me like Mr Sushi. Craig Avery velly good man.

Thanks to Greame and Debbie at the Geographe Cheese Company for the cheese

Thank you Ian at The Olde Chapel Cafe for the afternoon tea

Bunbury WA

2009-03-27T22:26:00.000-07:00

Thanks Debs and Dix at the BP 2Go Servo in Mandurah for the fuel donation, the fuel card, the box of goodies and the terrific feeling you left us with. What good good people! Awesome.

Lads, well, really, you deserve to go to Heaven for this. To Nicko, Pete and Mitch Thorn at the Prince of Wales Hotel who put four pints of Guiness and a bowl of chips each for us to enjoy St Paddy's day in the traditional inebriated state

To Terry at Fitzgeralds who fed us more Guiness

Thanks to Lana at the Parade on the Water Hotel who very kindly and generously gave us the rooms we slept in drunk and happy

Thanks to Bunbury Library for the use of the internet

Rockingham WA

2009-03-27T22:22:00.000-07:00

To Wild Bean, BP servo for the coffees and chocco. Cheers gay dude.

To Geoff and Kay who run the delightful Capricci's Restaurant for the feed and beer and for telling your customers about us and getting them to donate. Spot on lovely people.

To the very beautiful and funny Norm and Jean who run the Apex Members Holiday Camp on Peron Point for putting us up in the chalet by the sea

Thanks Mick and Michelle Reilly at Banyandah Burger Bar for the sandwiches and cokes.

Perth WA

2009-03-11T04:46:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Phil, Kathy and Kelly at the Gull S-Bend Caravan Park for the jerry can of fuel, the contacts in Perth and the tucker. Very good people.

Thanks to Sam Green of Dongarra Bakery for the water and pop.

Good on yer BP Dongarra for the 20 litres of fuel

Thanks to Terry at Liberty GinGin for the $10 of fuel and the coffees

Thanks to Bev Fruin who said hello to us at Trigg Beach, Cottesloe, as she walked by our van, then went home to return a short while later with some supplies and a cd for us. Beautiful.

Thank you Tanya at YHA Backpackers, Scarbrough, for letting us use the internet and giving us a coffee each, and offering us a bed for the night.

Thanks to Luke Mulholland at La Dolce Vita, in Freemantle, for the pizzas. Solid bloke.

Thanks to Plaka on the Beach, Scarbrough, for the kebabs

Thank you to Wild Bean Coffee for the pick-me-up brew

Thank you Marina at Zanders Restaurant, Scarbrough for the meal

Thank to Bex at the Indie Bar who introduced us at her Open Mic night, let us collect donations and then bought us a beer to watch the bands by. Cool.

Thank you Barchetta in Cottesloe, for the breakfast

Thanks to Ocean Beach Backpackers, Cottesloe Beach, for the internet time

Thanks to Nitesh Patel the Cookie Man in the Inaloo Shopping Centre for the coffees and biscuits.

Massive thanks to Mike Gilbert in Mindarie for offering us a place to stay, use of his Apex contacts, and more hangovers than we could handle. Really went the extra mile for us and we appreciate greatly all he did, and is doing. His lovely wife Kath and their children Megan Haf and Iestyn Thomas were a pleasure to know. Cymro hefyd.

Thanks to Shaun Wright and his wife Sarah, for making us work for our donation

Thanks to Bruno for putting us in touch with the hostels in Perth CBD

Thanks to Katie Eaves at Accentia for designing a new donations tin for us.

Thanks to Kenny, Robyn and Amy, for opening their home to us and inviting us to dinner, and to neighbours Paul and Sharon, and their kids Morgan, Aisha and Cooper for providing the entertainment.

Thanks to John Mort and the Channel Nine team from A Current Affair who filmed us and put us on the telly.

Thanks to Corey at Gull Kingsway for the $20 fuel donation

Thank you Carol at Buckingham Lunchbar and Coffee Lounge Wongara for the feed, the donation and the advice.

Gemma at Gelatino, Hilarys Marina, saved our bacon with coffee and cakes

To all the staff at Whitfield Shopping Centre who donated

Bucking Hell! Cheers Bucking Bull at the Whitfield Shopping Centre for the feed

To Vickie Russell at Core Surf in Hilary's Marina for the "oi bookaid! come ere so I can give you something" heckle and donation of a pair of things for Phil's tired and weary tootsies.

Salutations to Alison at Dome cafe and Restaurant Mindarie Marina for the breakfast

Thank you Maya Masala for providing a sumptuous table of veritable Indian mouth watering treats.

Thank you Jenna at the Gull Plus Servo, on Anchorage Drive, Waneroo, for the $30 of fuel

Good on yer ya mad basterd! Cheers Hopper at the Witch's Hut, Perth City for the stay

Thanks to Paula in North Perth for offering us a bed to sleep in. Regretfully we couldn't take you up on your kind offer.

To the lovely smiling Danielle at Gloria Jeans on Murray Street, Perth City for the coffees and the brightening up of my day

To ANON at the Boost Juice Bar for the surreptitious smoothies

Good onya Istanbul Cafe, Northbridge for the kebabs

Brad at Barretts, Broadway, Nedlands deserves a mention for the lunch he donated

Stacey and Karinde at the APL Tournament in the Range View Hotel we thank for promoting our fundraising to three hundred players at a poker tournament

To Luke at Punters Bar for the two cartons of beer. You have no idea mate!

To Rob and Sue Berners-Price, and to Sue's mother, the late Wendy Berners-Price, we thank and pay great respects to for the donation, the books, the wine and the inspiration. Thank you sincerely.

Thanks to Stefan at Sardine Fish Cafe, on the High Street in Freemantle, for the potato wedges and sandwiches

Thanks to Dao Nguyen of Keys Garden Fresh for the hit of nice fresh fruit

Good on you whoever you are mate. The homeless guy who donated his only 40 cents to us because he liked what we are doing. That was touching, dude.

Geraldton, WA

2009-03-11T04:38:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the Fruit and Veg shop in Northampton for the freshness

Thanks to Glenda and Clarissa at the Visitor Centre in Geraldton for being so nice and helpful.

Thanks to Brian and Freida owners of the Freemasons Hotel for the nights acom.

Thank you to The Camel Bar for the pizzas

To the lovely Kyla at Wendy's for the Chillas.

Thanks to Wanda Bakery for the bread, sandwiches and pies.

You guys! Thank you to Belair Gardens Caravan Park's John and Jen for letting us stay two nights.

KFC's Ken gave us a bucket full of tender treats.

Batavia Backpackers Ken gave us two nights there, and the very nice indeed Val let us do some washing.

We have McDonalds to thank for brekkie that morning.

Thank you BP Winthella's Martin for the 68 litres of fuel and the sandwiches and coffee.

Good on yers Geraldton Guardian's Josh.

Hut River Province, WA

2009-03-11T04:36:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Jacques at the Bilabong Roadhouse for the fuel top-up

Your Highness Prince Leonard I we bow to your munificence

Thanks to Gili abnd Dafi for keeping us company. Hope to see you two again.

Hamelin Pool, "The Stromatolites" WA

2009-03-11T04:32:00.000-07:00

At Hamelin Park Caravan Park we were given a true blue welcome by Shane, Clare, and Tim. We were fed food and wine, cigarettes and coffee, treated to stories and tall tales and helped out in all manner of ways. Shane may be rough around the edges but he knows his onions and makes a mean cup of coffee.

Hello and pleasure to have met you - our Israeli girls Gili and Dafi.

Carnarvon

2009-03-11T04:30:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Pete for booking us in and owners Simon and Tiffany Moore for being so helpful over at Carnarvon Wintersun Caravan Park

Many thanks to Dean Rowe at Caltex Carnarvon for filling up our tank with fuel.

Coral Bay, WA

2009-03-11T04:22:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Heath Bentley, manager and all-round top-bloke at the Ningaloo Beach Resort for the nights stay, the jugs of beer and for lending us your snorkelling gear for the next day.

Get into it! To Blake and Scott, two archetype Aussies on tour, over from 1770 on the East coast, who invited us to drink a carton of beer at their camp. Very funny guys. Sorry we could not go fishing with you next day. Maybe another time.

Thanks to Tony who let us stay two nights at the Ningaloo Club Backpackers in exchange for a couple of hours work each.

Thank you Travel Tours for the internet time.

Cheers for the baked goods from The Bakery

Thanks to Johnny Di Costa owner of Finn's Cafe and Reef cafe for the meals donated.

Thanks to the lady at the supermarket who bought us bread and tomatoes, ham and butter and crisps for lunch. You didn't want any thanks but we will do anyhow. Thanks.

Karratha, WA

2009-03-11T04:09:00.000-07:00

To Pauline and Don, donating on behalf of Sherry and Wayne at the BP in Roebourne for the fuel top-up and the cold bottles of water. Thank you kind folk.

Thanks to Corey James at the All Seasons Motel for the nights stay and breakfast too.

Thank you to all the staff at the Centro Shopping Centre who donated to our collection. Glad tidings go to Bakers Temptation, in the Centro Shopping Centre for the bread and pies.

Thank you Mariella Burns of Karratha Chinese Garden Restaurant for donating lunch to us.

Cheers for the chips. Dolphin's Fish 'n Chips, Balmoral Road fed us.

Thanks to Angus and Robertson book store for the note books donated.

Port Headland, WA

2009-03-11T03:57:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Eighty Mile Beach Campsite for letting us pitch up there.

Thanks to everyone at the Hamilton Motel for putting us up, feeding us dinner and breakfast, and especial thanks to Kathy Barrett-Lennard from Fortescue Metals Group for organising a fuel stop at Mitchell Corp.

Thanks to John Campbell, Shaun and Ivan at Mitchell Corp Fuel for the whopping 104 litres they donated. Amazing stuff fellas.

Thanking all the staff at the Boulevard Shopping Centre for contributing to our collection, to Pilbara Hair for shaving Phil's head, and to Muffin break for the coffee-brunch-style pick-me-up, and to the Bilabong store for the sun shade, and Mangrove Jacks for the hats to use as raffle prizes down the road.

Thanks to staff at the Visitor Centre on Wedge Street for allowing us to use the internet.

full of beans! Richard Hopkinson put us up at the All Seasons and threw in breakfast too. Top notch.

Broome, WA

2009-03-11T02:26:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Tex at Willare Bridge Roadhouse for the fuel and feed.

Many thanks to Grant at the Blue Seas Resort, Cable Beach, Broome, for putting us up after arriving so late

To Stuart Voce we say a hearty bellyfull of cheers mates for feeding us at his restaurant, Zanders on Cable Beach.

Thanks to Pat at Roeys Backpackers, Roebuck Bay, for letting us stay there

Ta very much to John Marquis at Lustre Bar and Restaurant for the sandwiches

Happy tidings go to Revive Fresh Juice Bar, on Paspaley Plaza

What can we say to Karen, working at Liquorland, who thought it was crazy that we could not get ourselves a skinfull and so donated a case of beer out of her own pocket.

Jolly Geoff at Som Thai on Napier St donated dinner

The Divers Tavern, Cable Beach donated us a meal. Good tucker, mate.

Lesley, from Book Aid sent us a morale boosting CD of some really quite bloody excellent songs through the old post and greatful we were too.

Brumby's Bakery kindly donated us some breads and cakes.

The lovely Kathy Hine at Beaches of Broome Backpackers let us stay a night

Miranda interviewed us live on air at ABC Broome

honk if you're happy! BP Reid Road IGA donated $50 fuel to us and wished us well.

Josh at BP Clementson St donated $25 fuel

Jack Wickham of Broome's foremost suppliers of Fruit and Veg donated us some fruit and veg. Nice work.

Goolari Media Learning Centre let us use the internet there.

Maca's Takeaway and Fong's Store owned by the lovely Fong Family, fed us, gave a little groceries, and filled our tank with fuel. Really appreciate people like these, who go out of their way to help out.

Fitzroy Crossing, WA

2009-03-11T02:22:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Shane at The Crossing Inn for letting us stay and for agreeing to some birthday beers for Phil provided Gareth washed his car. It gleamed!

Good on ya Lina and Brian for inviting us to their studio at Wangki Radio station

Thanks to the Fitzroy River too, for subsiding long enough to let us cross. It had only just opened after two weeks, at one stage 10 metres over the bridge. That's 10 metres. When we crossed it was ten under. A lot of water.

Halls Creek, WA

2009-03-11T02:17:00.000-07:00

Hello and cheers to Bernie, Lou's other half, who we bumbed into in Hall's Creek, as he made the return journey in his Road Train. Good on yers Bern.

Thanks to Justin Wheatley at The Best Western Motel, who let us stay in exchange for a night washing dishes. Job done.

Kununura, Western Australia

2009-03-11T02:08:00.000-07:00

Thanks in advance and hello to Western Australia.

Thanks to the YHA for putting us up despite arriving so late

Thanks to all at the BP who donated $100 of fuel to us.

Thanks to Justin Bradbury and lovely receptionist Vanessa at the Kununura Hotel for putting us up

Thanks to Allan Girdler at Argyle Toyota for the fuel cap

Thanks to David French at Northern I.T Services on Coolibah Drive who had a look at and fixed Anne's laptop

To Ivan. Works for Coles Express servo, and despite being unable to sanction official help, dug into his pockets and donated the $3 he had in it to us for fuel.

Thanks to Gullivers Tavern for the meals we enjoyed

Thanks to Kimnet for the use of the internet

Cheers Josh, at the Kimberley Echo, for running a story on us.

Victoria Highway, Northern Territory

2009-03-11T01:57:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Shareeza at the Victoria River Bridge Roadhouse for the 15 litres of fuel, the coffees and the chat. Open that day, after almost two weeks cut off, she was more than happy to help.

Thank you to all in the Northern Territory who helped, lent a hand, donated, fed us, drank with us, advised us, took us in and looked after us, encouraged us and shared a few laughs too, we are indebted and cannot possibly repay the kindness bestowed upon us. Many happy memories of the Outback Territorians.

Katherine

2009-03-11T01:53:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Gloria Jeans and Dunkin Donuts for the coffee and donuts we had in the back of the van after collecting donations in Palmerston mall.

Thanks to Adelaide River Roadhouse we were 20 litres of fuel better off.

Thanks to Lou and Bernie (again!) for the tip-off about the Vic River flood subsiding. We would have been stuck without your help.

Thank you Katherine United Roadhouse who donated 20 litres of fuel.

Thanks to Red Rooster who donated us out breakfast

Thank you Katherine caravan Park for letting us lay our heads for the night.

Darwin continued

2009-03-08T07:56:00.000-07:00

Very much obliged to Deb and Andrew who invited us round to tea after seeing us at Parap markets

Thank you Christine who runs Parap Laundrette for the load-on

Much obliged to Karen at Chemart for the toiletry basket raffle prizes

Get-into-in Jared from Allsports for the Dunlops

A matey punch on the arm to Steve at Dick Smiths forthe MP3 player raffle prizes

A cut above the rest is good old Katelin at Palace Hair Studios who did done Anne's bonce

Good-a onn-a ya Pedro att-a Michelli's Pizza

Steve at Shenanigans is a great guy to know and we all like to be his friend

Respect! David at Zhen's Kitchen

Lieutenant Bill Heck we should, and in fact, are thanking for the work he put in allowing us into the Barracks at Larrakia and Robertson to fundraise.

Thanks to Mitchell Centre Pharmacy for the Gift Basket raffle prizes

How can we thank them enough. To Melanie Lewis the General Manager, and Victoria Holmes, the Front Office Manager, of the Palms City Resort, on the Esplanade, whose tireless work on our behalf we greatly and duly appreciate.

Red Rooster Roast Dinners Rock the Party

Judith at Happy Garden offered us a buffet meal, and twas finger licking delicious mamma

To the irrepressible and Dee Archibold and Caitlyn McLaughlin, at Palace Hair Studios, in the Mitchell Centre, who donated a free haircut for us to raffle off

Phil's fuzzy-wuzzy heady-weady was cut by Ally himself at Ally's Barber Shop, Nightcliff

Neville Pantozis in the Parap Village donated at $50 lunch voucher to raffle off. Good on yer mate

Monique Harmer at the Holiday Inn took us Inn and fed our bellies with brekkies for a week for which we were as greatful as can be

Who ya gonna call? Super Pizza, in Fannie Bay. That's who.

Robert Atkinson at Cold Rock Creamery, gave us a taster of what we cannot buy

Thanks to Emma for sorting our Australia Day Fundraiser at The Deck Bar.

Thanks to Deck Bar for hosting the raffle

Thanks to Ricky Scott at The Cav for allowing us to collect donations from the patrons

Praise due to Ross at the Kebab Bar on Mitchell Street for the late night post-fundraiser feed

Thanks to Lou for inviting us to tag along to the Australia Day fun at the Ute show then the barbie at Tracy's house.

Thanks to Tracy for welcoming us three randoms.

Hello and thank you for being such great company to Pearl, Bruce, Terry, Mette, Tilly and everyone else at Tracy's on Oz Day.

Thanks to the superbly monikered Earl patrick at Domino's Pizzas for the feed.

Good on ya Pissed Fella, so desparate was he for a lift to his mates house down the road, he offered $50 for a ride there. Duly despatched he stumbled in a happy man.

Thanks to those at Abby's on the Smith St Mall for our lunch

Thanks to Jarrah Records for donating to us tickets to go and Aussie band The Waifs, supported by the delectable Mama Kin, at the Darwin Entertainment Centre

Thank you Holiday Inn for letting us in on the breakfast buffet

Much obliged to the Palms City Resort, on the Esplanade, for letting us stay so long

Thanks to The Adventure Academy Rock Centre Doctor's Gully for the days climbing they invited us in for.

Thank you Alan at Beaurepairs, on the Stuart Highway for the new tyre

Thank you Robertson and Larrakia Army Barracks for the fundraising permitted there, and for the box of supplies given us we owe the 1st Berrimah Scout Group a salute.

Ashton Lodge on Mitchell Street thank you for letting us stay

Thank you all the staff at Parliament House for the internet time, the opportunity to read and research and also for the coffees.

Thank you Sue at the Nightcliffe Sports Club for letting us to the raffle

Thanks to Melanie at Camping and Sporting Wholesalers for the giant tarp we used to keep our gear dry

Thanks to Jeremy and Michelle Barndon for hosting us, putting us to work, feeding us and getting us drunk and donating so generously too

Hello and thank you for the support to Fiona Scott of Humpty Doo.

Darwin

2009-03-04T22:18:00.000-08:00

Good tidings to Renee at the Darwin Sun for writing an excellent article on us

"I love you me I do, you're my new besht mate, hic - Ben @ the Vic for donating a jug of beer we salute you.

A firm handshake and many thanks to Nick Calacouras at NT News for writing about us and putting an embarrassing picture of us on the front page!

Bruce the cleaner @Melalucca for buying us some tasty chicken and treats.

All the Melalucca staff for allowing us to use the internet

Julie @ Fuse Hairdressing donated a voucher to raffle for a cut colour and manicure

Karen @ Chemart Chemist donated two gift packs to raffles off

Jared @ Allsports for donating some shoes to Phil

Peter @ Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Tours for giving us a trip down the Adelaide River to see thins amazing phenomia

Steve and Nathan @ Shenanigans for a meal and some beers

Pee Wees for giving us a slap up meal for two with starters and dessert. Mmmmm luxury!

Pedro @ Michellis Pizza for a tasty meat feast

NT Library @ Parliament house for the free internet everyday, offered to all

Tony Molinos for donating $1,000 vouchers to raffle, for buying us groceries and for filling our tank with fuel.

Christian McElwee @ the Laneway Café for breakfast

Phuong Truong @ Laubman and Pank for giving Phil and Anne much needed eye tests and contact lenses

Pat @ Fulton Jewellery for a $100 voucher to raffle

Jesse @ Leal Technology for donating a USB Wierless internet adapter

Creative Jewellers for donating a fresh water pearl necklace and earing set to auction off on radio and many thanks to Hot 100's Joel for doing the on-air auction

Thanks to Wilson Morgado for bidding $250 for the pearl necklace and earring set live, on-air, and bagging his dear old mum a pressie.

Tracy @ Darwin News Agency for donating some raffle tickets

Golden Wattle Florist donated a $50 dollar voucher to raffle

Megan @ Uni Bookshop for donating some books

Steve@ Dick Smiths for donating two MP3 players to raffle

Melissa’s takeaway donated sandwiches

Jess @ Innovative Hair for cutting Phil’s hair

Café @ the NT Library for coffee and snacks

George and Pen for coffee and snacks

Manoli’s Greek Tavern for dinner

Casuarina Vodafone shop for donating phone credit

Monty’s café for donating breakfast and coffee

Brighteye Sunglassses for donating a couple of pairs of polarised lenses to raffle

Parap Laudry or washing our clothes

Ausfuel (Darwin Bp) for donating $60 (48.82L ) fuel

Thank you Mcdnalds @Cassuarina square

Thank you to Bret at the Vodafone shop Cassarina Squa

Darwin

2009-01-07T22:45:00.000-08:00

Japes and scrapes at the Frogshollow Hostel, Lindsay St, Darwin. Thank you.

U r gr8 u kno – I can message my thanks to Linda at Optus for $50 phone credit donation

To the shiny happy fella called Harry at Greater Union Cinema who sought no renumiration, nor fought with us for honour, when we asked ever so sweetly if please, sir, can we watch ‘Australia’? With Jackman pecs-out and Kidman full-pout it was an epic not to be missed. Droooover! Me like the cheeky filem.

Thanks to Anastasia at Bakers Delight who gave us a bag of baked treats for lunch and for dinner. Mmmm.

To the lovely lady, Leonie Giles, at Karen Sheldon Catering in Parliament House Library who gave us coffee and lunch.

Bok bok! Thanks for the chicken salads Brooke Callahan of Energy 2 Go.

Rache at Melaleuca on Mitchell for being ever so sweet and for the internet access too.

To Youth Shack and Chilles backpackers for sorting us out with some meal vouchers.

To the Vic Hotel, for the jug o' beer, and the food

Ever so many thanklings to Bee at Global Gossip for the internet card.

Get in there! Outback Jacks.

They may not be French but Gloria Jeans do a good line in good people who serve good coffee.

Massive Thank You for the stall and the feed to Wendy McCallum on the Parap Markets.

As do Just Coffee Beans, in the Parap Markets.

Chip n fish on Mitchell Street for the fish n chips we ate in the street.

Natural Yum's Bert at the Parap Markets deserves a smooth fondling for the drinks he gave us.

Big Thank You to Nightcliffe market too.

To Bill Day who donated a copy of his book 'Bunji' to us, and fed us too. Nice gent.

Ooh sailor! For the trip around Darwin Harbour and the nibbles and stories we are indebted to Michael Allen of Sailing Adventures NT (www.sailnt.com.au)

Palmerston, Darwin

2009-01-05T22:44:00.000-08:00

We wasted no time in contacting Lou and Bernie, who live in Palmerston, and went to stay with them, and their kids Jake and Tayla. Thanks for being so hospitable. Bernie, a truck driver, took us for a ‘blockie’ in his road train, after we’d washed it of course. Honk! Honk!

Thanks to Gareth’s mum, mum, who sent a Christmas hamper that got to the Post Office in plenty of time for Christmas, but found no one around to pick it up and eat it for its Christmas destiny. Mince pies, chocolate money, bottle of wine and all the goodies you’d want, in a hamper, Jesus sized, as he was, that day, the one when he was born. But we weren’t there to pick it up were we eh. Bloody hell!! But we got to it eventually, and it was good, and lo, it was rejoiced in memorium.

Mataranka

2009-01-03T22:43:00.000-08:00

Mataranka Springs Homestead – they say it’s the home of the Never-Never, but Never-Never say die, we say, especially when you have such people as Deb who will gladly feed hungry travellers steak sandwiches.

We went in for an afternoons work cleaning rooms for a little fuel at the Mataranka United Roadhouse and Hotel, and by the end of it we were offered free board, two weeks work, a bar tab, and lo ho ho and beho-ho-hold we were grafting in the Roadhouse, the pub, in the Yard, and in the motel, and saw-in our first Aussie Christmas, an Aussie New Year and got to know the locals. Massive appreciation to Chris and Christine, who run the whole shebang, to granddaughter Cassie and boyfriend Kiel who worked there alongside us and drank alongside us, to Lou, Cassie’s mum and Chris and Christine’s daughter, her husband, the irrepressible Bernie who made us so welcome, their cheeky blighters young Jake and little Tayla, to Nipper and Heidi and Darren, the staff, who got us so very very drunk on bourbon and to regular customers Kiwi and Wingnut who entertained us, and all the rest who made our time there so memorable. Over $1600 raised for Book Aid, and fuel too, we left well rested, well fed, and, well, sad to leave.

Stuart Highway North

2008-12-20T22:42:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Ben, Emily and Lexi for the $20 fuel donation

Go and say good on ya to Frank, who worked us in some drains for $30 fuel and some food and cigarettes

Say Hi, to Jack Harries at the Hi Way Inn, Daly Waters for the $30 fuel we earned for siliconing the roof and sweeping the forecourt.

Just go to the famous Daly Waters Historic Hotel and meet Lindsay, Robyn, their Rodeo King son Paddy, daughter Kate and staff Jess and Brian. It’s famous because, as Lindsay says, ‘everyone knows about it, that’s why’. Good answer from good people. We worked, got fed, given drinks, raised donations at the bar, and had, for the first time in, it seemed like for, for, forever, an airconditioned sleeping quarters.

Good on yer Marilyn Starr

The Dutch fellers, John, Rom and Mark, who donated to our pot.

To Steve Toms, of Top End Explorer Tours in Kakadu, who we got chatting to at the bar in Daly Waters, who donated to the pot too, and who was a thoroughly decent chap into the bargain.

To Barry and Anne, who run the Pink Panther Roadhouse and Pub at Larrimah, and Samantha and Snappy Time the crocodiles who reside within. We worked, got fed, found a bed, and they chucked more than a penneths worth into the charity pot for us. Thanks to you.

Tenant Creek

2008-12-17T22:41:00.000-08:00

Our second stop at Tenant Creek and we had another $20 fuel from the fine people at the BP.

Tenant Creek Food Barn donated some groceries to us. Thanko mate.

We stayed at Tenant Creek Caravan Park didn’t we, owing to their munificence.

Wayne at Leading Edge Computers didn’t bat an eyelid at some free internet time.

Mick and Sue Adams joined in with the spirit of things with some work cleaning and paint stripping at their Central Service Station for some fuel and charity money. Working so hard that when a Redback climbed over Anne’s hand as she cleaned she batted not a lid at it, gesticulated like an Italian with her other hand, and called it a weak-ass lilly-livered sorry excuse for a poisonous creature, and to not waste any more of her time! It went away, scolded and said not another word all day.

Ti Tree

2008-12-14T22:40:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Ronnie and the Tongan lads at Red Globe Table Grapes. Given a days work we were lucky to arrive at the weekend, drank Cava, Tongan beer with the collective there, who donated $300 of their hard-earned wages to us, to add to the $300 for Book Aid the next day in wages. Overwhelming stuff.

Alice Springs

2008-12-13T22:39:00.000-08:00

Thank you to J9 Staunton, who gave us wwoofers some work and donated very generously to the charity, and put up with us as we raced around town looking for work, talking to the radio, and newspapers and that malarkey. A very talented and lovely person she is too, despite not telling me as I sat on the red been-bag the dog uses for ‘personal pleasure’ that I may be more comfortable elsewhere.

Thanks to Ian and Pam Lue, J9’s visiting relatives, for the donation to Book Aid. It was a great beard you had Ian.

Thanks to Jo George and the team at The Rock Tour, Alice Springs, who had no compunction offering us a three day tour down to Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and Kings Canyon. And to Craig, our tour guide, we thank unreservedly, for the excellent way he ferried a bus load of people around and made it fun, informative and easy. An excellent time had by all, I think. Yes, I do think that.

Thank you Wendy at Toddies Backpackers, for working us in the garden and donating the wages to Book Aid. Then fed us steaks at night. Top job.

Thanks to the well-intentioned people at Caltex Alice Springs for the full tank of fuel donated to us.

To Chris, who made us a coffees and a b.l.t each and sat with us at his fine establishment the Red Dog Café, on Todd St mall.

Thanks to the Centralian Advocate for running a story on us

Thanks also to Rowan, the afternoon DJ on ABC Alice Springs who interviewed us.

Hello and thanks to Cousin Jo, Gareth’s effervescent relative, for the donation to our cause. Top bananas cousin jo.

Thank You Andrew Lake and Rob Evans, at the YHA Hostel in Alice, for letting us stay there in exchange for some work.

Thank Derek Goh, at the Tea Shrine, for the fried rice.

Thank you Richie at Rocky Hill Table Grapes, who offered us work picking grapes (I know, grapes, in the desert, but apparently so) and despite only getting a day out of it due to the torrential rain, (I know, torrential rain, in the desert, but apparently so) we appreciate the effort nonetheless.

Thanks to the girls at Gloria Jeans for the breakfast coffees.

We love you April at Wicked Kneads, not only for the breakfast buns, but for the tea time pastry box later on that day. Phew!

As James Blunt sang ‘you’re beautiful’. So we sang in honour of Shelley and the girls at Haven Hostel for the stay there. Happy to work for our beds, and to answer such questions as ‘do you guys like beer? We have a load of cans here, leftover, you want em’ We went week at the knees. Sincerely.

Sorry. To the fella who, as we were being given our box of beer, was asked, over our shoulder, to pay $5 for that can of Pepsi he wanted. He audibly frowned. Fair play, I thought.

Thank you to Tony Dodds at Target, who donated to us our video camera tapes.

Double Dutch! Thanksh to Ed and Girde from Holland who left some beer for us and a pouch of tobacco.

Bonjour! To Yuri Iizuka and Juno, from Japan and Korea respectively. Rovery people.
Thanks to quintessential Chris, from Norwich, for the hat he donated. Very dapper it is and much used in the interim. Obliged to you kind sir.

He may just be the mechanical equivalent of the man whose name he almost shares, come forward Richard Hawkins, Wicked Camper mechanic, top fella and author of The Cog Delusion.

Goodness gracious great balls of fire! Russel at Alice Scrap and Metal, who gave us an afternoons work, sorting through scrap aluminium, de-casing copper wire and generally getting mucky and burning stuff. The wages, of course, went to Book Aid.

Stuart Highway South

2008-12-01T22:36:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Edsei Nememo at BP Tenant Creek for the $20 fuel donation

Big hugs to Big John Duncan, who we met while camping at the Devil’s Marbles campsite, who took it upon himself to get us as drunk as drunk could be, fetching drinks from the fridge in the back of his 4x4, played us songs in the 4x4, made us sing to the Kinks in the 4x4, recite Slim Dusty, and generally rocked out with us until the wee hours of the early morn.

To Kersti at Wauchope Hotel and Roadhouse who donated $20 fuel to us.

To Lew Farkas at Wycliffe Wells (Aliens from Outer Space Themed) Roadhouse for the $20 fuel donation.

Mount Isa

2008-11-29T22:31:00.000-08:00

Profuse thankings to Darren, Carol and Kym at Mount Isa School of the Air for the tour round, letting us sit in on some lessons, the opportunity to play Santa, the job bagging plastic coins, and all the donations you so generously put into the pot.

To all at Brumby’s Mt Isa, who donated to us some pies, croissants and a lovely iced bun to have for lunch, in the canteen, with the teachers at the School. Naughty but nice. Don’t rest your elbows on the table! Sorry Miss. Don’t you talk with your mouth full! Mmmm-mh Ms.

Thanks to Miner’s Mate, the Caltex Servo for the fuel donation

Biggem up Margret Symons, at Toyota, Camooweal St, who donated to us a fuel cap, seeing that someone left the one we had on the roof of the van after topping up in Cloncurry, Gareth.

Cheers to Bob and Mariann at Colonial Convenience Store on Camooweal St who donated some lunch to us.

Again the IGA comes to the rescue: Alexis and Anita at the IGA in Mount Isa sent us to work at St Vincent de Pauls charity shop, sorting clothes and delivering furniture, and donated some groceries and fuel.

Thanks to everyone at Mount Isa Caravan Park for letting us stay, giving us some cigarettes and being so thoroughly charming.

Thanks to Susan and David at BP Camooweal Roadhouse who donated $20 fuel to us.

Thanks to Big Col, the Road Train driver, who we met at Camooweal Servo and who took Anne in the giant truck to Berkley Homestead, letting her drive part of the way along the home straight.

Maronan Cattle Station, near Cloncurry

2008-11-26T22:30:00.000-08:00

We went, we woofed we sampled Aussie life outback station style. Big thanks to the ever-informative Nevenka, her husband Colin, who runs the station, the kids Rose and Kasie, Governess Juile, and Oldfella George, who also taught us much. It was a brilliant experience, and the place where the Outback came alive for us.

Thanks to Megan and Denzil and all the kids who collected donations for Book Aid and helped sell the Showbags Nevenka donated to us for the Cloncurry Races. We raised over $500 that day.

Thank you to Cloncurryshire Council worker Jo Green, who donated the money for twenty minutes of internet time for us at the local library.

Meeh-Meeh to the Debbie Lawler and the kind people at the Roadrunner Roadhouse, MIllwraith St, Cloncurry, who donated £10 fuel to us.

Berkley Highway West

2008-11-14T22:28:00.000-08:00

To Pat and Spiro Borg at the Caltex Servo, in Hughenden, who filled our tank for us

Jane Holden fed us tea and sandwiches at the Holden Café in Hughenden.

Thanks to everyone at Richmond Caravan Park who put us up.

Hello and thank you to Bob at the Mud Hut in Richmond for the feed.

Thanks to Mike for the beers you bought us at the Mud Hut.

Thank You Linda for the list of free campsites in Central Queensland

Townsville

2008-11-13T22:26:00.000-08:00

The incomparable John McDonald, promotions manager at the Walters Group IGA store there, soothed us with his lemon-squeezy dulcet laidbackedness and enthusiasm for anything beyond the nine dots. He arranged work for us at Camp Quality, a kids camp for cancer sufferers, one of the many local charities he and the store he works for are affiliated with, where we gardened for the day, where we earned some fuel and food from the goodly John and the kindly IGA.

Pleasure meeting with Mark and Nikki at Camp Quality, who do good work, for some beautiful children.

Thank You to Darren, Janine, and Ethan Staunton in Kirwan, for a place to hang our heads for the night. Darren makes an incredible curry. Cheers for the shampoo and cd’s too.

Bonza to Darren, Jon and Sharon at the Network Communications store, in Castletown Shopping World, for the $30 of Optus phone credit.

Bonza too to Lauren, Elouise and Gemma at the Vodafone store in Castletown Shopping World for $20 Vodafone phone credit.

Cheers Den at Den’s Internet, 265 Flinders St, who donated 20 minutes free to us., and invaluable wisdom into the bargain. Mention also to his lovely sister Anna, who helped us out with some names for work further along the track.

Thanks to Very Tall Andrew at the Townsville Bulletin who ran a story on us. He was over tall you know. What’s the weather like up there, we quipped.

To Michelle and Christine at Reef HQ, that underwater aquatic extravaganza, for donating a trip round for us. Made us crave fish N chips.

To all the staff at Mobil Calcium, Charters Towers, who donated a jerry cans worth of fuel to us for the trip out back.

Too easy mate. We rested our perspiring behinds and lay our sweat-beaded brows at Pentland Caravan Park, our first taster of the Outback. It’s big, we agreed.

To Nick and Wendy, at Julia Creek Roadhouse, who donated $10 fuel to us.

Cairns

2008-10-27T22:23:00.000-07:00

Beeeautiful. Captain Kerry, a friend of Carol Curtis, the lovely lady from Heaven in the Hills, Maleny, took it upon himself to offer his commanding skippering services to us upon on his yacht, The Paladin. We saluted in honour and went there giddy as spring lambs. G’day too to Deb and little Billie Jean who sailed to Fitzroy Island with us. Deb gave us work for the next day, weeding, and donated money to Book Aid. On’yers.

Thank you to Kerry’s missus, Anna and his lovely daughter, Sarah.

Thanks to the Cairns Post people for running a story on us and making us look good

Walkamin and Yungaburra

2008-10-25T22:22:00.000-07:00

Woofing at Erwin van den Muyzenberg’s Cactus and Succulent Nursery in Walkamin. It was a pleasure to live and work with such a man. Thanks for the sizable donation to Book Aid too.
Thank you Jenny, who organised for us to set up our stall at the Yungaburra Folk Festival Market and to all who donated to us helping us raise much for Book Aid.
Hello again: to Lindell Vaudrey and husband Bill from Magnetic Island, who also had a stall at the festival, and donated flip flops and a box of belts.
Thank you thank you, to Braja, Devaka, Param, Vijay and Brendan the Hare Krishna Pure Vegetarian mob who fed us some wonderful tucker right when we were on the verge of collapsing.
Thanks to Sri, Mal and their daughters at Sri’s Tasty Thai for the delicious grub at the festival.
Nice one matey – Charlotte, Paulie, Ted, and Fella, who entertained us during the hot, rigid hours standing there.
Our media careers burgeon - The Atherton Tablelander cover our story.

Tully and Deeral

2008-10-23T22:20:00.000-07:00

Honore galore to the munificent lot at Trinity Petroleum Mobil in Tully for the $10 fuel donation.

Good on yeros Con Marneros at Pacific Fasteners in Tully for the tenners worth of fuel.
Hats off to Tony and Jeanne Vicars of Tully Industrial and Hardware for $5 donation

Doffed caps to Sam and Chris Pappalardo of Star Sports and Toy Store, Tully for their donation

Rick and Yvette Terkelsen, fuelled us up, on the basis we buggered off for a few days, so that we could come back, to work a week on Ricks boat. He’s a handsome man.

Kelly Higgins Devine of ABC calls and says hello ‘LIVE ON AIR’. We blush, shyly, and giddily become her pets.

Upperstone, Ingham

2008-10-20T22:15:00.000-07:00

Much obliged to Gina and Duane of Rollingstone BP, Ingham who without any ado donated $20 fuel to get us to Upperstone.

Thank you for the memories: Narelle, Kevin, Hamish (McTootle), (Mad, Bad and Inyerface) Baxter, Willow and Little Baby Hugh.

Magnetic Island

2008-10-18T18:01:00.000-07:00

Thank you again to Adrienne from Fantasea Adventure Cruises, who organmised for us, at very short notice, the ferry ride over to Magnetic Island. Above and beyone again. Thanks to Jason, the manager, who ok'd everything, and to Michelle, who gave us the tickets and was a charming, lovely person to us smelly people.

It was a pure pleasure to have stayed with George Hirst and Penelope Sheridan at their beautiful spread in the bush. Lovely people, interesting, down-to-earth and funny too. George runs the Magnetic Times the local paper and Pen cycles the most awsome hill on the island to get to work each day. We learnt a lot working with you two. We enjoyed every minute of it.

Thanks to Louis and Louise who were charming and who donated tobacco to two very cheeky impish fidgety fellas

Muchas gracias to Jan Perry of Nelly Bay who invited us to fix some Possom Boxes for her. We did, and thanks for your donation to Book Aid too. Nelly Bay

Steph Chaffey, of Nelly Bay, thanks for giving us more work to do. We loved getting into the mulch and spreading it around. Very Mulch!

Thanks a million to Lindell Vaudrey also of Nelly Bay, who gave us work to do in riddng her yard of 22 years worth accumulated stuff and taking it to the dump. Thanks for your donation to Book Aid and for the gifts you gave us too. Love them thongs! Top Notch belts too!

Thanks to all the people who came and chatted to us, who donated to us, who fed us, gave us beer and said hello at the Friday Night Markets by the RSL Club. We had a great time and raised a few bob too. Good on ya!

Bowen

2008-10-14T17:43:00.000-07:00

Peter Madison, who we met in Airlie Beach Markets the day before, hosted us for a cup of tea, where we met up with the delightful Gertrude. Thanks mate, it was a pleasure.

John McLean. They call him Crazy, we call him a gentleman. Brother of Lach McLean, who donated to us in Brisbane a case of wine. John met up with us in Bowen after sailing all day in Townsville, and gave us a place to stay, then organized some work for us to do the next day, acquainting us with Bill Johnston, a true blue Aussie, introducing us to his lovely wife Lynn, manager of the local IGA, who donated to us some lunch, sent us off to The Grand View Hotel to help with the deliveries, where we met his brother Mike, who bought us a cold beer each, then he organised the local paper, the Bowen Independent, asking its editor Stephen Darwen to print some flyers for us, and to forward a story to the local papers up the coast. He also cooked us a barbie and filled us up with fuel. Relentless. Beeeeautiful.

Lynn McLean, at the IGA, who donated to us a trolley full of groceries and gave us the support of the good people of the IGA on our way round. Fantasticly generous.

Gertrude Tissen, she helped us out enormously. Another vibrant, busy, energetic, adventurous, lively, lovely person. Another Queenslander then. Too easy.

Stephen Darwen, manager of the Bowen Independent, who printed for us 500 flyers to take around, and who promised to forward their story onto the local papers all the way up to Cairns and accross to Mount Isa. No worries kinds guy. Thank you.

Strictly Strathdickie? Absolutely Airlie!

2008-10-12T16:45:00.000-07:00

Special mention to Cate Morris, living on Percy Island, but visiting her house in Strathdickie, near Proserpine, not far from Airlie Beach, for a bit of a tidy up, and we are eternally grateful to her for that. She donated to us while we were at the servo in St Helen's Creek and then invited us to stay with her, to use her place as a base for a few days. We did, digging some storm trenches for her, and from there things went spectacular.

In Airlie Beach things got off to a blinder! Fantasea Adventure Cruising offered us a visit to the Great Barrier Reef on Friday, if we agreed to dress up as King Neptune and a Mermaid on Saturday in Airlie Markets. Did we hesitate? Of course not. Adrienne and Portia are beautiful. Truly.

To Shane, at Tropix Photography, who cleaned Anne's camera filter for her.

To Beeches Backpackers, who allowed us to collect some money for Book Aid, despite the stern frowns and attempted intervention of an irate bouncer. Cheers dude.

To Con Raptis, of Neptune's Fish and Chips, on the Esplanade in Airlie Beach, who donated to us a fish platter when we needed it the most. Finger lickin stuff.

To the lovely girl at Tribal Travel in Airlie who saw no reason not to let us just have a little time on the internet. Thanks.

To Gordon at Wisdom Health Lab in Airlie, who donated to us three sandwiches for lunch on thursday.

To Flamos kebabs, Airlie Beach, who donated to us our Friday fill. Pretty good too.

The Tourist Information shop let us use the internet also. Cheers Big Fella.

Denise and Adriaan Vanderlugt, of Strathdickie, people we inadvertently bumped into at the market when Adriaan donated to us three caricatures, who as it turns out are friends and neighbours of Cate, and very talented, creative and interesting people. Went for lunch at their house the next day - an eye-opening experience.

Cheers to Peter Madison, one of the stallholders in Airlie Market, who invited us for tea in Bowen. A true blue and lovely man.

To Dave and Julieann at Cafe Mykonos on Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach, who donated our dinner to us. Bloody top tucker too.

St Helen's Creek, north of Mackay

2008-10-09T17:37:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Yvette, the fetching girl we met at the carstop near Mackay, who helped us out and gave us a sterling good on'yas. Good on you.

What happens when you're out of fuel and homeless near St Helen's Creek, north of Mackay? You pop in to see Lex and Merle, Col and Fiona at the St Helen's Caravan Park that's what. We mowed the lawn and cleaned a caravan and they were fantastic to us. Lovely folk who gave us food, toiletries and fuel. Couldn't havebeen more please with the way we were looked after and treated with respect. Lovely people.

Thanks to the lovely lady at the servo, who allowed us to collect donations outside. You helped us greatly, thank you.

To Gary Cox, an Organisational Psychologist from Brisbane, we met at the Caravan Park, and had a really interesting talk with. You needn't have donated to the fuel fund, but thank you.

Alpaca Farm, Cobraball, Yeppoon.

2008-10-07T17:33:00.000-07:00

To the Grice family at Cobraball, near Yeppoon. Leah, all the Davids, Musical Anne, Cheeky Charlie, Jonathan, Glenys, Nathan, Emily, the alpacas, the dogs, the cats, the llamas, the horses, you were all wonderful, funny and a pleasure to get to know and spend time with.
Who knew of the eight countries of Norway and the ways a man makes a woman go 'ooh'. Comedy gold. We loved the set up, large family meals, lots of laughter, talking, piss taking and sharing.

Best and worst? The best was feeling like part of your extended family, and the worst was having to leave. Truly memorable.

To Mike Dalton of Yeppoon, a very interesting guy who was a pleasure to talk to during the Alpaca/Cheekyfellas Open day at Leah and Davids.

To the irrepresible Alby Wooler. The term legend couldn't be more aptly applied. We hope the trees you donated to us to plant on the Grice farm will grow. Bloody Alby!

To Jane Keilau and Luisa Choyce who donated some groceries to us. Thank you ladies.

To Andy Tandoh, and Kerrie Hall who came over to the Open Day and chatted to us for a good while, giving us great ideas and support.

To Gary, who came to the Open Day with his three lovely kids, then came back the next day to give us a fuel voucher. Cheers bud.

Thanks to The Dreamtime Culture Centre in Rockhampton who taught us about Aborigonal life and living.

1770/ Agnes Waters

2008-10-03T17:30:00.000-07:00

To the fine people st Miriam Vale Roadhouse and Caravan Park - Mary and Stan, Emma, Christie, Hayley, Jan and Penny and Cindy and Pam at The Star service station. We askled for enough fuel to get us to 1770, and you threw in some pies too. Times like these...

If you ever meet Don Growcott, of 1770 Undersea Adventure, shake him by the hand. He lives in the town called 1770, and runs a dive boat. We didn't get there till late, and only had a day to travel up to Rockhampton. We were gutted we couldn't take you up on the offer of a dive. A gentleman who provided us with a bed for the night nonetheless and educated us on Marine life in the process. Thanks again. Don.

Heaven in the Hills, Reesville, near Maleny

2008-10-02T17:19:00.000-07:00

To Carol Curtis at Heaven in the Hills we owe much. We can't thank her enough. She was so good to us. We tried work in proportion to the kindness she showed us, but we didn't even come close. She was amazing and we wish her all the best. Above and beyond. Assistance, support, donations, wisdom, friendship. A trly phenomenal woman.

To (King) Kevin and Jenny, at Heaven in the Hills, Reesville, near Maleny. We can't thank you enough either. Your donations were greatly appreciated and, in one special donation, made two boys very happy.

To Suzie and Giancarlo, who donated to us some funds towards the video camera after we painted their office and did some gardening. Friends of Carol, no worries people, our kind of folk.

This is going to sound trite, but we were overwhelmed by the response we received here. Genuinely beautiful people. Our stop here made the world a very good place.

Glenoak Farm, Kennilworth

2008-09-29T17:11:00.000-07:00

To Terry McGrory we salute you.
To Stephanie we curtsey respectfully.
What a time we had at Glenoak Farm, in Walli Creek, in the splendid Mary River Valley, beside Kennilworth.
We couldn't have met a finer fella to kickstart our working life on this trip. We will certainly come back to tell you how things went. A pleasure. A beautiful part of the world, we couldn't get up early enough to make the most of it. He was our first WWOOF host and we were his first WWOOFERS. A finer precedent could not have been set. Terry McGrory. What else can you say?

To Stuart and Maree, Kelly and Emma who were camping at Glenoak Farm. You made us sing, you made Phil sing. Pretty unique. Nice to have met you all.

Kick off in Caloundra

2008-09-25T15:48:00.000-07:00

Loretta and Gary from Caloundra who were the first to contact us. We realised we weren't insane when you got is touch with us and proved the outside world existed, and was really responsive to us. Cheers mate also to the whole crew over at theirs, to Zoe and Debbie, Rachel and Markus too. We had a great time. The Camping and Caravaning Guide will come in very useful, as will the t-shirts and the biccies. On'yas all.

We loved the experience of trying to surf. We may have been as skilled as a pair of pork chops at it but we loved it. Gary, you're a dude. Loretta, you are beautiful. We love you all.

All The Good Good People

2008-09-21T15:19:00.000-07:00

And I say to myself "What a Wonderful World"

Valley Mall Bin Bag Day

Thanks to Josephine Clayfielf, from Brisbane who donated a box of toiletries to us. The green shower cap is already a firm favourite - and not just for washing in. Interesting. Thanks Josephine.

We forgot to grab yer name, but a massive thank you to the guy who donated his thongs to Phil. Giving the shoes off your feet, says a lot about a man. That was a touching act. Good on ya.

To the stall holder who kept donating clothing throughout the day.

To the guy who walked up to our lovely Anne and gave her the pretty floral dress. What a smashing blouse. Thanks mate.

To Susie and James, who brought us our table, chairs, who also made us our giant banner and contributed valuable homemade biscuits. True Blue!

Mel and Rache, who came laden with comedy gifts and good humour. The cycle helmet Gareth was given will come in useful, in case he hits his head. The pink thongs are already going down a treat. Ooh er missus. Bonza.

Paula, who has supported us all along. She knows her biscuits alright.

To the ever-loving Victoria Cosgrove for giving up her recovery time from the pounding hangover she had to come down and whay-aye support us.

What about Jaime and Mark, who came up from Byron Bay to wish us well and campaign on our behalf. Thanks for the goodies. Don't tell Anne about the smokes. Was great to see you.

To Alvin the stallholder next to us who gave us a Boost Juice each when we were flagging in the sun.

To the stallholder who kept buying us ice creams.

Thanks to Maria and the staff at Fat Rics who donated us a breakfast each.

To Caroline, Gareth's sister's friend, who wished us well and told us of the Principality of Hutt River over in Western Australia. A Kingdom of its own. Cheers Cazza.

Big em up Leanne and Camilla who came with valuable survival items - a Bus Conductors Cap and a flowery sun cap. Goin out bush mate?

To Carlie at Nova Radio who stopped by to wish us well. Happy days.

To the lovely girl working for Map magazine, who initiated Anne's bin bag dress into fashion, giving the world 'skiprat style'. Rubbish never looked so good!

To the humble man mountain Andrew Herbert and the lovely Bella, who helped, mocked, assisted and supported all day and the whole way through. A tear falls cheekwards...

To our mums. We all love our mum.

Thanks to Nerys, Gareth's sister, for the parcel of aid items she sent. The first thing Gareth did was to apply the vaseline to his chaffed inner thighs just like Rosemary Connely used to do. OOooh, the relief. Nice work, sissa.

Thanks to Phil for his irrepresibility. Cheers Phil.

Thanks and diolch to Iestyn Lloyd who sent over a bag of Gareth's childhood sweet fetish Toffee Crumble. You can't buy that sort of loyalty to confectionary, but thankfully you can buy Tofee Crumble. Reu dy ddanadd racs.

Good onya Elizabeth Plant. What else can we say. True champ. Who would have thought disposable undies weren't some terrible irony. Thanks Rizzie.

To the fella who finlly provided Gareth and Phil with some shorts. He didn't know at the time, his girlfriend does though. Thanks luv.

The Friday Thank You List

2008-09-19T05:29:00.000-07:00

We have Lach McLean from Lach Stock and Barrell Wines to thank who just rang up and gave us a box of wine to use as bartering and exchange. Now that's not something that happens every day. We will use your top notch plonk wisely. What a fine fella.

A sloppy kiss on the chops for Jeremy Johnston at Base Brisbane Hostel on Edward St for coming through for us and giving the bin bag clad tramps we will by then be a bed until wednesday. A moist tear trickles down our cheek...

Easy Tim at E-Print who worked damn hard under a heavy workload to produce for us 500 flyers. We genuinely appreciate the effort you put in on our behalf, and the flyers are excellent.

Muchas gracias to the exotic balloon carrying interviewer Gemma Snowdon at 4ZzZ Radio. You made us show off the Steve and edited out calling us retards on air. Thank you so much.

Thank you to the wonderful, the excellent and the ever-lovely Elizabeth Plant in Liverpool, Sydney, who has campaigned on our behalf, worked her ever-loving derrierre off and even offered us a car. She doesn't like shoes, but gawd knows she likes a chuckle.

Special mention also to Sheridan from Bondi, who generously donated her time to drive to us the car the lovely Elizabeth had offered to us. We'll catch up with you in Sydney we will.

Thank you Jannah Burgess too for suggesting Gareth talked slower on radio. He. Will. From. Now On. Cheers. Mate. Bo..n..za.

To budding drummer, irrepresible scamp and all-round cheeky imp Samuel Plant who donated his "fish and chips" joke to us. He seldom used it and it has gone to a good home. We'll take better care of it. Now do me a favour son...

hip hip!

2008-09-18T02:51:00.000-07:00

The past few days have been immense for us. The response to our idea has been fantastic, and the support we've received has doubled our efforts to make sure this succeeds. There's no way we can do this without people like those mentioned here. This is the love. Hark!!!

These people here helped get us started, got us off the ground and gave us hope we weren't daft.

All of our family. mums, dads, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles. Ain't a shared genetic make-up great! Three cheers for the DNA! Knowing you're all behind us makes us all more determined and braver. Thank you all for your time, effort and generosity. It's a shame you couldn't make it Paula. Thank you for everything you've done.

All our friends. for encouraging us at the beginning, for giving us ideas to run with, for spreading the word around, for feeding us chicken when we were bleary eyed arranging things, for donating to Book Aid and the Fuel Fund, for keeping us on our toes and tip-top, for being honest and criticising us when we needed it. We are proud to call such a beautiful bunch our friends. We didn't know a web widget from a bearded midget before we knew Geroge Hurrel. We love you guys! Easy Tim.

These guys here liked the cut of our jib and invited us to tell the world about how we cut it so fine. We gathered pace thanks to these jolly souls.

Drive Show host Kelly Higgins-Devine, and all the lovely people at 612 ABC Brisbane. Our media debut couldn't have been made easier. We'll be talking to you again.

Simon O'Brien with The Brisbane Times who eased us through our first interview making us feel very comfortable and relaxed, and credit goes to him for editing out the swearing. Thanks for the coffees by the way. Top fella.

Andrew Smith at discover camping who offered to supply us with our camping needs. Easy going, friendly, a pleasure to talk to. Helped us out with vital kit. Immesurable! Top notch.

Beautiful Charlie's Angels Leanne and Camilla and Boss John at wicked campers . Who gives idiots like us a campervan? Wicked Campers do. Kindred spirits and adventurours themselves their enthusiasm for our trip overwhelmed us. They've gone all out to help us along. Too easy mate. Top bananas.

We lost our Radio Phone-in virginity to 4BC 1116 News Talk with Alex and Rod. They were gentle and caring and we all had a lovely chat with them. We don't know what they look like but we love them anyway. Thanks for the support, and talk to you soon!

Big thanks to Dave Ferguson at Toucan Display Systems down in Sydney, who donated to us the display stand we'll be using to grab attention in the Valley Mall on sunday and also as we move around. A gentleman.

How could we leave out the irrepresible Alvin and Nicky at Hunter Express who donated their freight service to us in getting the display stand over to Brisbane. No fuss, no worries, easy does it. Nice one.

What about the spandangling people at wwoof then! The sparkling Tam donated to us free memberships to their online community of nationwide contacts. Looking forward to seeing where this opportnity takes us. Couldn't be more pleased with this. Check them out.

Crystal Creek

2008-09-11T22:25:00.000-07:00

We were only passing through, and lo and behold, found ourselves indebted to Michael Davies, of Crystal Oasis Palmetum, in Mutarnee, near Paluma, who gave us a few days work for a donation to Book Aid and a little, well, a lot, of beer.

Can I get a rewind? And a hellyeah! To the Midnight Mission Team at Crystal Creek – Jody, Charma, Kat, Jarrod, CJ, Jack, Jenny, Brad and Colin.

To the Ghost of Evel Kinevel (is he dead?) for the stunt-like bike lessons Anne made good use of when she flew through the air like a migrant turkey on the back of a speed machine.

Cheers Mate

2008-09-08T21:30:00.000-07:00

If you are mentioned on this webpage it means you have helped in some manner or form to be closer to achieving our goal. We three, Gareth, Anne and Phil thank you dearly.

Deeral

2008-04-11T22:24:00.000-07:00

He may be small, but by lord he’s handsome. The irrepressible Rick Terkelsen, his beautiful wife Yvette, hosted us as we worked, bogging, sanding, and bogging and sanding Rick’s Catamaran, with Michael Surland. Well fed, entertained, guided with stories and advice, a 20 litre vat of red wine, we loved it in Deeral. The Terkies filled our tank and the jerry cans up, and donated our weeks wages to Book Aid. They also saw us into the coconut trading business, introduced us to what a chain-mail abattoir vest can do, and made sure we were clean and tidy and smelling like beautiful tulips. Top Class Acts all round.

Thanks to Daz Hart who we met down by The Boulders while going for a swim, he was playing an Affrican guitar, and we got chatting. He donated us a CD of his choonz. Thanks mate.

Kelly Higgins calls again, thanks for the interest K-Hig.