Team DD Hits the Road Again for an Epic Shitbox Rally Adventure

Travelling thousands of kilometres across some of regional Australia's most remote roads in a car that could generously be described as a “shitbox”, the latest adventure delivered everything the rally is famous for — long days behind the wheel, dust, unpredictable conditions, plenty of laughs and an extraordinary sense of community.

But for Di and Matt, Team DD has always been about something much bigger than the car or the adventure.

Driving in Daniela's Memory

The DD in Team DD stands for Daniela Dwyer, and every kilometre Di and Matt travel carries Daniela's memory with them.

Their involvement in the Shitbox Rally is another way of honouring Daniela while helping raise awareness and funds for cancer research — a cause that has become deeply personal to so many of the people who knew and loved her.

Di and Matt in front of Alby at Cobar — one of many stops along the rally route.

The Shitbox Rally brings together teams from across Australia, many of whom have their own experience of cancer. Participants tackle extraordinary journeys in cars of limited value, supporting one another through the inevitable breakdowns, rough roads and challenges encountered along the way.

Importantly, the adventure has a serious purpose: raising funds for Cancer Council and vital cancer research.

For Team DD, it also provides another opportunity to keep conversations about brain cancer, research and Daniela's story alive.

Mildura to Townsville

This year's rally saw Team DD point Alby north, setting out from Mildura in Victoria and making their way to Townsville in North Queensland — a journey of thousands of kilometres through some of Australia's most remote and spectacular outback terrain.

The 2026 Winter Shitbox Rally route — Mildura to Townsville, 19–27 June 2026.

As followers of Team DD's Instagram adventures will know, getting Alby from one end of the rally to the other is rarely as simple as turning the key and following the road.

The unpredictability is all part of Shitbox Rally — and part of what makes the achievement of reaching the finish line so special.

Along the way, Di and Matt shared their adventure with the growing community of friends, family and supporters following Team DD, continuing to spread awareness of the reason behind the name emblazoned on their car.

An Incredible Community Supporting Cancer Research

Shitbox Rally has grown into one of Australia's remarkable grassroots cancer fundraising movements, bringing together people whose lives have been touched by cancer and turning their experiences into something positive.

Teams don't simply raise money. They tell stories, remember loved ones, start conversations and carry the names and memories of people affected by cancer across thousands of kilometres of Australia.

That is something we understand particularly well at the Daniela Dwyer Foundation.

What began from the devastating loss of Daniela continues today through a community of people determined to create something positive in her memory and contribute towards a future where a brain cancer diagnosis comes with better options and better outcomes.

Di and Matt continue to be wonderful examples of that community.

Thank You, Team DD

On behalf of everyone at the Daniela Dwyer Foundation, congratulations to Di and Matt on completing another incredible adventure — and thank you for continuing to proudly carry the DD name with you.

We are incredibly grateful for the time, energy and commitment you continue to put into raising funds, raising awareness and keeping Daniela's memory travelling with you.

And, of course, congratulations to Alby for surviving another journey!

We have a feeling Team DD's adventures aren't finished just yet.

Well done Di, Matt and Alby — Team DD all the way. 💙