Tractor adventure saddles up for Mt Isa Rodeo - August 2009

That ‘Tractor Bloke’, Frank Chiverton, has arrived in Mt Isa and will join rodeo festivities this weekend, having travelled over 2500km to help raise awareness and funds for Guide Dogs Queensland. 

Since leaving Dalby on July 16, as part of a 10-week adventure from Dalby to Camooweal and back again, Frank has spun a yarn with farmers, tourists and fellow campers between St George to Isa, crossed the Strzelecki Desert and overcome two broken springs and a 10-hour sandstorm. 

He’s also raised almost $5000 for Guide Dogs Queensland in just two weeks.

“Everywhere I’ve stopped they’ve passed the hat and bucket around. Strangers have offered me meals; accommodation and fuel and everyone I've met has given a donation. People are even ringing and driving ahead to let them know I'm on my way," Frank said. 

"Cars pass me, the brake lights come on, and I'm watching them dig into the ashtray and down the side of the seat to find coins to donate."

Frank hopes to raise enough money to breed and train one Guide Dog - $30,000. It’s an aim, he says, he’s becoming more confident of achieving given the already generous support he’s received from Western Queensland. 

Frank chose Guide Dogs Queensland, with the knowledge that one day his grandson, 8-year-old Sebastian, who was born blind, would need its wide range of services. 

In the next 10 weeks, Frank will drive 5746km and the Mt Isa Rodeo is the first of several iconic events he will be visiting along the way. The next stop will be the Camooweal Drover Reunion; then the Birdsville Races and the Winton Outback Festival. 

The Mt Isa Rodeo committee generously provided a spot for Frank to park his tractor at the rodeo grounds, where he’ll also have information about his journey, Guide Dogs Queensland any unique Guide Dog merchandise to purchase. 

Guide Dogs Queensland Marketing and Communications Manager Donna Hurley said everyone at GDQ was over the moon with the support Frank had already received. 

“We have people all over the world and Australia following Frank’s journey, via our website and in state and national media. He’s becoming an old-hand at talking to media and posing for photos… we’re very grateful for his and all of QLD’s support,” Ms Hurley said.

“The association receives no funding from the government to provide services in regional QLD, and less than 7 per cent for white cane and mobility services – no funding is received for Guide Dog services.”

Frank’s journey will culminate at the Dalby Pacific Seeds Beef Galore on October 9, where a steer will be auctioned and funds donated to Guide Dogs Queensland. The Limousine steer has been donated by John and Leny Gaffney and is being raised by the ag students at Ag College in Dalby. 

More information about Frank’s journey is at website, www.guidedogsqld.com.au which is updated with new yarns and photos, from Frank, weekly.