A team of driving enthusiasts have taken on the NSW Central Western Slopes and North West Plains while raising funds and awareness for Beyond Blue.

With more than $2.5 million raised by Beyond the Bitumen car rallies since its inception in 2015, the concept has become a fun way to support a very special cause.

Featuring a mix of old cars and modern 4WDs, the group started its four-day tour in Mudgee on the morning of Friday, March 24.

The tour finished up in the Blue Mountains on Monday, March 27, having tackled hundreds of kilometres of both forest and farming dirt roads.

Many have been affected by anxiety or depression, either personally or through family, friends, or colleagues.

Right now, over one million people in Australia are experiencing depression and two million are experiencing anxiety. On average, eight people take their own lives every day in Australia.

As Australia’s most well-known and most visited mental health organisation, Beyond Blue’s vision is for all people to achieve their best possible mental health.

They have been providing supports and services to people in Australia for 20 years.

The funds and awareness raised from Beyond Bitumen help them enormously.

With public support, Beyond Blue will continue to innovate and deliver new services and programs, distribute free information resources, provide funding for research, and share powerful stories of hope and recovery across Australia.

The rally, starting off in Sydney, ventures off the beaten track and ‘goes bush’, but not at the expense of safety.

Experienced mechanics and auto electricians who volunteer their time are on hand throughout the trip to make sure participants get to their daily destination.

Spreading themselves out along the convoy of cars, they are on hand to change tyres, tow breakdowns from off-road locations and tackle any repairs needed.

With a comprehensive set of safety rules that are based on a common-sense approach, the tours are all about fun and fundraising for Beyond Blue in a safe and controlled environment.

Any well-prepared charity event car or similar vehicle, registered and insured, is eligible to enter.

If the car only gets used one week each year, or hasn’t been used for several years, the trip is a great opportunity to dust it off and get some more fun out of it.

The Beyond Bitumen rally traversed through Mudgee, Coonabarabran, Narrabri, Dubbo, and Orange, finishing up at Medlow Bath in the Blue Mountains.

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