A few of the tractor trek’s committed crew in Katamatite. From left: Pat Doyle, Mick Quinn, Greg Cummins, Kyllee Edis, Don Edis, Ray Rooney and Des Quinn
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From pre-dawn starts to long days on the road, the recent Two Rivers Run Tractor Trek was powered less by machinery and more by the people behind the wheel.
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Over seven days, a convoy of tractors travelled across northern Victoria, not just raising $115,000 for Motor Neurone Disease, but strengthening bonds, sharing laughs and reminding everyone involved of the power of community.
Yarrawonga participant Pat Doyle took part in the Tractor Trek aboard his 1938 Lanz Bulldog and wrote to Country News to celebrate the community behind the effort.
Pat Doyle from Yarrawonga, beside his 1938 Lanz Bulldog tractor.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
At the heart of the trek was lead organiser Don Edis, whose dedication went far beyond simply turning the key.
Over the course of the week, Don logged countless hours completing reconnaissance runs to make sure every turn, stop and schedule was right.
Driving his W6 International tractor, Don was rarely alone.
By his side throughout the journey was his daughter Kyllee Edis, proudly steering her own 9G Chamberlain.
Other daughters, Lu and Rachael, followed along during the week, offering support and lending a hand wherever it was needed.
It was a family effort in the truest sense.
Don Edis and his daughter Kyllee Edis.
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While the tractors took centre stage, much of the hard work happened quietly behind the scenes.
Brothers Mick and Des Quinn became the backbone of the trek, juggling traffic control, scouting suitable camping spots, running auctions and stepping in wherever an extra pair of hands was required.
Despite the long days, spirits remained high thanks to the camaraderie shared along the route.
Greg Cummins, and his 1936 Lanz Bulldog. It’s the oldest tractor to take part in the convoy.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Vietnam veterans Greg Cummins and Dick Kennedy became well known for their quick wit and constant banter, lifting morale when fatigue began to creep in.
That sense of mateship was never clearer than when Dick’s son Mark joined the trek, only to suffer a mechanical breakdown before they were even able to get under way.
Rather than being left behind, the pair was quickly embraced by the group, continuing the journey in a ute and camper, and even taking turns behind the wheel of the Quinn family tractor when the chance arose.
Greg Cummins and Dick Kennedy. “The pair shared a bond and a brand of banter that had the whole group in tears of laughter,” Pat Doyle told Country News.
Central to keeping the trek going were Robyn and Neil Cole, who seemed to successfully juggle wearing multiple hats.
As secretary and treasurer, they kept the event running smoothly, while also ensuring no-one went hungry.
Robyn drove her camper towing the food trailer, while Neil joined the trek on his cherished 1951 David Brown Cropmaster.
Each morning, long before most of the convoy stirred, Robyn and Neil were already awake, preparing breakfast and planning the day ahead.
A quiet, but vital contribution that did not go unnoticed.
By the time the tractors rolled to a stop at the end of the week, the trek had raised more than $115,000 through auctions, raffles and sponsorships.
But for those involved, the true success lay in the friendships formed, the stories shared and the sense of unity built kilometre by kilometre.
The tractor trek crew pulled into Wunghnu for the night. Pat Doyle described the tractor trek as “an incredible feat of endurance and generosity.”
Photo by
Megan Fisher
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