MALENY’S Sam Hughes, The Travelling Jackaroo, has been named one of four Queensland Young Australian of the Year 2023 finalists.
Sam and his unmissable rig, a 1957 Chamberlain 9G Tractor called ‘Slim’ towing a bright orange trailer topped with a wingless aircraft, has been travelling around Australia for the past 20 months raising awareness and support for rural mental health. Sam has so far collected an astonishing $140,000 for the Royal Flying Doctors Service (RFDS), Dolly’s Dream and Drought Angels.
Honoured to be recognised as a nominee, Sam said although a few people had told him they had nominated him, he didn’t think he would be in with a chance.
“I just thought, there’s a lot of people out there who have done such extraordinary things… after seeing the other candidates and what they have achieved, I’m amazed to be classed with them,” Sam said. “It’s a great honour to be nominated alongside these individuals and I can’t wait to meet them in person and shake their hands.” Sam recently travelled from Perth to Brisbane for the State Awards on Tuesday, November 15 where the winners will be announced.
Since departing Maleny back in March 2021, at a very steady speed of 35km/h, Sam has travelled over 11,000km, even overtaking a number of grey nomads along the way! Over that time he’s met many people, sharing countless stories some of which he says are incredibly raw and sad.
“Mental health is still a bit of a taboo topic in rural areas and while it’s great being out there raising awareness, rural areas still don’t get a lot of access to mental health support,” he said.
Earlier this year, Sam received a 2021 Queensland RFDS Local Hero Award.
RFDS (Queensland Section) CEO, Meredith Staib, said his nomination for Young Australian of the Year was an acknowledgment of the incredible work he was doing. “We’re forever grateful for his support,” she said.
“Sam was one of our 2021 RFDS Local Hero Award finalists for the amazing work he does in raising vital funds for the Flying Doctor.
“Just recently, he hit the $80,000 fundraising mark which is an incredible achievement.”
Sam admits some days he forgets the phenomenal support network he’s built only to be reminded meeting strangers on the stree. Lucky for Sam, meeting people is one of his favourite things. “It’s really great having that network and I’ve met some truly wonderful people along the way,” he said.