SUBARUS CROSSING THE SIMPSON DESERT - PRESSING ON FOR PARKINSON'S
A Journey of Support, Awareness,
and Community Spirit
In June 2025, a determined group of friends will drive five vintage Subarus across some of Australia’s most challenging terrain—from Tasmania to the Simpson Desert—to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s Tasmania.
This journey is about more than cars and kilometres. It’s about standing beside those affected by Parkinson’s, raising funds to support specialist nurses, and increasing understanding of this complex neurological condition.
Every day, 38 Australians are diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Through this campaign, we’re doing our part to help make sure no one faces it alone.
Why We're Doing This
In 2016, after surviving prostate cancer, Malcolm McGinn and his mates took on a 4,800km postie bike ride from Hobart to Cairns, raising $70,000 for men’s health. Now, nearly a decade later, the same group is coming together again—this time for Parkinson’s.
The team are restoring five classic Subarus; four 1980s L series wagons and a Brumby ute, to travel across the Simpson Desert, supporting Parkinson’s Tasmania every step of the way.
The team will journey* from Geelong to Ceduna, traverse the rugged Goog’s Track in South Australia, and take on the remote Simpson Desert, crossing from Mt Dare to Birdsville in Queensland.
This journey is being fully funded by the participants, including vehicle purchase, setup, modifications,
restoration costs, and all travel costs including fuel costs, food, accommodation and Spirit of Tasmania costs.
How You Can Help
Follow the Journey – Stay up to date with photos, videos, and updates from the road on Facebook and Instagram: @parkinsonstasmania
Share Our Story – Help raise awareness and show your support by spreading the word.
Donate – Every cent goes directly to Parkinson’s Tasmania to fund the cause. No fees. No overheads. Supervised by ATO & ACNC.
If you would like to support this event either in-kind or by donating to this worthy cause, please contact the organisers below:
Contacts
Malcom McGinn
0419 837 536
m.mcginn@ract.com.au
David McAdam
0418 308 317
judamema@bigpond.com
Mike Whitehouse, Chair of Parkinson’s Tas
0448 710 882
mike.whitehouse@bigpond.com
At this stage a range of very generous in-kind support has been provided by the following businesses and
organisations:
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RACT
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Men’s Shed Claremont
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Pedders Suspension Aust
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Penrite Oils Aust
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Subarino Auto W.A.
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Autobarn Narrie Warren
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Parkinson’s Tasmania
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Tassie Tyres Launceston
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Strut Re-Gas Hobart
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K and E Automotive
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IdeasBanq
Together, we’re Pressing on For Parkinson’s.
*The planned route may change due to weather conditions or other circumstances beyond the team’s control.
