At 10:00 hours on Saturday 14th April a convoy of old model and heritage tractors began leaving Heywood for a two day, one hundred kilometre trek through some of the region’s most scenic parts.

The event raises money for a very worthwhile charity – “Cancer in Kids” (CIKA) which supports children’s’ cancer treatments at the Royal Children’s Hospital.

Pieter Erasmus from the Heywood Tractor Trek group said “we managed to raise 7,500 dollars for the weekend between registrations and the auction so we did very well”

Saturday night the convoy camped and enjoyed a two course meal. Sunday breakfast was at the Milltown Wood Days with a return to Heywood in time for lunch.

“Some of our highlights were going to Lyons and watching the Woodall rodeo boys do a shoot out for us and having a look at their bulls”, said Mr Erasmus. “Also our journey along the track was a highlight as it’s never the same thing - it’s always changing. Dinner Saturday night was amazing thanks to the Wood Days - everyone seemed to love it and nothing went to waste”.

As might be expected of an event involving very old machinery there are always a few challenges.

“As every year goes there’s always a few break downs or tow starts to happen especially for those newbies in the trek”, said Mr Erasmus.  As for the future of the event he said “the track will be different next year but we will still have our auction and spinning wheel because we will continue to raise money for CIKA”.

The Heywood Tractor Trek provides an opportunity to appreciate the historic mechanical equipment that has played such an important part in the development of the regional agricultural sector, beautiful local scenery, and varied social experiences, all whilst supporting a deserving charity.