Trip to Cape York for Schmitt

Local resident Nigel Smith has organised the ‘Trip to Cape York for Schmitt’, a fundraising trip from Mulgoa to Cape York, in memory of his son Lachlan, who was killed in a car crash in Silverdale. The event will raise funds and awareness for RTSG NSW (Road Trauma Support Group NSW).

Leaving on Saturday 17th June, the three vehicle four people trek will take 3 weeks to complete, with the return trip well over 7,500kms. Starting from Mulgoa, the group will make their way up the inland highways to Cairns in North Queensland and then follow the Peninsula Development Road (PDR) to Bramwell Station, followed by the beginning of the Old Telegraph Track. They then head across the Jardine River, up to Bamaga, on to Punsand Bay and eventually the tip of Australia.

“Our son Lachlan has always talked about doing a trip to Cape York with his mates, as they are all into four-wheel driving. To complete his dream after he was killed at Silverdale in a car crash, we thought it would be great to organise a trip and finish it in his honour. Then I thought we may as well turn it into a fundraising event for the Road Trauma Support Group NSW” explained Nigel to the Mulgoa Valley Gazette.

RTSG NSW (Road Trauma Support Group NSW) is a non-profit organisation that provides support to families, like Nigel’s, that have been through road trauma.

“When you lose someone that means so much to you so suddenly without saying goodbye, for the first 12 months you are in shock and disbelief and don’t know how to cope. The RTSG NSW can provide much needed support, guidance around dealing with CTP insurance, the court process, and just someone to talk to that has been through a similar experience” he stated.

“They not only provide this support for victims of road trauma but continue to campaign for reform as we work toward ensuring there are more effective connected support systems in place to adequately help victims through the experience of road trauma” Nigel added.

To support RTSG NSW (Road Trauma Support Group NSW), the local community can donate to the Trip to Cape York for Schmitt GoFundMe page at https://gofund.me/d38558dc. Search “Trip to Cape York for Schmitt” on Facebook to follow their journey.

“Ultimately, it would be great if people really thought about the consequences of speeding, especially young drivers. Stick to the speed limits and drive safely, as unfortunately we get new members every month which is very sad and something we are trying to avoid. I would never wish the pain our family has been through on anyone” he ended. #slowdownforschmitt