Full Hearts And Full Tanks

Ex-Servicemen Hit The Road To Help Sick Kids

By Hannah McNamara

In a world where recognition often follows spectacle, two local veterans are quietly carving a road less travelled … one of grit, heart, and community backing.

Tony Ciantar and Wayne Davis, both retired servicemen, are trading boots for bonnets and embarking on a 10,000km journey in their lovingly restored 1994 Ford Fairmont as part of this year’s Variety Bash.

Although, this isn’t just any road trip.

It’s a rugged, soul-stirring mission to raise funds for sick and disadvantaged children through Variety – the Children’s Charity.

Their vehicle, aptly named The Eagles, bears more than stickers and sponsor logos – it carries the memory of a close mate.

Local builder and Sarina icon, Lenny Ivory, sadly passed away last month from pancreatic cancer, and his name now rides proudly on the panels.

“We named the car after a dear friend from Sarina… it’s our special way of honouring him,” Tony shared.

The Fairmont had slept silently in a shed for over 15 years until Tony, a mechanic by trade, brought it back to life.

“It’s a 1994 Fairmont. I bought it off my neighbour in 2002… and it’s been in the shed for 15 years, so I decided to get it going.”

This year marks their first Bash, and it’s no Sunday drive. With over 7,000km on the official route and another 3,500km just to get there and back, the veterans are bracing for tight check-ins, long days, and chilly nights camped at showgrounds and school ovals.

“It’s full on, but every night there’s a barbecue or fundraiser. People say the social side is great too,” Wayne said.

And while the trip is no holiday, neither man expects accolades.

“We don’t get anything out of it – we pay for everything ourselves – but it’s all about raising money for the kids.”

At a time when every dollar counts, their self-funded mission has stirred an outpouring of goodwill from the Mackay and Sarina community. Major sponsors like NB Industries, Transit Tyres, Battery World and Master Mechanical in Sarina have all chipped in, alongside many other businesses and car club mates. Raffle prizes worth over $4,000 are on offer at the upcoming Sarina Show, and every cent raised goes straight to Variety.

“We’re not asking for a handout, but if the community would like to pitch in then we’d greatly appreciate it” Tony affirmed.

Their journey may be long, and the ride may be rugged, but their mission remains certain: to serve with heart, stay humble, and honour fallen mates, all while raising hope for children who need it most.

To support their mission – and give back to those who’ve already given so much – donate via the QR code, visit the Variety Bash website, or grab a raffle ticket at the upcoming Sarina Show.

Tony and Wayne are trading boots for bonnets, hitting the road in a restored Fairmont to honour a mate and raise funds for kids in need. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

Car #142 is a tribute in loving memory of Leonard (Lenny) Ivory – 21.10.1950 to 04.05.2025. Photo supplied

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