On March 11, the 31st Outback Car Trek was launched with a display of trek cars at Bondi Pavilion. The Outback Car Trek is an annual event that donates the funds it raises each year to the RFDS.

The Trek is an event for older 2WD cars, and all of the cars are specially prepared to cope with the fun of outback and remote dirt road driving.

In May, Trekkers will undertake the huge journey across rural and remote towns to raise awareness of the disadvantages people living in those areas face when trying to access simple medical treatment.

It will also celebrate what the RFDS is doing to help bridge the rural health gap. Chief Medical Officer of the RFDS Dr Randall Greenberg said the Outback Trek means so much to regional communities, not just in terms of fundraising, but towns are supported along the way.

"The great thing about the Trek is that it's a winding route which goes through all sorts of small towns...," he said.

Dr Greenberg said many out the Outback Trek participants have that wish to do good, which is why they put their hands up to take part.

"But I think also there's a whole lot of friendships.... they all come together for this one time of the year and they do this fantastic Outback Trek," he added.

Outback Car Trek organiser Bill Patrick was looking forward to stopping at the Dubbo RFDS Visitor Experience Centre

"It is absolutely world class and everyone of the 300 trekkers, I know will go away with a glorious smile on their face a and reaffirmation of why we do so much for the Flying Doctor," he said.

Apart from their contribution to the RFDS, the 100 plus car convoy will also provide a welcome financial boost for the many small towns they will pass through.

According to Bill Patrick, hundreds of hungry and thirsty trekkers spend some $575,000 each year in regional towns.

Mike Wheatley has been supporting the Flying Doctor on every single trek for the last 30 years and was most looking forward to getting out to the people in the bush.