HARRY Vidal set off yesterday on a three-month journey through the Australian Outback to raise funds for Craniofacial Australia.
Harry will trek 1,100 kilometres from Balranald to Lightning Ridge with his red wagon and two Clydesdales, Henry and George.
A fundraiser was held at the Tooleybuc Sporting Club last Friday, followed by a farewell barbecue on Sunday in Balranald Lions Park.
Travelling just 20 kilometres a day, it’s a pace that lets Harry connect with the land; and with those he’s helping.
“I plan a trip every year and I always try to pick up a good charity,” Harry said, who’s raised up to $70,000 on previous treks.
“I’ve done Beyond Blue, the Flying Doctor Service, but now I’m doing Craniofacial Australia.
“I’m doing it for kids; I want to make them happy.”
This will be Harry’s third time supporting the charity, a cause that’s close to his heart.
“My brother was born with a craniofacial condition, and I’ve seen first-hand how much support can mean,” he said.
Harry is making this journey just eight weeks after undergoing surgery himself.
In March 2025, Harry had surgery to remove a benign tumour from the side of my head.
“After five hours being awake post-surgery, I thought, ‘geez, that’s what these little kids have to go through.’ I had tears in my eyes,” Harry said.
“If I can help those kids, and if it makes mum and dad happy; I think it’s really worthwhile.”
Harry said that hay and water resources are limited and called on community support.
“We’re going to be pretty low on hay,” Harry said.
“We’re going to go through a lot of farms.
“If anyone can help us out with hay and water for the horses please reach out.”
Harry said the slower mode of travel offers something special.
“When you travel by car, you travel so fast, you miss everything.
“With the horses, you’re going five kilometres an hour.
“The country looks different; you relax, and you always see something in the area.”
He said his two Clydesdales, Henry and George, are like family.
“They’re good boys. It’s amazing. It’s like having kids with you,” Harry said.
“You’re with them 24 hours a day.
“You feed them, clean them, and look after them.”
All funds raised go directly to Craniofacial Australia, ensuring vital services reach those who need them most.
“Every cent goes straight to the charity,” Harry said.
“And every dollar helps.”
To support Harry’s journey with a donation visit: www.craniofacial.com.au/harry
Any locals wishing to offer hay or a place to rest, get in touch via Harry’s Outback Trek Facebook page.
