The Elders Bunbury team has returned from the 2026 Dirt n Dust Run, helping raise more than $8,800 for mental health initiatives across regional Western Australia while taking part in one of the state's most unique community fundraising events.
Elders staff at the event launch in Narembeen branch. L to R: Front – Dusty Roo Dirt N Dust mascot, Deane Allen (Bunbury Branch Manager), Caila Simpson (Bunbury SSO), Kimberley Mannion (Bunbury SSO), Michelle Oxley (Bunbury SSSO), Meg Stevenson (Narembeen Branch Manager), back row Riley Stasinowski
This year marked a significant milestone for the team, with Elders beginning a three-year sponsorship of the Dirt n Dust Run as its naming rights partner.
Months of fundraising by Bunbury staff, clients and community members helped deliver a strong result. At the Dirt n Dust launch event organised by Narembeen Branch Manager Meg Stevenson, an auction and raffle raised $4,744. Bunbury staff also hosted a community sausage sizzle that raised $2,791.35, while branch raffles and donation drives at two Elders conferences contributed a further $1,305.
Together, the initiatives raised $8,840.35 to support regional mental health and wellbeing programs.
The run itself took participants along a mystery route through regional Western Australia, travelling through locations including Hyden, Kalgoorlie, Mount Walker and Williams. Along the way, participants camped each night, tackled dusty back roads and connected with local communities.
Joining the Dirt n Dust Run as an Elders representative, Bunbury Senior Sales Support Officer Michelle Oxley saw firsthand how deeply the event resonates with regional communities across Western Australia.
"It was an awesome experience and such a privilege to represent Elders for such a great cause," Michelle said.
"Everywhere we went people wanted to know more about the event. We had community members stopping to ask questions, share their own stories and even make donations on the spot."
Throughout the week, the distinctive Elders Dirt n Dust vehicle became one of the most recognisable features of the run. Originally a fleet vehicle from Elders Real Estate Rockingham, the car was transformed by Perth artist Paul Deej into a colourful tribute to agriculture, the bush and regional Western Australia.
The Elders decorated car suffered a flat tyre during the run, but luckily help was at hand.
"I've had people tell me they saw the car on the news," Michelle said.
"The branding opened up conversations everywhere we went and gave us a chance to talk about why the event is important and where the money is going."
Bunbury Branch Manager Deane Allen shared that the event demonstrated the power of community connection.
"The strength of this initiative is the connection it creates with regional communities," Deane said.
"Elders is known as a country-focused business that supports local people. Through Dirt n Dust, we're not only helping raise funds, but we’re also showing communities we're prepared to give back and be actively involved.”
"It's about supporting regional communities, raising awareness of mental health and creating genuine face-to-face connections. That's something Elders is proud to be part of," Deane said.
Funds raised through the Dirt n Dust Run will support regional mental health and wellbeing programs across Western Australia, helping deliver Mental Health First Aid training, community wellbeing initiatives, support for regional schools, and practical education and resources.