The Nagambie local had always wanted to drive in a car rally — and with the chance to raise money for Cancer Council, this was the perfect opportunity.
As someone who survived cancer as a teenager, Mr Lawler knew it was one way to show his gratitude to doctors, nurses and support groups.
“At the time I didn't realise how bad it was,” the 39-year-old said.
“As a kid I was like, 'cut it (melanoma) out and go to surgery', but Mum was horrified. It wasn't until I was older I realised I was pretty bloody lucky that Mum made me go and see the specialist.
“I was 15 at the time, and said, 'well, you gotta die at some stage' — you think you're unstoppable. I'm all healthy now, thankfully.
“I look at cancer and see how it can devastate a whole family. There's that carry-on effect from one person to another with who's impacted.”
Next year Mr Lawler will set off in his 1994 Toyota Camry wagon from Alice Springs to the Gold Coast for the autumn Cancer Council Shitbox Rally.
If you want proof Toyotas are durable, this car could be on an advertising billboard.
It has done a whopping 530 000km ... and still has the original engine and gearbox!
The car might have a few bumps and scratches on the body panel, and the boot doesn't open, but Mr Lawler said it was pretty much ready to go.
“It drives fine,” he said.
“It chews a bit of oil at the moment so we're hoping to get a mechanic that can give it a once-over.
“You're not allowed to spend too much money on them. It has to be a `shitbox' and you can't take it to a mechanic and get all these changes.
“I use the car as my work car because it's cheaper than the Jeep I have at home.
“I'm thinking of possibly taking it to the primary school and have them paint it or do it in the traditional Nagambie colours."
The car is expected to travel close to 6500km on the journey — which includes driving from Melbourne to Alice Springs.
The massive convoy of cars in the rally will travel just shy of 4000km from Alice Springs, heading north through the Gulf of Carpentaria and finally cutting south to Surfers Paradise.
Mr Lawler said the car would not be returning home.
“As part of the Shitbox Rally, they sell the cars at the destination and I'm making sure it doesn't come back with me.”
Mr Lawler and his co-driver Tristan McDougal need the support of the community to go on the trip.
They must raise $5000 to drive in the rally and are hoping for donations and sponsors.
“We're starting to get some sponsors on board and we've raised just under $3000 but we want to raise as much money as possible,'' Mr Lawler said.
“It's all split up between different cancers such as breasts and lungs.
“I didn't use any of those services when I had cancer but I've seen the great work those charities do.”
The autumn Shitbox Rally sets off in May 2020.
To donate or sponsor team Non-payer, visit: autumn2020.shitboxrally.com.au/non-payer
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