After 25 years of self-employment and a successful viral map for 4WD enthusiasts, Lakes Entrance local Damian Witham is back with a new venture — and he’s inviting the community to join him on the ride.
Damian has launched a Kickstarter campaign for his latest creation, ‘Aussie Lap’, a board game that captures the heart, humour and occasional “flat tyre” heartbreak of the iconic Australian road trip.
Alongside his wife Melanie, Damian has been a long-time fixture of the Lakes Entrance community.
With all three of their children having graduated from local schools and moved on to their own adventures, Damian says the “empty nest” provided the perfect opportunity to return to his passion for game design.
“I’ve always loved the spirit of the road,” Damian said.
“Aussie Lap isn’t just a race; it’s about the scenarios we all know — getting bogged on a beach, paying $9 for a meat pie at a remote roadhouse, or finally finding a secret swimming hole with no crocs.”
This isn’t Damian’s first foray into the world of games. In 2020, he launched the Victorian High Country Scratch Map, which became a cult classic among campers and exceeded its funding goal by 142 per cent.
“The support from the High Country community was incredible,” Damian said.
“Now, I’m looking to take that same energy nationwide, but it all starts here at home in Lakes Entrance.”
Designed for two to six players, the game combines elements of Monopoly and The Game of Life, but with a dusty 4WD and caravan twist. Players navigate the continent using custom-designed “Bankies” featuring iconic Australian celebrities, with a deck of over 500 draw cards dictating challenges and rewards.
Examples include:
– “Forgot to let your tyre pressure down on the Gibb River Road. Pay the player to your left $150 for a recovery.”
– “Found a $50 note in the lint trap at the caravan park laundry. Collect $50 from the Bank.”
– “It’s competitive, it’s relatable, and most importantly, it’s Aussie,” Damian said. “One minute you’re the king of the road, and the next, you’re staying still for a turn because you’re stuck behind a convoy of Grey Nomads doing 60km/h.”
Damian needs to raise a minimum of $15,000 via Kickstarter to move from the prototype stage to full production. Backers are effectively pre-purchasing the game at a discounted “Early Bird” rate.
“Lakes Entrance has always been a town that supports its own,” Damian said.
“Whether you’ve done the Big Lap yourself or just love a rowdy family game night, I’d love to have my neighbours on board for this journey.”
To support Damian and Melanie in bringing Aussie Lap to living rooms across the country, visit their Kickstarter page or follow their journey on Instagram at @go.roadtrip.
