Last edition of Auto Action had a feature on the 1979 Repco Around Australia Rally, complete with photos of two Hazelton Airlines Piper Chieftains VH-DMV and VH-TWB. The aircraft were used to ferry media and officials between overnight stops. Some of the bigger teams had aircraft to fly parts and mechanics to the next checkpoint, or carry out enroute repairs etc.
Covering the length and breadth of Australia over a two week period , with a motley crew of alcohol fuelled, unwashed reporters and officials would have been interesting. Not to mention no GPS, mobile phone etc would have made trip and flight planning interesting.
Got to love the Hazo Chieftain with the Royal Mail insignia under the cabin window.