BERNIE Quinn's renowned ability to grab a quid will be put to the test over the next week or so when he once again takes a feature role in the fundraising rally, Outback Getaway.

The highly successful and respected Murwillumbah businessman will be the “main man” on the eighth biennial Outback Getaway, for which he was a foundation member back in 1995.

Organised by Toowoomba East Rotary Club, the Outback Getaway normally raises about $50,000 each time the vehicles and participants head bush for eight fun-filled days and nights.

Mr Quinn's colourful routine and expertise as an auctioneer has raised $178,000 on his previous seven outings when his humour and undoubted ability to wring a dollar out of bidders has earned him the admiration and respect of all associated with Outback Getaway.

Funds raised on Outback Getaway are directed to a number of grateful recipients, including the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Toowoomba Hospital, the Cancer Council and several outback schools.

A host of businesses donate prizes to be auctioned each night the vehicles and their dusty inhabitants arrive at their nightly stop.

These auction items include Goodyear Tyre vouchers, Gold Coast holidays, weekends in Sydney and airflights around Australia.

Funds are also raised by each vehicle putting $1000 into the kitty – that's $33,000 before the start of the getaway in Toowoomba on Friday.

This year's trek will take participants on a journey of 3600km, all on roads off the beaten track with all stops at home- steads or small country towns where their presence injects much-needed funds into the local community.

“This is my retirement trip and I'll be making the most of it day and night,” Mr Quinn said.

“Outback Getaways has given me the chance to have not only a mingle with like-minded tourers, but the opportunity to meet many folk from all walks of life – real salt-of-the-earth people – as well as raise vital funds for some very worthy causes.”