Coffee raises money for a good cause
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Fuelled by coffee, desire and a good cause, Lawrence Norton is on a mission in his vintage double-decker bus.
Originally from New South Wales and living in Melbourne before embarking on his cross-country adventure, Mr Norton has made his way to South Australia via Cairns and Tennant Creek as he serves coffee and raises money for The Eli's Gift Foundation.
Mr Norton discovered the 1949 Leyland Sydney bus in a New South Wales quarry 12 years ago and after completely refurbishing the vehicle, is serving coffee to residents in towns he visits.
At last count, Mr Norton had raised $31,504.50 for the foundation, named in honour of Eli Healey who passed away in 2012 due to a respiratory disorder.
"The foundation is supporting families with sick children and when looking for a charity to support for my drive, this was close to home for me," he said.
Mr Norton said he "fell in love" with the bus and after putting "too much" money into stripping it down and refurbishing, now operates the Twice as Nice Gallery Cafe.
He raises money through selling cups of coffee, while covers the expenses of his journey, such as milk and cups, by selling coffee art - created by putting four shots through the coffee machine daily to clean it and utilising what comes out to paint - and other items.
"I welcome people into my home for a cup of coffee if they would like to support Eli's Gift," Mr Norton said.
"The response has been phenomenal and a lot of money has been raised."
Mr Norton visited West Coast towns such as Venus Bay, Streaky Bay and Ceduna as part of his stay on Eyre Peninsula, having previously passed through others including Cummins and Coffin Bay.
Next up is a trip across the Nullarbor, before continuing his journey through Western Australia, up to Darwin and back to Melbourne via Adelaide.
He said getting in touch with locals along the way was a highlight of the adventure.
"Meeting all the local people has been the best thing about the trip," he said.
"I've almost sent myself insane a few times, then in the middle of night you see a person, get talking and realise you are not alone."
He said money raised would go into administration for the foundation, to ensure it remained a "money in, money out" charity and that funds were put to good use.