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The Bash is not a race or a rally and speed is not important. What really matters is that everyone has an enjoyable time travelling in parts of Australia they would not otherwise see, at the same time raising money for special needs children.
The Bash was originated by businessman, explorer and philanthropist Dick Smith in June 1985 when he organised a group of people to travel from Sydney to Bourke in Far West New South Wales, and from there to Burketown in Northern Queensland.
Dick wanted to take a few mates for a drive in the Outback in old cars and at the same time raise money for charity. He charged everyone to enter, and entrants were able to bribe the officials or be fined.
That first event raised $250,000 for Variety and was known as the Bourke to Burketown Bash.
The annual Variety Bash is Australia's most successful charity motoring event. It is the focal point of fund raising efforts by many hundreds of supporters of Variety, with the money raised helping children who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs to live, laugh and learn.
What is a Bash Car?
You will need a reliable, well-built vehicle, which will survive the trip and be noticed so that your sponsors receive some benefit.
The transmission, engine and engine ancillaries must be as originally specified for the vehicle. Fuel is always available, but it is advised to carry a jerry can as sometimes it is a long way between stops.
Modifications to the body shape are permitted where such modifications are designed to enhance the appearance of the vehicle for sponsorship purposes or for fun! Modifications to the brakes, suspension & fuel tanks are allowed for safety but no improvements for extra speed or performance modifications.
Attention-grabbing and unusual decorations make for a great Bash car … the stranger the better.
For further vehicle requirements, click here
Support Vehicles
For those would-be Bashers who can't tell a dipstick from their big end - don't worry. Travelling with the Bash are mobile workshops crewed by people whose job is to look after ALL Bash vehicles. Cars that look as though they are beyond repair have been transformed by the mobile workshops into miracles of motion and have been shepherded into the next town. Individual support vehicles are not allowed on the Bash, however, space can be hired to carry spare parts on the official baggage truck which travels the entire Bash route.
Accommodation
Accommodation on the Bash can range from 5 star to 5 million star (i.e. swagging under the stars) and will depend on the Bash route. Each Basher must organise his/her own sleeping arrangements. Accommodation is extremely scarce in some places – and in other places there is none! In places where camping is the only option Bash organisers will do their best to organise enough showers and toilets to accommodate the Bash so that you can wash away some of that dust.
It is a good idea to organise your accommodation well ahead preferably as soon as you have officially entered the Bash. Insist on paying a deposit when you book, that way when you are still out on the road after dark waiting on a workshop you are sure of not losing your room to someone else. Mobile phones are fairly useless in the Outback and motels are usually hesitant to hold rooms after 6 or 7pm if they have not received a deposit and are confronted by a tired and dirty Basher waving a credit card in front of their nose.
Where accommodation is concerned ingenuity is the name of the game. In small towns the post office or general store tends to be the epicentre of town knowledge and is often the best source of information regarding accommodation. They may know of people willing to take billets, or whether the local hospital or community centre has space available. Always take a sleeping bag or swag and a tent if you have room.
Conditions of Entry
All vehicles entered in the Bash must have been manufactured prior to or during 1974. They must be roadworthy, registered and insured as prescribed by State laws.
All vehicles must be conventional two wheel drive vehicles with a maximum crew of four people.
Motorcycles, buses, coaches, caravans, skateboards or wheelbarrows are not allowed.
All vehicles must carry on the front doors the Bash door panels onto which must be fixed the allocated Bash number for that vehicle. The vehicle number must also be clearly visible, using white numbers, on the front and rear windows. All cars must also display the sponsor's stickers, as supplied by the organisers, which includes a front window strip that doubles as a sun strip..
All vehicles are required to attend at the nominated ChequePoint day prior to the start of the Bash. Any vehicles unable to attend the ChequePoint day need to obtain prior consent from the Motoring Events Manager.
Everyone taking part in the Bash in any way must sign indemnity and Code of Conduct forms as issued by Variety, the Children’s Charity (NSW).
All entrants in the Bash must have paid to Variety, the Children’s Charity (NSW) either personally or through donations the sum on the Entry Form by the specified dates and prior to the start of the event.
Any meal money, pallecon bookings or extra merchandise MUST be paid prior to the start of the event.
At all times all entrants must abide by the rules of the road as prescribed by State laws and statues.
How much will it cost?
It costs $8,500 (minimum) to enter the Bash. This money is a donation and therefore is tax deductible. All cheques MUST be payable to Variety, the Children’s Charity. An initial $500 non-refundable entry donation is required to secure your place in the event. Additional donations can be used on the Bash for the purpose of bribing and corrupting the officials during the event.
The Bash is run by devious officials proficient in prising money from Bashers. Blatant cheating and bribery are not only allowed but encouraged. Bashers can even be fined for taking the event too seriously, the amount depending on the seriousness of the seriousness!
The majority of meals are provided during the Bash and “meal money” will also need to be paid prior to the start. Other costs to consider include fuel, accommodation and transport home at the conclusion of the Bash.
You will need a reliable Bash car and vehicle preparation costs may vary. Some Bash cars have cost up to $5,000 to prepare, others a lot more.
Contact Details:
If you would like further information on the 2013 NSW Variety B to B Bash, contact the Bash Office:
Stuart Telfer
Motoring Events Manager
Email : stuart.telfer@varietynsw.org.au
Ph: (02) 9819 1009
M: 0425 277 673
Sally Ross
Motoring Events Co-Ordinator
Email : sally.ross@varietynsw.org.au
Ph: (02) 9819 1016
The Bash Office
Variety, the Children's Charity (NSW)
707 Darling Street
Locked Bag 1044
Rozelle NSW 2039
Switch: (02) 9555 1688
Fax: (02) 9555 1594