| Departs: Dalby - Thursday 2nd August 2012 |
| Arrives: Mackay - Saturday 11th August 2012 |
Get away for 10 action-filled days with 500 of your closest mates as we take you from the cotton capital of Queensland and make our way north to Mackay, taking in the stunning Queensland outback along the way.
This expedition of a lifetime will begin in Dalby on Thursday 2nd August with a convoy of Bash and Official Vehicles prepared to commence this colourful adventure.
We will witness miles of smiles as we fundraise for children whose families and carers rely on Variety, the children's charity for assistance.
To book your place or for more information contact Variety Queensland via email or call the office on 07 3907 9300.
What is the Bash?
The Variety Bash started as a drive in the Outback with a few mates. In 1985, Adventurer Dick Smith took a group of intrepid motorists from Bourke to Bourketown in their old cars, raising money for charity along the way. All of the money raised went to the Variety Club of Australia to further its support of sick, disabled or disadvantaged children.
The Bash has been staged by Variety since 1985 and the spirit of the original idea has been retained. Every entrant has to raise money for Variety and all vehicles must be 30 years old or older at the time of entry and be non-performance modified. The Bash is not a race, rally or speed trial. The single most significant rule of the Bash is to relax and enjoy the event away from everyday pressures, while seeing and experiencing the splendour of the Australian Outback.
Who can take part?
Entry to the Bash is limited to those who have enough cunning, resolve, determination and intelligence to persuade sponsors, family and friends to come up with a suitable amount of donations, made payable to Variety Queensland.
What is a Bash vehicle?
Bash vehicles are not race or rally cars; they are lovingly restored vehicles in all shapes and sizes from all over the world. They must be 30 years old or older at the time of entry. They must be 2 wheel drive, and they can not have any “go fast” modifications. Improvements may be made in the interests of improved safety, but not for speed.
Who me?
Yes! You can help children in Queensland who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs by becoming a ‘Basher’, sponsoring a Bash entry or by simply making a donation to Variety the children’s charity. Sponsors can be small or large businesses, friends or relatives. All donations made payable to Variety the children’s charity Queensland will receive official receipts. There can be tax benefits for sponsors of Bash vehicles.
Why do we have a Bash?
The Bash is staged by Variety the children’s charity Queensland to raise funds to assist in bringing about an improved quality of life for special children in Queensland. Since the first Queensland Bash in 1990, in excess of $15 million has been raised to help empower special Queensland kids to live, laugh and learn.
Where does the money go?
During the Bash, Variety makes donations of equipment for facilities to many local communities and individuals. Bash organisers engage local community groups wherever possible to provide catering for Bash participants, by helping them to raise funds for children in the area. Donations made to Variety the children’s charity Queensland are spent within the year they are donated and the proceeds are all spent through Queensland. Funds are utilised to purchase equipment, facilities or tangible items that directly benefit the recipient. An Appeals Committee assesses each individual request for assistance.
How much?
A Bash car entry fee is $330 that includes GST and is not tax deductible, refundable or transferable. In addition, each entry pledges to raise a minimum of $8,000 as a donation to Variety the children’s charity Queensland. These funds have tax benefits. A provisions levy will be advised in due course covering each participant’s meals, some merchandise, and entertainment etc.
Variety the children’s charity Queensland
Variety the children’s charity is dedicated to improving the quality of life for Queensland children who are sick, disadvantaged or who have special needs. Variety is involved in everything from providing Sunshine Coaches for school children in remote communities, communication and mobility devices, wheelchairs and walking frames, camps, learning aides and much, much, more.
From the mad-cap adventures of the Variety Bash, to high society race luncheons and star-studded gala dinners, the Variety experience is a unique blend of entertainment and philanthropy. Variety Queensland delivers real and lasting outcomes to people who need it most – Queensland’s special kids.