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Ambassadors

Les BurdettLes Burdett

Ambassador

Les Burdett held the position of Curator at Adelaide Oval for 41 years, becoming an icon for Australian cricket and recently retiring in 2010.

In 2001, Les was awarded the Australian Sports Medal in recognition for Services to Cricket, followed in 2003 with the Australian Centenary Medal for service to the sport of Cricket and the turf industry. In 2008, he was awarded the medal of the Order of Australia for services to the turf management industry, charities and the community. His expertise is in demand at various venues around the world including India, South Africa and Kuala Lumpur.

Les continues to provide support to SACA as a consultant.

Les Burdett has been an avid Variety Basher for the past nine years. As a crew member of cars including Toro, Hay, CB1, CB3, LBW, KAOS. Les has contributed to raising over $187,000 for Variety SA.

Jane ReillyJane Reilly

Weather Presenter - Network Ten
Ambassador

Jane is a familiar face with Channel Ten viewers since joining the Network in 1994 and was then appointed weekday weather presenter in July 1996.

There is no doubt that Jane is a favourite with the Adelaide community and corporate audiences alike. As well as having a wealth of experience in media and presenting, Jane also slips easily into the role of MC, having hosted a variety of events ranging from local community and charity events to corporate functions.

Scott McBain Scott McBain

Media Personality
Ambassador

Scott is one of Adelaide's real troopers when it comes to the entertainment industry.  His unmistakable voice has seen in him roles on most networks and radio stations.  Scott's unquestionable MC and hosting skills are a blessing to Variety and his enthusiasm and charm are simply a bonus! 

Cat Southern Cat Southern

Singer/Songwriter
YVariety Ambassador

Cat has a long line of achievements in the Music Industry including being a semi-finalist in both Australian Idol and Popstars, a finalist in the 2005 Australian Independent Country Music Awards, 2006 Toyota Starmaker at the Tamwoth Country Music Festival and performing in the Middle East for Australian and Coalition Troops. A Golden Guitar and multiple People’s Choice nominee, Cat also won the 2007 People’s Choice Award for Most Promising Rising Star plus the 2008 Best Song of the Year Award for ‘Little Miss Understood’. Cat released her highly-anticipated debut album in 2008.

Aside from her music, Cat is a former champion gymnast and diver, an accomplished horsewoman appearing in the lead role at RM Williams Outback Spectacular. She has also appeared on hit TV series McLeod’s Daughters is the Face of the DARE Styling Iron and since 2007, a proud ambassador for YVariety.

Darren LehmannDarren Lehmann

Ambassador

Darren 'Boof' Lehmann is a former Australian cricketer, who made his ODI debut in 1996 and Test debut in 1998. He became a regular in the ODI team in 2001 and Test team in 2002-2005 and played in both Australia and the UK before retiring in 2007. Darren is a valued long time supporter of Variety SA. 

Ambassador - Cullen BaileyCullen Bailey

Cricketer
Ambassador

Cullen is a young up and coming Australian Cricketer who among other things has represented South Australia in the Australian Domestic Competitions the Ford Ranger Cup and Pura Cup. Cullen is on the cusp of an international cricketing career and is a keen supporter of Young Variety since 2007. 

Julie AnthonyJulie Anthony

Singer/Entertainer
Patron

Julie holds a unique place in the heart of the Australian Entertainment Industry. Her achievements on the concert stage, in musicals, television and recordings, span nearly two decades. Julie Anthony, a professional and dedicated performer has been the recipient of numerous awards. It all began when Julie moved to Sydney from the South Australian Mallee Country in the early seventies. Julie was awarded an OBE for her service to the Entertainment Industry. She was honoured to receive the award by Her Majesty the Queen. Julie also received the prestigious honour of the Order of Australia for her contribution to the people of Australia. She is a nationally and internationally recognised performer and proud to be South Australian.  

What Variety ambassadors have to say...

  • “ I have been with Variety SA for over 5 years as an ambassador and Variety basher, to help children in need in South Australia and to help them to enjoy life to the fullest. Being an Ambassador for Variety SA is a true highlight as is participating on the Bash – a great week to celebrate hard work in fundraising throughout the year. The people that make up the Variety family do a great job in ensuring a bright future for all the children that need our help in SA. ”

    Darren Lehmann Variety SA Ambassador

  • “ I am enormously proud to be a State Ambassador for Variety the Children's Charity. To see a child smile after being assisted by Variety is a great joy. The scope of the Charity is sweeping. There is no opportunity to help which is too small or large for Variety. Since becoming involved with Variety in 2000, I have been given so many wonderful memories. Seeing a child of 10 walk unassisted for the first time. A teenage boy excited to receive a computer which enabled him to access special learning programs. A little girl hugging her doll after being given an artifical limb. The hundreds of happy faces at the Annual Christmas Party. The heartful thanks from parents. These are just a few of the things that Variety does, making a difference for the special children of South Australia. ”

    Jane Reilly Weather Presenter - Network Ten