So you’re considering taking part in the Variety Bash? Well you’ve come to the right place! Below we have compiled a list of information all about the Variety Bash to help you get started. If you’d like to chat to us further, we’d love to hear from you - contact us to discuss your enquiry.
About the Variety Bash
The Variety Bash is not a race or a rally - it's a fun and social event, or in the words of the originator Dick Smith, ‘A drive in the outback with a few mates’. It’s a madcap event designed to put the FUN back into fundraising by raising much needed funds to help empower children who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs.
To find out more about the history of the Variety Bash and the destinations the we have travelled to, click here.
The 2012 Variety Bash route was announced in October 2011. To register your interest in participating in the 2012 Variety Bash, please click the contact us button in the top right hand corner of this page.
Where does the money raised from the Variety Bash go?
Variety - the Children’s Charity Victoria is dedicated to empowering children who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs to live, laugh and learn. We achieve this through the provision of equipment, facilities and life experiences and by operating a straightforward and transparent grants program which draws on the funds raised through our events, sponsorships and donations.
Read more about how we help.
Variety Bash Cars
To enter the Variety Bash, you’ll need to have a car at least 30 years old, rolling on each year. All cars presented at Mobile Workshop Day (July 2012) for the 2012 Variety Bash must have a body plate identifying it has been manufactured in 1982 or before. The car must be licensed, insured and roadworthy as prescribed by state laws.
Need to know more about preparing your Variety Bash Car? Download our Variety Bash - Vehicle Preparation and Handy Hints guide
Entry Fee
The minimum requirement to enter the Variety Bash is $7550. This is made up of a $550 inc GST non refundable registration fee and $7000 of donations which are due and payable one month prior to the start of the Variety Bash. All payments must be paid to Variety - the Children’s Charity Victoria in accordance with the payment schedule as outlined below:
| Payment |
Amount |
Due Date |
| Registration Fee |
$550 inc GST |
With Application |
| Minimum Fundraising Achieved |
$2550 |
By 30th April 2012 |
| Minimum Fundraising Achieved |
$5050 |
By 30th June 2012 |
| Total Minimum Fundraising Achieved |
$7550 |
By 31st July 2012 |
Conditions of Entry
All entries into the Variety Bash must observe and agree to our conditions of entry which can be found on the second page of our application form by clicking here.
Fundraising
The most common way to raise money is through fundraising events (such as dinners, trivia nights, golf days etc.), approaches to sponsors/supporters and the Variety Raffle (organised by the Variety Office). Other ideas are included in the Variety Bash Entrants Information Manual available after entry is received.
Meals and Other costs
The Variety Bash organisers arrange for local organisations to cater for the Variety Bash. You will receive three meals a day on the Variety Bash (except where noted in the Meal Breakdown) as well as entry to the final presentation dinner and any tours that have been organised in your Provisions Levy. Payment of the Provisions Levy is required prior to the event and details will be advised at least 2 months prior to the start. Event liability insurance ($33 per car inc. GST) is also required payable prior to the Variety Bash start.
Individual accommodation, refreshments, fuel costs, mechanical repairs, car shipping and other out of pockets expenses are at your own expense.
Fundraising dollars cannot be used to fund any of costs associated with the Variety Bash – Fundraising cannot be used to cover or contribute towards your registration fee, provisions, meals, accommodation or costs of your car.
Awards
In the spirit of the event, the only serious prizes or awards are for fundraising. There are Top Hat, Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver & Bronze awards for various levels of achievements. All other awards are humorous – such as the Best Themed Car and Best New Crew.
The fundraising awards achievable per car are as follows:
- Highest Fundraiser - To the team which raises the highest amount of money
- 2nd Highest Fundraiser - To the team which raises the second highest amount of money
- 3rd Highest Fundraiser - To the team which raises the third highest amount of money
- Top Hat Award - Awarded to all teams which raise $100,000 plus
- Bash Diamond Award - Awarded to all teams which raise $60,000 plus
- Bash Platinum Award - Awarded to all teams which raise $30,000 plus
- Bash Gold Award - Awarded to all teams which raise $20,000 plus
- Bash Silver Award - Awarded to all teams which raise $15,000 plus
- Bash Bronze Award - Awarded to all teams which raise $10,000 plus
Fun awards achievable by teams are as follows:
- Overall Winner - A prestigious award presented to the team that epitomizes the spirit of the Variety Bash
- Bash Chairman’s Award - For the team which really deserved a pat on the back
- Bash Encouragement Award - Awarded by the Variety Bash Manager
- Stuffed Compass Award - For the most geographically challenged team
- The Harry Burghardt Memorial Award - To the team which overcomes the most obstacles on their way to the finishing line
- The Dick Casey Memorial Award - For the crew which, despite total bewilderment best participates in the spirit of the event
- Best New Crew Award - For the best new crew
- Best Theme Award - For the crew which has themed themselves and their car in the true spirit of the event
- Spirit of Lakes Entrance Award - For the best presented car
- Best Raffler Award - Presented to the person or team who sells the most raffle tickets
Awards achievable by individuals include:
- The Ray Whybrow Memorial Award - To all Mobile Workshops to acknowledge their devotion to all Variety Bash entrants completing the event
- The Officials Award - To all officials to acknowledge their devotion to all Bashers completing the event
- Twenty Bash Event Award - To an individual who has participated in 20 National and Victorian Bash events
- Fifteen Bash Event Award - To an individual who has participated in 15 National and Victorian Bash events
- Ten Bash Event Award - To an individual who has participated in 10 National and Victorian Bash events
- Five Bash Event Award - To an individual who has participated in 5 National and Victorian Bash events
Frequently asked questions
If we still haven’t answered all of your questions, please download our FAQ page or contact us.