Each year, the longest running motoring fundraiser in Australia, the Variety Bash features a colourful convoy of creatively themed old cars and a route that takes participants through some stunning and remote landscapes, covering diverse terrains from outback tracks to coastal roads.
It has been just over ten years since the iconic event held a national Bash, and this year’s exciting eight-day trip from 8-16 August is a “Vines to Mines” adventure spanning a route from McLaren Vale in South Australia to Kalgoorlie in Western Australia for the 131 WA participants set to take part.
Variety – The Children’s Charity of WA, Chief Executive Officer, Chris Chatterton said the excitement for this year’s national event is building: “Each year our incredible community of Bash fundraisers travel around each state creating memories and giving grants to kids in need, and this year’s National Bash in South Australia is going to be extra-special, focussing on celebrations for the 50th year of Variety’s operation in Australia. We are starting with a huge commemorative celebration for more than 1600 local and interstate guests at the AFL Max Centre in South Australia, before heading off on a very circuitous route back to Kalgoorlie.”
“National Bashes take an immense amount of logistics work and coordination to pull together and they don’t happen too often so it is a really exciting event to be a part of and a bucket list item for many of our Bash car drivers.
Long time Basher and Event Coordinator, Jo Woodford said each event takes about a year to put together: “It takes a lot of organisation, checking routes, booking accommodation, support crews, entertainment, volunteers and sponsors to set up one of these events.
“For many participants, including myself, the true highlight of the Bash is the opportunity to witness first-hand the impact of the fundraising. En route, participants will visit local communities and schools, delivering Variety Grants that provide life-changing equipment and programs to children in need. Seeing their smiles and knowing we have made a difference is what it’s all about.” She said.
The Bash would not be possible without the incredible and generous support of all the volunteers who donate their time and expertise in supporting the participants, and the generous sponsors who make the event possible. With thanks to this year’s amazing sponsors and partners:
Europcar, Chalari, Gold Security Group, Burgess BLA, Osborne Smash Repairs, Refresh, Westralian Diamond Drillers, Radlink, Mahindra, Seeley International, K&S Freighters, Kwik Kopy.
- 7 August: Opening Night: d’Arenberg Winery, SA
- 8 August: Start Line: Moana Beach McLaren Vale, SA
- 8 August: National Bash Party: Beerenberg, SA
- 9 August: Quorn, SA
- 10 August: Bendleby Ranges, SA
- 11 August: Mt Ive, SA
- 12 August: Smoky Bay, SA
- 13 August: Coorabie Farm, SA
- 14 August Mundrabilla, WA
- 15 August: Rawlinna, WA
- 16 August: Kalgoorlie, WA
We can’t wait to share all the fun, incredible experiences, and magic of the Bash. Stay tuned for updates from the road. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
