2019 Variety Victoria Bash
It’s the largest and longest running Australian charity motoring event! The Variety Bash is often imitated, but never bettered. It’s not a race or a rally, it’s a fun and social motoring event. In the words of the founder and Aussie Legend, Dick Smith, it’s “a drive in the outback with a few mates”.
The Bash is a once in a lifetime chance to experience remote and regional parts of Australia that you might not otherwise see, all in support of Variety – the Children’s Charity.
Throughout the Bash, entrants get to visit local towns, stopping into schools and organisations to visit the kids. The participants get to see the direct impact of their fundraising efforts along the way, with a range of educational, health and mobility equipment provided to local schools and organisations en route.
The event is all about having fun in support of Aussie kids. There are always festivities along the way, from fancy dress nights to entertainment, awards and other activities and games on the road.
It’s fun, frivolity and fundraising!
The Victorian Variety Bash has travelled 112,902 kms since it began back in 1991 and raised over $26 million for kids in need! This year, the Variety Bash took our adventurers from Melbourne, all the way across the Nullarbor to Geraldton over 11 HUGE days! With stops at Warrnambool, Hahndorf, Whyalla, Ceduna, Madura, Kalgoorlie, Leonora and Mt Magnet, a regional route for the record books.
TEAM PROFILES: We interviewed two Variety Bash teams whom participated in the 2019 event
Sam & Dec Martin of Team #1 CAR: DODGE VALIANT CHARGER
What is the theme of your team and why?
The Dukes of Hazzard because we are car number 1 and who doesn’t want to drive a charger across Australia
Are there any interesting facts about your team that make you so unique?
We eloped and got married in Las Vegas!
What kind of car do you drive on the Bash and how long have you had it? Is there a specific reason you chose that particular car?
This is our second year driving our Valliant Charger. This is our beautiful baby because we’re car number one and have always wanted to be the Dukes.
What is your favourite town you have visited on the Bash?
It’s so hard to decide, the small towns are the great ones. But if we were to choose it would have to be Birchip, they have THE best vanilla slices in Australia!!
Where would your dream destination be that you would love to go to on the Bash?
It doesn’t matter! It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey!
Which year is your most memorable Bash and why?
Our first Bash in 2016 – there is nothing like your first, where you’re introduced to the Bash and Bash Crew and you start to become a part of the Bash family!
Tony Coad & Tim Clemens –of Team #73, Mark & Brett Coad Team #74
CARS: MERCEDES BENZ 450 SE
What is the theme of your teams? What do you love most about the cars?
Our theme is California Highway Patrol.‘Clemo’ would have everyone believe it’s because we can chase down anyone, but that’s not entirely true. It was a black car that we simply added decals to! Both of our cars are from the 1970’s. We love them - comfortable, reliable and have a thumping V8 under the hood.
Are there any interesting stories from the team Tony?
We needed a car for our first Bash (2017), Dec from ‘Team #1’ called and said, “How about a Mercedes Benz?” It was sitting in a yard north of Melbourne having done five Bash events already. It was tired, unregistered and in dire need of TLC - but it was ‘Bash ready’ and mechanically sound. We went and saw the car and asked the yard owner “How much?” His reply; “If you two commit to keep using this car to raise money for Variety, you can have it”. Wow. A few slabs of beer changed hands, a VicRoads permit was bought and off we went! We are proud that we’ve kept that promise. In fact, we’ve built on that promise, adding a second California Highway Patrol Car (Car #74) for our second Bash in 2018.In this coming Bash, my two brothersTony and Brett Coad will steer Car 73 in their first Bash.
Since making that promise our two-car team should close in on the $50,000 (fundraising mark). We’ll keep doing that for as long as Car 73 lasts - ideally for our kids to bring it along one day. We couldn’t possible sell it given the circumstances of how we came to own it. If we ever do - the proceeds will go to Variety.
That’s a great yarn, how about the about the 2nd car?
The second car took a bit of finding. We eventually bought a brown 450SE from a nanna in Wonga Park who used to drive it to the shops and back. We built it to last - hoping to do many, many Variety Bash events in it. We’re not so sure that what we’ve done to it would meet with the approval of the lovely old owner!
What is your favourite town you have visited on the Bash?
Too many to mention. I love the many small towns we drive through. Generally non-descript towns that you’d never otherwise have a reason to visit. A general
store on one side of the road, a pub with a veranda on the other side of the road, twenty Bash cars parked out front. I can’t help but smile at the couple of local kids staring at the cars in wonder. So, we pull up, get out of the car, walk into the bar. Have a laugh, a quick beer and onwards we travel. Love it!
Which year is your most memorable Bash and why?
It has to be our first to Fraser Island in 2017. It was our first experience getting to know the Variety Bash family. My daughter, Amelia, joined us and we made lasting friendships and incredible memories. We came back so excited and proud, ready for the next Bash!
Variety 4WD Adventure – 24 May 2020
But don’t be fooled, the Variety motoring team do more than just the Bash! If you prefer your intrepid travel of the 4x4 nature, check out the Variety 4WD Adventure. Next year this one will be going from River to Rock – a 13 day trip from Mildura to Uluru, with a few nights camping in the iconic Simpson Desert! Suited to anyone with an adventurous spirit who takes pleasure in the great outdoors, the event caters for both experienced and in-experienced 4WDers alike.
The event is supported by an experienced team of staff and officials, boasting over 70 years’ experience on the Variety 4WD Adventure. Radio communications, mechanical assistance and a scout to check the tracks are all there to ensure that you are safe. But most importantly they are there to make sure you have fun! And all in the name of a good cause, this event raises money for Variety – the Children’s Charity.
Check out https://www.variety.org.au/vic/events/ for more info.
