The town of Young was bursting with colour, laughter, and generosity recently as the Variety NSW Bash rolled into town, bringing with it a convoy of quirky, themed vehicles and a powerful mission to support kids in need.
The Bash, now in its 50th year, is a major initiative by Variety, the Children’s Charity. It features 78 cars, all at least 25 years old, decked out in creative themes ranging from the Mystery Machine to Minions and more. Around 250 people are travelling as part of the convoy, including drivers, volunteers, paramedics, and organisers.
Tony Warner, CEO of Variety NSW, was in Young during the visit and said the experience is about much more than just the spectacle. “When we pull up at a school, like we did in Young, the kids are just in awe, the smiles on their faces say it all,” Warner said.
“And beyond that, we’re handing over a cheque to help the school with the things they specifically asked for.”
This year’s goal is to raise $1 million to help children facing disadvantage, with the money going toward school resources, equipment, and individual support programs. While some of the funds are distributed during the Bash itself, the rest supports year-round initiatives such as the Variety Heart Scholarship, which helps children with a demonstrated talent in areas like sport or the arts.
“We had a young girl from regional NSW whose passion was woodchopping, that’s what she competed in,” Warner shared.
“Support from Variety helped her pursue that. Some of the funds raised here in Young could go on to help kids just like her.”
The Bash began in Bathurst and is travelling through dozens of regional towns across NSW, putting regional communities front and centre. Though it’s not a race or rally, the Bash is affectionately known as a “travelling circus,” bringing not just donations, but energy and joy to the communities it visits.
“We may hand over funding, but the real gift is the excitement we bring to these towns,” Warner said. “Young has been incredibly welcoming, and we’re so glad we could include it on this year’s journey.”
-Liam Stuart
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