2017 Variety Bash takes shape

Sheds, garages and makeshift workshops around the country have suddenly become busier as registrations open for this year’s Variety Bash charity drive.

Australia’s longest running charity motor event will kick off again around the country in August (the Vic event on August 18). Each state or territory-based event is expected to run between 8 and 12 days.

Originated by inventor and entrepreneur Dick Smith, the various Bashes support Variety – the Children’s Charity and have been running since 1985. In that time they have raised more than $200 million.

This year’s events will take in cities and regional centres across the country. The events raise money along the way, with a range of educational, health and mobility equipment provided to local schools and organisations throughout the journey.

Last year, Carsales entered in the Victoria running of the Bash, trekking from Melbourne to Darwin.

Anyone can enter the Bash, so long as they have a crew between two to four people, a pre-1986 car prepared to Bash specifications, a fun theme and costumes, and entry and levy fees and minimum fundraising, organisers say.

The event is merely a road trip, not a race, and embraces a light-hearted theme. Registrations to the 2017 event are now accessible via the Variety Bash website.

Don’t have a car? Variety Bash organisers say they have vehicles available for purchase on their website.

Not only does the event help support children around the country, stakeholders say it injects about $30,000 worth of income into each town it visits.