Variety Bash cash tops $200m

It's billed as Australia's largest and most favourite motoring event and this year's Variety Bash was no different, attracting hundreds of participants to Outback treks from all Australian states and raising record funds for disadvantaged kids.

Leading the charge was Victoria's Variety Bash, in which more than 250 enthusiastic (understatement) motorists trekked 4500km from Melbourne to Darwin, including Carsales CEO Greg Roebuck and co-driver Neil Tilley.

The Melbourne duo may have been rookie entrants in the 2016 Bash, but their fundraising activities were far from amateur, raising more than $50,000 for kids in need.

Their trusty 1970 HT Holden with a 307 Chev (original) had successfully completed the Bash before, but that was no guarantee for a finish this year. The challenging journey dissected Australia’s Outback, stopping in a number of iconic places along the way, such as the Flinders Ranges, Coober Pedy, Alice Springs and Katherine.

It’s fair to say that simply going the distance was a real concern from the outset ... and whether or not they’d still be good mates 10 days later, when the red dust settled.

We’re told the Holden did struggle under pressure in the Top End heat, but the Roebuck/Tilley car eventually made it -- along with the other 80 vehicles -- to the finish line in Darwin.

Asked about tips for future Bash rookies, Roebuck said: “Ask others who have done the bash for tips. Attend as many briefing sessions as you can and ask lots of questions. If you see other Bash people stopped on the side of the road, pull over and introduce yourself – that’s mostly the reason they’ve pulled over!”

Greg and Neil remain good mates. “Yes, we’re still speaking to each other…just not sure we’re listening as much!” said Neil.

Asked if he would do it again, Roebuck said: “Absolutely. It was great fun for a wonderful cause.”

This year's Variety Bash Vic event raised $1.3 million. Combined with other states including NSW, which raised more than $2m this year, the total raised since the Bash's inception in 1985 is now more than $200 million.

Also finishing this week, the NSW event saw 100 wackily decorated pre-1976 cars and their zany crews drive 3800km from Berowra in NSW to Bowen in Queensland over nine days.

Originally inspired by businessman, explorer and philanthropist Dick Smith in June 1985, when he organised a group of people to travel from Sydney to Burketown in North Queensland via Bourke in western NSW, the Variety Bash is the nation's biggest motoring fundraiser that changes the lives of Australian children and their families.

By charging his mates in old cars to enter, the first event -- known as the Bourke to Burketown Bash -- raised $250,000 for charity.

"The Variety Bash is an amazing experience for everyone who is part of it," said Variety – the Children’s Charity NSW Motoring Events Manager, Stuart Telfer.

“This year we have made donations to 11 schools along the way and have had everything from rain and closed roads to a wedding at our half way point in Longreach.

“All the Bashers work hard throughout the year raising funds to help kids in need and the Variety Bash is their chance to see the impact of the donations to schools and to have some fun and adventure in the Australian outback -- and this year the Variety Bash has certainly delivered.”

Variety NSW says its Bash not only helps kids across Australia, but supports local towns en route with an average of $90,000 directly spent in each town with more than 300 Bashers purchasing food, accommodation, entertainment and services.

Each Bash team raises a minimum of $8500 to take part in the Variety Bash and, today, Variety delivers an average of $1 million every month in individual and organisational support across Australia.

Images: Frank Amato and Greg Roebuck