The 2009 Variety NSW
NRMA Insurance
Bennelong Pt. to Broken Hill
16th-26th August 2009 Bash
To view 2009 bash journey click here or to find out more about Variety and The Bash click here.
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The Bash is not a race or a rally. The most important thing about the Bash is that speed is not important.
What really matters is that everyone has an enjoyable time travelling in parts of Australia they would not otherwise see, at the same time raising money for special children.
The annual Variety Bash is Australia's most successful charity motoring event. It is the focal point of fund raising efforts by many hundreds of supporters of Variety, with the money raised helping sick, disabled and disadvantaged children.
The Bash enjoys wide media coverage and has been the subject of many documentaries made for Australian and International distribution. This ensures that the Bash has a high profile and provides excellent coverage for sponsors.
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Drivers and crews, however, are anything but standard! Drawn from all walks of life, these enthusiasts come together on the Bash to drive along rough outback roads and bribe and cheat their way past the officials.There are no prizes of any value in the Bash. The aim of the event is to raise money for sick, disabled and disadvantaged children in Australia.
The Bash was originated by businessman, explorer and philanthropist Dick Smith in June 1985 when he organised a group of people to travel from Sydney to Bourke in Far West New South Wales, and from there to Burketown in Northern Queensland.
Dick wanted to take a few mates for a drive in the outback in old cars and at the same time raise money for charity so he charged everyone to enter, and entrants were able to bribe the officials or be fined.
That first event raised $250,000 for Variety and was known as the Bourke to Burketown Bash.The B to B Bash has raised over $80 million since it started in 1986 to help sick, disabled and disadvantaged children throughout Australia.   
Photos top - bottom: The Big Baron fire truck, HR Holden "Car 99" from shoalhaven, Sheep shearing powered by Wilber, one of the activities on the 2005 bash. |
