The 2017 Variety Bash journey is beginning this Saturday, and will see ‘bashers’ travel from Mount Barker through the South-East of South Australia, across Western Victoria and back into SA for the finish in Mount Gambier.

From it’s humble beginnings in Australia in 1975, Variety has been providing support for children and families alike – when government assistant isn’t available. For children who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs, Variety is there to help when others simply aren’t.

The Variety Bash

Between 1984 and 1985, Dick Smith invited a few mates for “a drive in the bush,” to raise funds for the charity, Variety. And with that, the Variety Bash was born.

From then, the Bash has raised millions of dollars, and in their 30th year (2014),  they celebrated raising over $200 million for children in need. A tremendous effort and accomplishment for all those involved.

This year’s Variety Bash will see those involved travel from the 12th to 19th of August 2017, through Burra, Barmera, Mildura, Ouyen, Keith, Naracoorte before finishing in Mount Gambier. The ‘Pastures to Pines’ Bash, as it’s described, is a rewarding way to experience the impact Variety has on a child’s way of life. Throughout the Bash, regular fun stops are promised, with those living in remote locations experiencing the fun that those involved offer.

Bash Car 123

This year, like many previously, our team at Melba’s are supporting Bash Car 123 as they, the Super Mario Brothers, venture out. And amongst the crew, is our own General Manager Tom Foristal, Mario! Driving a 1966 Holden HR, the crew will be out and about, on their endless search across outback SA for Princess Peach. How awesome is that!?

Zooming through the state, the Variety Bash Cars will make their way through some of SA and VIC’s most rural communities, bringing with them fun and cheer. Will you be heading out to say “G’Day”?

As the week goes on, Mario will be sending us updates as he cruises through the outback, and our team are pretty eager to hear about all the stories. We’ll be sharing them across Facebook, so keep your eyes peeled!