It’s been a decade since the last national Variety Bash, but the wait is finally over.
Australia’s longest running charity motoring event is hitting the road this August for a special national edition, with more than 1600 participants and around 650 colourful cars making the journey from South Australia to Western Australia.
The eight-day “Vines to Mines” adventure kicks off on August 8 and will see participants travel from McLaren Vale to Kalgoorlie, taking a winding route through outback tracks and coastal roads to raise funds for children in need.
Canning Vale’s Jo Woodford is no stranger to the event. This year marks her 19th Variety Bash, and she’s once again leading the WA team as the official “Bash Boss”.
Jo’s husband Tony will be behind the wheel of their 1994 Holden Statesman, decorated in a Mickey and Minnie Mouse theme. He’ll be joined by friends Nicky Martin, dressed as Daisy Duck, and Sarah Highlands, dressed as Donald Duck.
“Together we have been fundraising throughout the year, and we will raise close to $50,000 this year,” Jo said. “Over the 19 years I have been doing the Bash I would say we have raised over $700,000 for Variety WA.”
Their biggest fundraiser is the AV8 Charity Flight, which Jo said has been a crowd favourite for over 12 years. This year, with help from Alliance Airlines, they flew up to 200 people to Margaret River for a day of golf, auctions, raffles, and a scenic flight home.
“I started with Variety WA by volunteering for the Kids Christmas Party and when I saw the smiles on the faces of the children, I felt the sheer joy of giving back and it got me hooked,” Jo said.
“The Variety family is amazing and when you realize you have changed someone’s life, your reward is telling everyone about it. Once you’ve done it, you’ll understand. So, we have a saying: ‘Ya just gotta do it, it’s for the kids!’”
To donate to Jo’s team, call Variety WA on 08 9355 3655 and support bash car #AV8 or visit varietywabash.com.au.
