Highlights from the 2024 Variety Bash
We have recently returned from the 2024 Variety Bash – and are overwhelmed by the generosity, kindness and support of our Bashers who have raised an incredible $1,772,003 for Aussie kids who are sick, disadvantaged or living with a disability. What an amazing achievement!
A highlight of the Variety Bash is that we get to meet grant families, kids like Alice and Lincoln, and some of the schools our fundraising supports.
Below is a video featuring Kristy Pethers, the principal of Dennison State School in Emerald, who shares how the Variety grant of two electronic tables has assisted children in her school with accessibility needs.
Thank you for supporting our rural Queensland communities – together we’re helping kids be kids!
On the road with the Variety Bash
Ever thought about doing a Bash? Read on for a day-by-day account of what our 2024 adventures entailed.
Day 0 – Emerald
Day 0 saw the Variety Bash descend upon Emerald, a town of 15,000 in central Queensland. The Bashers, who have been fundraising over the past year, are diverse in age and gender, and include some Emerald locals. They are ready to tackle their 10-day journey, but first, it’s time for registration and a welcome dinner, where we focus on the inspiring stories of the kids our fundraising supports.
Day 1 – Onwards to Blackall
The Variety Bash kicks off on a rainy day in Emerald, but spirits are high as Bashers in colourful outfits and vehicles roll out of the showgrounds. At Springsure State School, kids receive lollies and gifts. After a fun stop for mini golf, we head to Tambo and then Blackall, where the community warmly welcomes us. The Blackall State School P&C shows us how Variety grants, like new lockers, make a big difference.
Day 2 – The Road to Windorah
On Day 2 of the Variety Bash, after a night in swags and a breakfast from Blackall State School, we hit the dirt roads. With blue skies, the Bashers enjoy a fun stop with music, snacks, and games. A boggy dip causes a brief delay, but help is always at hand. In Isisford, we buy sweets from school kids and stop for a dance. The journey continues to Yaraka, our most remote destination yet, before we reach Windorah, where we’re reminded of why we’re on this adventure, raising over $1.6m so far: it’s for the kids.
Day 3 – Fun on the Way to Thargo
Day 3 of the Variety Bash takes us from Windorah back onto the bitumen as we head across the beautiful countryside. Our fun stop features hungry, hungry hippos, a hoop line and ballz up. In Eromanga, the local P&C provides lunch. After passing through oil fields and dusty roads, we arrive in Thargomindah, where a Variety grant has funded a school bus trip to Brisbane. Outback celebrity Dogga hosts a fantastic meal, highlighting the spirit of family and community out here.
Day 4 – Further and Further We Go
After another dewey morning in Thargo, we’re on the dirt again en route to Hungerford where we stop at the Royal Mail Hotel. We find ourselves on a dusty track through the Currawinya National Park toward the most scenic lunch stop yet at the once bustling Boorara Woolshed. The road from the woolshed has some mud and lots of rocky spots, but our reward is the 70,000 acre Charlotte Plains Outback Station where the Bashers will swag near the mineral-rich hot springs.
Day 5 – From Charlotte Plains to Lightning Ridge
Day 5 of the Variety Bash starts with a stunning sunrise at Charlotte Plains, and another quick dip in the hot springs. After navigating bogs and some re-routing, we reach Goodooga. Despite it being the weekend, Goodooga Central School, serving 38 indigenous students, hosts us for lunch, where we present them with a Variety grant. Today, Viv kept her promise from last year and shaved her head to support her fundraising efforts. We then head to Lightning Ridge, with bumps overcome along the way thanks to our amazing events team.
Day 7 – Meet Some Amazing Aussies
Yesterday, we enjoyed a lay day in Lightning Ridge, exploring the town and meeting Variety Victoria as their Bash passed through town. Today we toured through fog to visit Just Rustic, a unique museum on a working farm. After lunch, we travelled across muddy roads to Goondiwindi, where we dined at the Waggamba Community Cultural Centre. There, we met the family of Beau, who received a Variety Heart Scholarship certificate. It was wonderful to hear from Beau’s family, and especially his siblings Zoe, Billy and Roy, who we also presented with toys to share at home.
Day 8 – Criss-Crossing the Border
On Day 8 of the Variety Bash, we cross from Goondiwindi into NSW, then through Moree Plains, Bogabilla, Gwydir Shire, and Yetman, before returning to Queensland. Outside Yetman, we get a surprise ‘car wash’ from OV Fire. Lunch at Texas P-10 State School includes meeting the
students as they watch the Bash pass by. We have a special selfie stop at Glenlyon Dam before heading to Stanthorpe in the Granite Belt. There, Variety presents soft play toys to the Granite Belt Neighbourhood Centre for local children. Meeting Netty, Cushla, and the kids was heart-warming, showcasing the impact of our fundraising.
Day 9 – From Stanthorpe to Casino
On Day 9 of the Variety Bash, we’re in Fairy Tale costumes as we visit the Dog ‘N Bull Hotel in Bonalbo, owned by Variety supporter Carl, aka Shrek. After traversing stunning forestry and challenging terrain through Basher Kellie Bickerton’s property, we enjoy a fun river stop with Women of the West and Margaritaville. At lunch with Shrek we meet local school kids. After navigating dirt tracks with big potholes, we head to Casino. As the Bash nears its end, we look forward to reaching the Gold Coast and the final fundraising total for Variety’s work with children in need.
Day 10 – The Finish Line
Day 10 of the Variety Bash starts with a fantastic breakfast from Wild Soul Bakehouse and a special thanks to Mayor Robert Mustow for seeing us off. We travel from Casino into the Gold Coast hinterland, enjoying the rainforest after our dusty trails. At Numinbah Valley State School, with just 8 students, we have a combined passport, school, and marshalling stop. Our finish line is at the Beechmont Hotel, a long-time Variety supporter. We then head to Sea World for a celebration with grant families and kids, including roller coaster rides. We’re thrilled to announce our final tally: $1,772,003! Thank you, Variety Bashers, and all our donors, we couldn’t have done it without you!
Does this event sound like something you would like to take part in? All the info and registrations for the 2025 Variety Bash are open now.
