Variety Pirates hit the road for 2019 charity bash

AUSTRALIA’S longest running motoring charity passed through the Surf Coast on Tuesday as it started its epic journey from Melbourne to Geraldton.

The Variety Bash sees cars that are 30 or more years old drive across the country to raise money for supporting children.

The 2018 Variety Vic Bash saw a total of $1.62 million raised.

There are 94 cars and more than 300 entrants taking part in the Variety Vic Bash this year.

The founder of the Bash, Dick Smith, said the event is not a rally or a race.

“It’s a drive in the outback with a few mates.”

That is exactly the case for the “Variety Pirates”: David Pugh, Geoff Smith, Derek Foulston and Ross Macintosh.
Sponsored by the The Sands Torquay Resort, the group are in their seventh year of participating in the Variety Bash.

Mr Pugh said it was an experience he loved.

“It’s great fun. The four of us just get together every year and do this for Variety and sick and disadvantaged kids.”

Variety is a charity that provides children and their families with much-needed financial support for things like specialist equipment, therapy, and medical supplies, when they can’t afford it, and when government assistance isn’t available.

The Variety Vic Bash began on August 20, with the first leg taking participants from Melbourne to Warrnambool.

From there the Variety Bash heads through Hahndorf, Whyalla, Ceduna, Madura, Kalgoorlie, Leonora, Mt Magnet over the course of 10-12 days.