August 30th, 2025

The Variety Bash is Australia’s longest running and most iconic charity motoring event – and a team from Trentham and the Macedon Ranges are among those taking up the challenge.
The Bush Buccaneers, Donna Fabris (2nd Variety Bash), Margot Roulstone (2nd), Maureen Dickins (5th), Jeff Laycock (1st), Kate Pryde (2nd) and James Walshe (8th), headed to the start in Hamilton on August 8 with their two Mercedes Benz vehicles. The finish was in Darwin on August 17.
While on the tour, James Walshe was in touch with The Local and said in Hamilton, Variety distributed $62,000 to local schools for special needs and projects.
“More grants and donations have been made along the way and we continued on to Adelaide for celebrations for Variety’s 50 years in Australia. Flinders Ranges came next on the way to Marree stopping at Coober Pedy.
“We are currently in Alice Springs for a well-needed rest day. Coober Pedy to Alice via The Painted Desert was a real bone shaker. Some cars are needing serious work to keep them moving, however, that is the challenge of the Bash, driving old cars and raising much-needed funds for Variety.”

Later, from Darwin, James said they wanted to thank local generous supporters, Phillip and Rika Moraghan from Shimora Wines, Ashleigh Sillar from McQueen Real Estate, Rafael’s Coffee Lancefield and The Pig & Whistle in Trentham East, the 1860 Pub in Romsey and The Lancefield Pub. Plus all friends and family who have supported them.
“We take part to raise funds for disadvantaged and disabled children throughout regional and rural Victoria and Australia, then see the smiles on their faces when grants and funds are delivered to their schools. The fun part of the trip is the camaraderie between all teams.

“There are no real bad parts, although some roads were brutal on the cars and repairs were needed to some cars on some sections as most cars are 30 years old or more. Our two Mercs survived some of the roughest roads I have been on.
“As on all bashes, the locals love to see us. On average the bash injects 30 to 40k in a town overnight, with accommodation, meals, coffee and fuel.
“Would we do it again? Never say never, however, it is not necessarily for the faint hearted and there is a cost to preparing a car for such a trip as we travel on dirt roads for most of the trip.”
The Bush Buccaneers raised $100,532. The total Bash effort was $1.83 million.
Each year, the Variety Bash features a colourful convoy of creatively themed cars and a route that takes participants through some of Australia’s most stunning and remote landscapes, covering diverse terrains from outback tracks to coastal roads.
The true highlight for many participants is the opportunity to witness first-hand the impact of their fundraising, delivering Variety grants which provide life-changing equipment and programs to children in need.

Words: Donna Kelly | Images: As above | More images at tlnews.com.au