Variety Bash convoy ready to give generously to communities and schools in need

A group of colourful Goldfields characters will paint their wacky wagons in a coating of red Kimberley dust while distributing funds to northern WA communities and schools in need. Seven vehicles from Goldfields Variety will join dozens of like-minded “bashers” from across the State during Variety WA’s Kimberley Dreaming Bash. Goldfields participants departed Kalgoorlie-Boulder on Tuesday and will make the 2600km journey to Halls Creek before the bash begins on Friday. The convoy will then travel hundreds of kilometres across eight-days, passing through the majestic Bungle Bungles to the breathtaking beaches of Broome. Participants will stop off in remote communities and schools along the way to hand-deliver Variety grants. Goldfields Variety president Ash Trow said the local contingent raised almost $250,000 to support children who were sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with disability. Funds are generated through local events including Goldfields Variety’s bonfire night, and fundraisers at the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Racing Club and Kalgoorlie Desert Race. All Variety bash cars must be pre-1987 vehicles decorated in a fun theme. New Kalgoorlie-Boulder participant Pat Dowdall will join this year’s convoy in her 1966 Holden HR with two friends nicknamed the Crazy Pig Ladies. Mrs Dowdall said after hearing about how much fun her husband “Toad” had on previous Variety Bash events, she did not want to miss out on this year’s adventure. She said the team looked forward to meeting beneficiaries of Variety grants. “It’s amazing when you go to the schools and see . . . what that money can buy for disadvantaged kids,” Mrs Dowdall said. “When you go to these schools, there’s not a dry eye in the place when you see (the environment) the kids have to put up with, and what Variety can do to make their lives better.” Eagle Petroleum donated fuel before the convoy departed Kalgoorlie-Boulder.