Published on Saturday, 28 September 2013 at 12:00:00 AM
A convoy of 42 creatively themed cars and 152 participants visited Onslow on Sat 25 August as the Variety Bash made their first stop on their 7 day adventure from Exmouth to Perth travelling along as much dirt road as possible.
It's the first time the Bash has visited Onslow in 17 years thanks to Onslow residents Bruce and Tracey Strahan, who entered an old ex-ambulance the bought from Carnarvon.
With the support of the Onslow community, Bruce and Tracey have raised over $40,000 for Variety, The Children’s Charity.
Bruce & Tracey Strahan and Nat Barwick
This year is the 25th Anniversary marking it ‘The Silver Bullet’ Bash. Each year hundreds of people around WA generously donate their time and money to raise funds for WA kids in need.
The Bash is not a race or a rally and speed is not important. What really matters is that everyone has a great time visiting parts of WA they would not otherwise see, at the same time providing much needed help to WA’s sick, disadvantaged and special needs children.
“This year the Bash runs from Exmouth to Onslow via as much gravel as they can get us on and through a few stations,” said Bruce Strahan. “After Onslow it’s back out the Old Onslow road into a couple of stations, across the highway and onto Emu Creek Station for lunch.”
“Then it’s onto Gascoyne Junction for the night. We will visit Carnarvon, Geraldton, Kalbarri and then one more stop prior to driving into Perth,” said Bruce.
“They have a couple of Mystery stops as well where you don't know what's in store for the night. Its all fun and lots of driving and meeting some special people on the road.”
Bruce said there were a lot of donations from the Onslow community not just money but plenty of other things which help make this a successful bash – including the fencing, fuel, lights, toilets, tables, and of course all the volunteer's who helped on on Saturday night.
Each year the Variety Bash requires thorough planning and organisation. The Bash fleet includes 4 OVs (Official Vehicles); a medical team with a nurse, doctor and paramedic; 4 mobile mechanics – one being the Car Sweep (which is always last to ensure no-one is left behind); a semi trailer including the ‘top hat’ mobile bar and ‘Bash Boss’ Anthony Begley.
The Bash legend began with businessman, explorer and philanthropist Dick Smith in June 1985, when he organised to take a few mates for a drive in the outback in old cars and at the same time raise money for charity.
Since then, the annual Variety Bash has become Australia’s most successful charity motoring event and is the focal point of fund raising efforts by many hundreds of Variety supporters Australia wide.
For more information about the bash visit www.variety.org.au
The total raised for the WA Silver Bullet Variety Bash 2013 amounted to $1.05 million. Well done to all for their generosity, support and contribution!
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