Local hoteliers will soon swap pouring beers for taking on dusty roads when the annual NSW Variety Bash gets underway this Sunday.
The event is a week-long journey made in cars more than thirty years old, across the dirt roads of rural NSW to raise money and awareness for sick and disadvantaged kids.
As the event’s major sponsor for 11 years, the Australian Hotels Association – Newcastle Hunter Sub-Branch and its members are proud to support and take part in this iconic event.
“Most years the event raises more than $1 million for kids in need across regional NSW and to support an event like this - and also participate in it - is unlike any other experience,” Sub-Branch President and long-term ‘basher’ Mick Starkey said.
“Most years the event raises more than $1 million for kids in need across regional NSW and to support an event like this - and also participate in it - is unlike any other experience" - Sub-Branch President and long-term ‘basher’ Mick Starkey.
This year, the Bash will travel to regional areas including Dubbo, Cowra, Leeton, Echuca, Narrandera and Goulburn.
Joining the event for the first time is Pippi’s at the Point hotelier Stephanie Grace who will partner with AHA NSW member liaison officer Jaimie Rayment in an all-girl team piloting the iconic AHA NSW car.
“An all-girl team has never driven the car before so I’m nervous but also excited,” Ms Grace said.
“I am expecting it to be an adventure - visiting country towns, schools and hotels while creating new memories and meeting new people.”
Ms Grace said in addition to anticipating the adventure, like Mr Starkey, she also believes supporting the event is a perfect fit for the hotel industry.
“The Bash provides an opportunity to give back and help raise awareness for Variety’s goal to create a future where every child, regardless of circumstance or ability, can be supported, included and equal,” she said.
“The Bash provides an opportunity to give back and help raise awareness for Variety’s goal to create a future where every child, regardless of circumstance or ability, can be supported, included and equal” - Pippi’s at the Point hotelier Stephanie Grace.
Joining Ms Grace for this year’s event are Dan Keegan from the Muswellbrook Hotel, Peter Cullen from Bay Hotel - Bonnells Bay, Dan Bennett of the Linga Longa Inn - Gundy, Adam Wedmaier from the Junction Inn - Raymond Terrace, Jamie McNamara from Albion Hotel -Singleton, Miller Park Hotel and Lochinvar Hotel, Adam Leacy from The Rum Diary Bar, Newcastle and Tai Chamberlain from the Astor Hotel - Goulburn and Charles Sturt Hotel - Narrandera.
The NSW Variety Bash will this year leave from Dubbo on Sunday, 21 May and return to the Newcastle Foreshore for the homecoming family fun day on Saturday, 27 May