On Sunday, 15 May more than 100 cars, some driven by local hoteliers, will head off on the NSW Variety Bash, an iconic 2,000-kilometre round-trip made in cars more than 30 years old, to support sick and disadvantaged children across rural NSW.
While every NSW Variety Bash event is special, this year Australian Hotels Association (AHA) Newcastle Hunter Sub-Branch and Variety – the Children’s Charity will celebrate a decade of partnership in ensuring the event’s success.
Since 2013, AHA Newcastle Hunter Sub-Branch has been the major sponsor of the event and has contributed more than $1 million in value toward its success. “Supporting charity organisations has always been important for us, and the NSW Variety Bash, in particular, is a great fit for our industry,” AHA Newcastle Hunter President Mick Starkey said.
“Over the years many of our hoteliers and industry associates have taken part in the event, which sees participants travel to schools in regional NSW providing vital funding and support. As an industry, we’re all about supporting local communities so it makes sense for us to get involved.”
"As an industry we're all about supporting local communities so it makes sense for us to get involved."
Variety – the Children’s Charity Head of Motoring Events Peter Harvey, said the partnership has enhanced the lives of hundreds of children living in need around NSW.
“Our partnership with AHA Newcastle Hunter has introduced Variety to a whole new sector of the community providing exposure to an entirely new avenue of supporters,” he said.
“This aspect has taken the value of our partnership to well over $1,000,000 for the kids Variety strives to support.”.
Some of the hoteliers taking part in this year’s Bash include Mick Starkey - The Stag and Hunter Hotel and Customs House, Nick Clark – Nags Head Hotel and Shortland Hotel, Dan Bennett – Linga Longa Inn, Jon Bortoli – Toronto Hotel, and Dan Keegan – Muswellbrook Hotel.
Clark, who grew up in regional NSW and attended what he describes as a ‘remote school’, has participated in the event more than once and said he can’t wait to head off again this weekend.
“I have seen first-hand the excitement the Bash brings to the kids at similar schools as well as the learning aids that Variety brings. It’s a worthwhile cause and brings a lot of joy to all involved.”
The NSW Variety Bash will leave Foreshore Park, Newcastle at 11am on Sunday, 15 May.