More Than a Road Trip: 1800 Salvage Takes on the Variety Bash

With the 1984 Holden Commodore VK Vacationer stickered up with our sponsors and everything packed and ready to go, Doug and Stew were ready to hit the road for their first-ever Variety Bash. Their journey would take them from Melbourne, Victoria, all the way to Exmouth, Western Australia, covering 5,328 kilometres over 10 days and taking in some of the most remote and memorable parts of the country along the way.

But the Variety Bash is about much more than getting behind the wheel and travelling thousands of kilometres. Each year, teams from across Australia take on the adventure to raise money for Variety – the Children’s Charity, helping provide practical support and opportunities for children who are sick, living with disability or experiencing disadvantage.

For 1800 Salvage, it was a great opportunity to get involved in something that combined our love of cars and the Australian road trip with a cause that makes a genuine difference to children and families.

As first-time entrants, Doug and Stew weren’t quite sure what to expect. Over the course of the Bash, they travelled through remote parts of South Australia and Western Australia, taking in everything from huge stretches of farmland and spectacular coastal scenery to Kalgoorlie’s famous Super Pit. There were plenty of laughs, new friendships and a few mechanical challenges along the way, but the people they met and the work Variety does truly made the experience unforgettable.

Seeing the Difference Variety Makes

One of the most rewarding parts of the Bash was seeing firsthand how the money Variety raised can change lives.

Along our journey, we met a young girl with cerebral palsy who had received a specialised tricycle through Variety, providing the freedom to ride around her family farm and join community bike rides. Hearing her mum explain what that opportunity meant for their family was eye-opening, and it was awesome to see what a huge difference it made to a child’s independence and sense of inclusion.

Doug and Stew also visited a remote Indigenous Australian school, where Variety had provided swags for students to use during sleepovers with other schools. With huge distances between many of these communities, these opportunities give children a chance to connect with others and enjoy experiences they might not otherwise have.

These moments, along with many others, helped us understand that Variety’s work goes well beyond fundraising. The organisation provides practical support that helps children participate, connect and enjoy everyday experiences that many of us take for granted.

A Few Bumps in the Road

Of course, no Variety Bash would be complete without a few challenges along the way. Given the age of our VK Vacationer and the thousands of kilometres ahead of us, we knew there would probably be a few mechanical issues. The car started running rich and blowing black smoke, and our Varajet carby needed some attention. Thankfully, the Bash mechanics were on hand to adjust the fuelling and get us back on the road.

Our oversized tyres also caused a few bumps and scrapes, while a small flood managed to take out an exhaust hanger. A cable tie came to the rescue, and the car ultimately made it through with an easier run than we probably expected!

Thank You to Our Sponsors

We couldn’t have taken on the Variety Bash or reached our fundraising goal without the incredible support of our sponsors.

Together, 1800 Auto Group, 1800 Salvage and our generous sponsors raised $16,528 for Variety. We were incredibly proud to be presented with a plaque recognising the fundraising effort.

A huge thank you to everyone who contributed, donated and supported us throughout the journey. The generosity of our sponsors and supporters helped turn our participation in the Bash into something much bigger than a road trip.

• Socks Off
• Pickles Auctions
• Manheim
• Cash Garage
• Panorama Financial Services
• Sheen Panel Service
• IAA
• Badger Cricket
• EngineRoom
• Motorweb
• Rec Xpress 24/7 Fitness
• Doncaster BMW
• Central Tech
• JBH Carsales
• Platman
• MRP Solutions
• Seaworthy

A Bash We’ll Never Forget

While the incredible Australian scenery and the adventure of the road will stick with us, it was the people who made the Bash truly special.

From the costumes and themed cars to the giveaways, family reunions and friendly faces at every stop, there was an incredible sense of community throughout the event. Everyone came together with a shared goal: to help children and families who need it most. For our first Variety Bash, we couldn’t have asked for a better experience.

What We’ll Take Away

Seeing the impact of Variety’s support firsthand showed us just how much a community can achieve when people come together and give generously. The Bash gave us a new appreciation for how fortunate many of us are to do everyday things without giving them a second thought. 

It was also a pleasure to witness the sheer size and beauty of Australia on the road, along with plenty of new friendships and memories.

Most importantly, we’re proud to have played a small part in helping Variety continue its important work.