Milestone Variety Bash beckons for Narrabri fundraising couple

Narrabri’s Variety Bash fundraising couple Tracey Rex and Stuart Black are ready to embark on a milestone bash – all in support of the children’s charity.

For Tracey, this will mark her 21st bash and for Stuart, it will be his 10th.

The starting line this year for the NSW Variety Bash will be much closer to home, kicking off from Gunnedah on May 19.

“This will cover some new area for us, with smaller schools along the way,” Tracey said.

After departing Gunnedah, the bash makes its way to Warwick for an overnight stay, then Roma, St George, Moree, Tamworth, Muswellbrook and Newcastle. While the bash won’t make an official stop in Narrabri, expect to see the distinct vehicles passing through town on May 23.

Across the years of fundraising for Variety, Tracey estimates she has raised up to $200,000 thanks to the continued support of the Narrabri community.

Since 2019, Variety has also provided more than $200,000 in grants to the local area.

“We do it because we can, and it makes such a difference,” Tracey said of the bash.

While the traditional Woolworths cake stall hasn’t made an appearance this time, people have still been able to purchase sweet treats (baked by Tracey’s mother-in-law Claire Black) from Tracey’s Maitland Street business, Your Photos Framed. Tracey and Stuart will also hold a fundraiser at Bunnings.

“We enjoy the fun and camaraderie of it all,” Tracey said

With the bash coming much closer to home, Tracey did have some advice to people.

“If anyone sees a basher on the side of the road, give them a hand. Say hello,” she said.

People are also able to donate directly to bash participants.

The Variety Bash supports Variety, the children’s charity, helping kids from all backgrounds who are sick, disadvantaged or living with special needs to overcome challenges and reach their full potential.

Each year, thousands of children who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs, turn to Variety for practical support when they need it most.

The work of Variety allows kids to gain mobility, to get out and about in the community, to communicate, achieve independence and increase their self-esteem.

Variety ensures the kids who miss out, can always join in. Variety does this through granting equipment, supplies, and therapy to individuals and community organisations, running programs to educate and empower kids, scholarships to encourage the talents of kids in need and holding events to engage and bring joy.