On Sunday, Variety Bash rally drivers Tracey Rex and Stuart Black will set off from Newcastle on a 3000km drive to raise funds for children.
This will be the 18th year Tracey has set off on a ‘Bash’.
“I started in 1998, when a friend asked me to go along, then did one in 1999 and had a break of four years and went back again in 2005 when she rang and said let’s do it again so we did. I was given a car which was a little rusty, so we fixed it up and kept Bashing ever since.
Stuart is a relative newcomer – with seven rallys behind him and no doubt many more to come.
“I certainly don’t see myself stopping either,” said Tracey. “I am happy to join the fundraising rallies for years to come.”
What’s the appeal?
“It’s for kids. It’s supporting kids to give them a fair go. You never know my grandkids might need something down the track, friends, relatives so we go out to raise funds for children who are disadvantaged by distance or whatever life throws at them – everyday needs.
“In 2019 the Bash distributed $50,000 to schools across the North West on a 2200 km trip.
Tracey has raised more than $100,000 over the years she has been a Variety Bash participant.
“We fund raise all year and the Bash is like a celebration with fellow
Bashers for what we have raised during the year and we get to see where the money goes to.”
“When we arrive at a small school all the kids, maybe five or 10, are standing at the fence waiting saying ‘look at this car, look at that one’ … they are all in awe – it’s exciting for them.
“They spend the week ahead preparing with cardboard cutouts, paintings of their favourite characters.
“Variety lets them know who’s coming and the cars.
“One year a school put cookbooks together sold them and the funds went back to the P and C. The schools have raffles – there are several strands to the fundraising.
“Especially the smaller communities. It gives a fundraising focus for the kids.”
“We typically have a barbecue or the ladies cook for us, homemade lasagne – the cakes and slices are just amazing. We definitely don’t go without food for a week.
“The kids really get onboard with it, making welcome packs.”
There will be 104 cars in the event this year. They set off from Newcastle and their circuit takes them to Inverell, Moree, Lightning Ridge, Gwabegar, Gunnedah, Armidale and back to the Hunter Valley and Newcastle.
“We return to towns where we have donated equipment over the years and can see it in action. That is very gratifying.”
The car has to be at least 30 years old. They have to be registered and roadworthy and insured.
“Ours is a 1968 ZB Fairlane. It goes well. We have to obey all the road rules – it’s not a speed rally, it’s basically like a club outing.
“We all meet each night. We talk about the day, the things we have done and seen people do.
“We can nominate fellow drivers for ‘Mug of the Day’ if you like.
“For example, if someone gets lost you can nominate them. I’ve been lost a couple of times. Our tour takes us on lots of back roads.
“I remember a crew of three gentleman poking along and they had their first flat tyre in 10 years. They pulled the tyres off the top of their car and they didn’t fit. They didn’t even know their spares didn’t fit their car.”
When this rally finishes, the rallyists will start fund raising for 2022.
“Wouldn’t miss it,” says Tracey.
There will be a lot of new people, but no so many ‘originals’ these days.
Tracey is in the Variety Club Bash Hall of Fame from 2017.
Read more stories like this:
- Variety fundraisers ready to rally – again
- Stuart and Tracey host cake stall fundraiser for children in need
- Duo ready for a six day dash for charity
