Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/142338
eventhighlight Clockwise from above: Tony, Jack and Beaver (L-R); the Bash Busters set-up; bash cars line the street; the Bash Busters crossing a bridge; the car getting dirty. and fuel, are paid for by individual entrants – which means rural and remote towns benefit along with the kids. "Around $3 million a year is spent in the communities we travel through; it's truly an economic boom for outback communities," says Jack. And the Bash Busters aren't just dedicated to the 10 days of the annual event; their commitment to Variety sees Jack, Beaver and third team member Tony Russell Jones drive to various regional towns throughout the year to help install liberty swings for children in wheelchairs. The team installs the swings free of charge and in their own time, sometimes saving communities tens of thousands of dollars in the process. Beaver explains that most of the kids who use the swings would not otherwise get to experience such a sensation, as they can't run around or play as other kids can. This years' NSW Variety Bash starts on August 21 and will see about 100 classic vehicles drive from Bankstown to Ballarat. "Everyone takes a lot of pride in their cars – the idea is to draw as much attention to yourself and your sponsor as you can," says Beaver. "Some guys spend $100,000 on their car to make it look good, with their accessories and everything. And you've got to spend a bit on safety, too." Some Bashers even wash their cars before they drive through each town's start arch to begin the day's driving. "Not us," says Beaver. "We like our car dirty!" Ultimately, he reminds us, it's all to appeal to the kids. "Our car looks like the Ghostbusters car." The mud-covered Bash Busters car, in its Ghostbusters get-up, has been inducted into the coveted Bash Hall of Fame. A 1959 Ford Ranch Wagon, it's not only the oldest car on the run but has completed more bashes than any other bash vehicle: a total of 26. "I've been on 30 bashes," says Jack, "and Beaver and Tony have completed 10 each." With no plans to stop anytime soon and new Bashers joining each year, the allure of this special outback drive remains strong. And for that, Australia's disadvantaged kids are perennially grateful. To make a donation to the Bash Busters car, visit www.everydayhero.com.au/car0 All donations go directly to Variety – the children's charity, and are used to help Australian kids who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs to live, laugh and learn. More info The annual Variety Bash is Australia's most successful charity motoring event. It's lots of fun and helps others. New Bashers are welcome; for more information on how to get involved, visit www.variety.org. au/NSW/Events/Bash XVII