IT’S Bash time again! No, there’s nothing violent to this group of misfits, in fact it’s more like peace, love and mung beans with the Variety Hippies. The madcap team is made up of local identities John Willis (Bear), Don Hailes (Mezzmo) and Roy Seamark (Jock) who set out on an annual pilgrimage having plenty of fun and collecting for a very worthy cause, Variety – the Children’s Charity.
Every state has their own annual Variety Bash but The Hippies are part of the Victorian sector. This year’s event is set to be huge as it marks the 25th Anniversary of the Victorian Bash, the organisation originally being the brainchild of Dick Smith.
Each year entrants dress up both themselves and their old 1976 Bedford Van in a theme and set out on a long trek along with loads of other zany characters for quite a demanding excursion. Last year they ended up in Noosa, but it took four days to get to Sydney alone as the course takes them off road, through properties, National Parks, and generally weaving throughout some amazing, and very challenging countryside on the way. Previous years have been to Broome via Bourketown, Hamilton Island via the Birdsville Track and many more over their 25-year history.
All of the vehicles must be at least 30 years old and only two wheel drives are allowed. Whilst the cars have to meet certain safety standards most of them are quite stock standard and a credit to their owners and creators. It’s even more of a credit to the team of service support staff, organisers, scrutineers, mechanics and paramedics who keep the whole fleet moving with the attitude that nobody gets left behind.
The Bashers visit many schools and needy destinations along the way spreading funds, equipment, cheer and goodwill to kids in need. There’s books for outback libraries, handicapped equipment for the needy, support for struggling communities and assistance for worthy individuals who may not be quite so lucky as the rest of us and need a little boost to help make life a little more manageable. The Bash brings out the best in people with Lions and Rotary Clubs, Women’s Auxiliaries and even remote station owners amongst the many good natured Australians providing meals and support along the way. The moral boost alone to struggling townsfolk is quite amazing, not to mention the relief to local economies.
Last year the Victorian bash raised over $1.25 million and it injects up to $30,000 into each town they visit. That’s 300 motel beds, 85 tanks of petrol and 600 meals per stopover.
Besides an underlying theme as the Variety Hippies there is also a sub theme for each trip. This year the jolly larrikins will be the Hippy Krishnas complete with orange, red and yellow robes, kurtas and caftans, toe thongs and beads, dhoties and chadars, incense and idols all topped off with chanting and jigging to bells, cymbols, triangles, and a host of percussion to get all involved in the happy mantra.
The route will be leaving from Melbourne on Wednesday 12 August and will arrive in Port Douglas via Cooktown on Saturday 22 August with stopovers including Wagga Wagga, Coonabarabran, St George, Charleville, Longreach, Hughenden and Cobbold Gorge. Stop off and join in the festivities on the way, or better still get involved yourself – it’s a lot of fun for a very worthy cause.
The Variety Hippies are running a special Happy Hippy Happening at the Greek Club in Madden Rd, Heatherton on Saturday 27 June at 7.30pm. Live music from the rockin “Donz Party” and special guest comedian/multimedia personality Tim Smith. Light finger food provided and drinks at reasonable prices. Hint – wear or bring something orange or you’ll be fined $10…
Entry is only $30 per head and all proceeds to Variety – the Children’s Charity. Further information call John on 0407 053 484.
If you would like to help you can donate direct to the Variety Hippies with a tax deductible gift at varietyvicbash.everydayhero.com/au/variety-hippies
For further information see variety.org.au or email john@beachmarine.com.au
