Wacky wheels head to town

Broome’s economy is set to be boosted by about $100,000 when a convoy of wacky wheelers from the Variety Bash vroom into Broome next month.

Nearly 200 people are expected to roar through the town as part of an exciting mini-bash being organised to complement this year’s epic road trip.

Now celebrating its 31st anniversary, the iconic Variety Bash is Australia’s most successful charity motoring event supporting sick and disadvantaged children.

This year, the main bash will cover Bass Hill to Bunbury travelling 4598km through four states and 18 towns over 10 days.

Some participants will then undertake the optional 3801km mini-bash from Bunbury to Beagle Bay - signalling the first complete circumnavigation of Australia in the event’s history.

Variety Bash motoring events manager Stuart Telfer and volunteer Murray Friend visited Broome last month ahead of the challenge and called in at Broome Primary School to meet staff who will cook breakfast for the group when they arrive in town on August 15.

In return, Variety will donate $5000 worth of sporting equipment.

Mr Telfer said the two-night stay in Broome would result in around $100,000 being spent on meals, accommodation, fuelling and refreshments.

The convoy would then move on to Beagle Bay before returning to Broome and heading home.

A veteran basher, Mr Telfer said the attraction of taking part in the longstanding event was two-fold.

“It’s to see the country and go to places we would not normally go to,” he said.

“The underlying thing is how we get to help special needs children throughout Australia.

“That’s what we raise the money for.”

Mr Telfer said another highlight was being welcomed and looked after by generous communities such as Broome along the way.

Since 1985, Variety Bashers have raised more than $208 million.

For more information visit www.variety.org.au.