Tasmanian children’s charity Variety’s annual TasBash motoring event has kicked off today, with a five-and-a-half-day road trip around the state to make a difference for Tassie kids.
The event sees ‘bashers’ in dressed up cars stop at schools and organisations across the state that have been provided with grants and assistance by Variety.
This year’s bash includes 17 vehicles, two of which are from New South Wales.
The cars all have their own unique themes and the drivers and passengers will stay in costume throughout the bash, creating a fun and entertaining sight for kids along the way.
The bash started at Parliament House Lawns in Hobart today and will go as far as Smithton, with TasBash Director Dave Flower saying there will be “a few ins and outs and surprises” along the way.
“It’s going to be the trip of a lifetime and we’re going to make sure it is the biggest and best TasBash yet,” he said.
Andrew Fox, General Manager of Wrest Point Casino, is taking part in this year’s TasBash with two Federal Group cars, Putty McPuttface and the Regines Roller.
“All the kids think it’s so awesome when the bash rolls through all these small towns across Tassie,” Fox told Pulse.
“Everybody comes out and celebrates and waves and it’s just awesome. The school visits are really the highlight.”
Stops included in this year’s TasBash include New Norfolk Primary School, Oatlands District High School, Forth Primary School, North-West Support School, Boat Harbour Primary School and Smithton Primary School.
Variety Tasmania Fundraising Manager Sarah Thomas says TasBash is one of the charity’s most important fundraising events of the year.
“The bashers, as they’re affectionately known, our participants, they raise over $200,000 each year. TasBash is a celebration of their fundraising efforts,” she said.
The funds raised through TasBash support a range of grants, including mobility and communication devices, educational resources, emergency cash relief and programs like the Variety School Breakfast Club and Variety Kids Sports Days.
