More than $250,000 will flow to sick and disadvantaged Tasmanian children as the 35th annual Variety Federal Hospitality TasBash rolls out of Hobart today.
The colourful convoy of themed vehicles and costumed ‘Bashers’ departed Princes Wharf No.1 this morning, beginning a six-day journey from the Tasman Peninsula up the East Coast to Launceston.
Variety Tasmania CEO Mohammad Aldergham said the fundraising effort would support children who are sick, disadvantaged or living with disability across the state.
“This colourful carnival on wheels isn’t a race or a rally – it’s about raising awareness and funds for the life-changing work we do,” he said.
The route will wind through Orford, St Helens and the northeast before finishing in Launceston on Thursday, with stops at schools and community centres along the way.
“In true bash style, we always travel the longest way possible between destinations,” Mr Aldergham said. “Bash is all about the journey.”
This year’s grants include literacy tools, breakfast club funding and more than $16,000 in equipment for Southern Sports School.
Community Engagement Manager for Country Club Tasmania Tim Coyle said visiting schools was a highlight for every team.
“Seeing firsthand how the funds raised stay right here in Tasmania to support Tasmanian kids is incredibly special,” he said.
“It’s going to be the trip of a lifetime, and we’re determined to make this the biggest and best TasBash yet.”
Among the participants is Bev Balmforth, celebrating her 25th consecutive TasBash with the Champettes team.
“The camaraderie, the interaction with special needs children at the schools that we visit and just being able to help wherever we can with fundraising,” she said.
Her team has raised around $12,000 this year alone, contributing to the hundreds of thousands of dollars they’ve collected over two and a half decades.
Aldergham said every dollar raised stays in Tasmania.
“We step in when no one else can and we step in to support those children who have nowhere else to go,” he said.
Communities across the state are encouraged to wave and join the fun as the bash rolls through.
