SWAN Hill residents are preparing to head north to raise much needed funds for sick and disadvantaged children.
Two separate Swan Hill crews are gearing up for this year’s Variety Bash which is set to celebrate its 30th anniversary.
Participants will travel from Melbourne to Cairns, weaving between Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland as they explore a range of landscapes during the 10-day trek.
Rookie participant Hadyn Bailey is looking forward to his first Bash which is something he’s had on his bucket list.
“I’ve wanted to do it since forever,” Mr Bailey said.
Having retired to Swan Hill from his Woomelang farm in 2014, the community-minded Bailey has been preparing for the event for the past two years, following its cancellation in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19.
The extra time has allowed Mr Bailey to fine-tune his vehicle and ramp up his fundraising effort, which is nearing $20,000.
“We set our original fundraising goal at $5000, the minimum requirement to take part in the event,” Mr Bailey said.
“As we go along, we’ve reset it and are now at $15,000.”
That’s in addition to the $20,000 he raised last year, despite the cancellation of the event.
A large proportion of his fundraising efforts were a result of a successful trivia and games night which was held at the Swan Hill Racecourse Bowls Club.
“The support from our sponsors and the local community has been amazing,” Mr Bailey said.
Mr Bailey will take part in the event with his brother Robin, who lives in Ballarat.
The duo will be known as the Meerkat Mischief team, and according to Mr Bailey there will be plenty of antics and mischief along the way.
“I’m looking forward to going through the Outback, meeting other people and travelling through the Atherton Tablelands,” he said.
Growing up in regional Victoria, Mr Bailey has dedicated much of his life to community service initiatives.
His community efforts were recognised when he was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for his involvement and dedication to community service.
“When you live in a small community, if you don’t help out and do something, it doesn’t function,” he said.
Once again looking forward to making a difference, Mr Bailey said Variety was a worthy charity and he was proud of his efforts to help make a difference for sick and disadvantaged children.
The Bash will take place from August 16-26.
