NSW:Variety Bash off to flying start

AAP General News (Australia)
08-22-2010
NSW:Variety Bash off to flying start

SYDNEY, Aug 22 AAP - Cars disguised as mermaids, cupcakes and even a submarine have
left western Sydney for Byron Bay on the 26th annual NSW Variety Bash.

One hundred and eighteen pre-1974 cars departed from the B shed in Sydney Markets at
Flemington at 8.30am (AEST) on Sunday, organisers said.

Hundreds of people came out to cheer on the `Bashers', who include singer John Williamson
and V8 racing car driver Jamie Whincup.

The Bashers will travel through some of NSW's most remote regions and cross the border
into Queensland before completing the 3557km course at Byron Bay on Monday, August 30.

They will stop in locations including Temora, Cobar, Moree, Goondiwindi and Toowoomba,
where they will go sight-seeing and help out in the community.

The Bash, which traditionally starts and finishes at a destination starting with the
letter B, is held every year to raise money for children in need.

This year's Royal Australian Navy team is the biggest yet, with five cars and 11 personnel
taking part, team leader Lieutenant Commander Graeme `Soozie' Wong said.

The Navy's cars have been decorated to look like helicopters, ships and a submarine.

The Bash was started by businessman Dick Smith in June 1985 and since then has raised
more than $107 million for Variety, The Children's Charity.

AAP ih/wjf/dep

KEYWORD: VARIETY

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