General News
13 August, 2025
Michelle takes off for Variety Bash
A COORIEMUNGLE resident vowed to make a difference for disadvantaged kids by raising nearly $5000 for the Variety Victoria Bash.
The Variety Bash, which set off last Friday, is a charity motoring event which aims to raise money for children in need, taking off across the country in a convoy of colourful vehicles with their occupants dressed up in themed costumes for the road.
Stopping at towns and schools along the 10-day journey, the Variety Bash left Hamilton last Friday and is due to arrive in Darwin on Sunday, August 17.
As a part of a team with two other women and in car number 280SE, Cooriemungle resident Michelle Holmes said she was proud to back the cause.
At the time of publication, Mrs Holmes had raised $4393 for the charity.
Her team, known as M-Team, included Susan Elliott and Kim McGregor, and together they have raised $11,325 for kids in need.
“The charity supports something I’m really passionate about,” Mrs Holmes said.
“It’s so important for kids to have the same opportunities as everyone else.
“Variety is an awesome charity because their funds go directly to helping kids in need.
“It’s important to me that the charity gives as much of the money to the cause as possible.”
The Variety Bash raises money to provide disadvantaged children with things such as medical equipment, wheelchairs and all-abilities playgrounds and also allows them to provide programs which address the practical needs of kids, schools and organisations in need.
This is Mrs Holmes’ first time taking part in the Variety Victoria Bash as she moved to Cooriemungle two years ago – beforehand, she was living in Western Australia fostering youth.
“My husband and I have fostered 31 kids over 17 years,” she said.
“We’ve fostered little people and big people and everyone in between.
“Now we’re focused on our grandchildren – our granddaughters have hip dysplasia.
“I’ve seen what it’s cost my daughter-in-law and son due to their daughters’ hip dysplasia.
“This charity is so important because there’s plenty of kids that don’t get that opportunity because it’s so expensive.”
As part of the Variety Bash, each car is required to be at least 25 years old and decked out in a unique theme.
“We’re all dressed in different themes to be more interactive with the kids to give them a laugh,” Mrs Holmes said.
For more information about the Variety Victoria Bash, visit https://fundraise.variety.org.au/event/bash.
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