FAQs
Taking Part
Do I need a special type of vehicle to participate?
No, definitely not!
You can bring along any vehicle, however we recommend a 4WD, SUV or Variety Bash Car.
The vehicle must comply with the information in the Variety Brats Bash Vehicle Checklist. Registration covering the period of the Variety Brats Bash event is compulsory.
Do I have to have a theme or dress up?
We encourage you and your family to amp up the fun by chooosing a theme for your trip.
Whether it is a few costumes or a full blown car theme, it's up to you!
We make a few stops at schools and community groups along the way, and costumes are always encouraged and a hit with the kids, but not essential.
However, you choose to participate, dress-ups or not, your family are welcome to join in the fun.
Is there an age restriction?
This is a family event, young people under 18 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Do I need a Working With Children Check (WWCC)?
Yes! As a child safe organisation, this one is a non-negotiable for all Variety Motoring Event entrants. Your WWCC will need to be submitted prior to leaving. If you haven’t already got a WWCC, it can take up to 6 weeks so please apply soon. Applications are free and easy to process online here.
What if my car breaks down?
We travel with several Mobile Workshop Crews, including a tow-truck. That means we’ve got highly experienced mechanics to assist you with any automotive issues you might run into on the road.
What does it cost?
The Brats Bash costs are:
- A $550 entry/registration fee (incl. GST) per car
- Minimum fundraising total of of $750 per car
- Public Liability Insurance of approx. $45 per car (incl. GST)
Meal and accommodation costs for you and your family will be calculated and provided in the lead up to the event. We estimate between $400-$500 per adult and $300-$400 per child for meals.
Accommodation of course depends on your preference (camping, hotels, etc).
How is accommodation organised?
We always let you know the best places to stay in town as soon as the overnight stops on our itinerary are announced. Accomodation in each location can vary from hotel/motel, bed & breakfast, cabins, caravans, hostels and sometimes we even camp out under the stars!
Our helpful Variety Brats Bash Committee take some of the hard work out of it and book select accommodation on your behalf. We’ll advise of costs in advance. As for meals, our Committee and Motoring Events Manager arrange for local organisations to cater for our crew. This ranges from restaurants and pubs to local community groups like the Lions Club.
Can I bring my pet/animal?
Unfortunately, animals are not allowed on the Variety Brats Bash, unless they are an assistance animal (e.g. Guide Dog).
Where does the fundraising money go?
All money raised from the event goes to supporting kids who are sick, disadvantaged or have additional needs through Variety – the Children’s Charity Victoria. Variety Victoria are registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission and have been delivering vital support to kids across the country for more than 40 years. During the event, you’ll get to be a part of some very special grant presentations out on the road and witness your fundraising impact first-hand.
How do I fundraise?
The most common way to raise money is through fundraising events such as dinners, trivia nights, golf days, etc. You can also get out in your community and shake tins, put skills to use in exchange for cash or even run sausage sizzles! Many crews also approach businesses to sponsor their car on the event. Once registered, you can find lots of tips to assist with fundraising in your dashboard. The Variety Victoria team is always on deck to support your fundraising journey.
Can I use fundraising money to cover my event costs?
No. Fundraising dollars cannot be used to fund your costs in the Variety Brats Bash. Fundraising cannot cover the registration fee, meals, accommodation or costs of your car. Individual accommodation, refreshments, merchandise, fuel costs, mechanical repairs, car shipping and other out of pocket expenses are at your own expense and should be considered in your budget when preparing for the event.
Got a different question?
Fundraising
How are the funds raised used?
Funds raised support Variety - the Children's Charity to provide life-changing equipment and grants to kids living with disadvantage or experiencing disadvantage or illness.
Our support includes items like wheelchairs and communication devices, education programs, scholarships, and support of organisations and schools for things like inclusive play equipment.
Variety Victoria are registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission and have been delivering vital support to kids across the country for 50 years.
During the event, you’ll get to be a part of some very special grant presentations out on the road and witness your fundraising impact first-hand.
How do I get donations?
The biggest reason people donate to charity is simple - they were asked! So don’t be shy about reaching out.
Let your friends, family, and colleagues know why this cause matters to you and how their support can make a real difference. Every dollar you raise helps kids in need, so remind people that even small contributions add up.
Many workplaces also offer donation matching, so check with your employer - they might be able to double your impact!
Many Variety fundraisers raise money through fundraising events such as dinners, trivia nights, golf days, etc.
You can also get out in your community and shake tins, put skills to use in exchange for cash or even run sausage sizzles!
Many crews also approach businesses to sponsor their car on the event.
How do people donate and support my car?
Your fundraising page is your greatest ally! Once you sign up, it will be set up immediately, allowing supporters to donate directly to you or your team. Simply share the link on socials and via the email template provided in your dashbard to ask for support.
You can also set up a Facebook fundraiser from your dashboard and all donations from your friends there will be linked to your page and help you towards your goal.
Make sure you check out our Top Tips and Resources pages to help you get started!
How do I set up a linked Facebook fundraiser?
Facebook fundraising can significantly boost your efforts. On average, participants have raised $1,500 more through this method. Here’s how to get started:
- Log in to you Dashboard
- Use your individual page for fundraising as all funds will feed up to your Car page.
- Create Your Fundraiser: Click on the "Create a Facebook Fundraiser" (the big blue button on your cover image)
- Follow the Prompts: Go through the setup process.
- Go Live: Share your new fundraiser on Facebook!
Do you have any fundraising tips?
- Download our Motoring Events Fundraising Guide
- Set Up Your Fundraising Page
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- Personalise your page with photos and your story to engage supporters.
- Clearly explain why you are participating and supporting Variety the Children's Charity.
- Download Our Resource Kit
- Access valuable resources and templates to help with your fundraising efforts. The kit includes email templates, social media graphics, and fundraising tips.
- Leverage Social Media
- Share your fundraising page on all your social media platforms.
- Regularly update your followers with your progress and upcoming events.
- Use relevant hashtags, such as #varietyvic to increase visibility.
- Email Campaigns
- Send personalised emails to friends, family, and colleagues, explaining why you’re participating and how they can help.
- Use the pre-written email templates from the Dashboard to save time.
- Engage Your Workplace
- Ask your employer about matching donations.
- Share your fundraising efforts with colleagues and ask them to spread the word.
- Host Events
- Organise online or in-preson events like trivia nights, garage sales, sausage sizzles and more (there are ideas in your welcome pack).
- Thank Your Supporters
- Show appreciation by sending thank-you notes or emails to your donors.
- Publicly acknowledge their support on your social media or training diary.
- Collaborate with Local Businesses
- Reach out to local businesses for sponsorship or to host fundraising events.
- Offer to promote their business in return for their support.
- Stay Persistent and Positive
- Fundraising can take time, so keep reaching out and sharing your passion for the cause.
- Celebrate small wins and keep your supporters motivated with your enthusiasm.
By following these tips and utilising the resources available in our kit, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your fundraising goals and making a significant impact.
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How do I keep my supporters updated?
Here are a few helpful ways for your supporters to stay updated on your progress and understand why you're taking part in the Variety Brats Bash supporting Variety - the Children's Charity:
Your Pre-Journey Prep – Your prep diary is your blog. You can find it on “My Page” in your fundraising hub. Post all your updates here - whether it be fundraising events, choosing your costumes or building your car theme - and invite your sponsors to visit your page for regular updates.
Send Emails Directly – From your fundraising hub on “My Dashboard,” go to “Get Support.” Here, you can send emails to your contacts and share your page directly on your social media.
Post Your Journey on Social Media – By posting on social media and tagging us @varietyvic you can keep your supporters updated on your journey towards the competition and why you are fundraising for Variety.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes, all donations over $2.00 are tax-deductible. A tax receipt will be sent to your supporters via email.
Do you have anything I can post on social media?
Yes! You can find loads of social media assets to share on our Fundraising Resources page - make sure you also share your fundraising page link with each post!
I'm struggling to fundraise, can you help?
Absolutely! Contact the motoring events team anytime on (03) 8698 3900 or via motoringevents@varietyvic.org.au
Can I use fundraising money to cover my event costs?
No. Fundraising dollars cannot be used to fund your costs in the event. Fundraising cannot cover the registration fee, meals, accommodation or costs of your car. Individual accommodation, refreshments, merchandise, fuel costs, mechanical repairs, car shipping and other out of pocket expenses are at your own expense and should be considered in your budget when preparing for the event.
About Variety
What is Variety - the Children's Charity?
Funds raised support Variety - the Children's Charity Variety – the Children’s Charity has a network of 40 offices in 14 countries, and many millions of individual children around the world live a better life because of the generosity of Variety’s communities of supporters.
How many kids does Variety support?
Last financial year Variety impacted 17,010 Victorian children and 181,281 Australian children with
7,381 Individual and Community Grants provided and
28 Variety Heart Scholarships issued.
How does Variety support kids?
Variety - the Children's Charity Victoria help kids who are experiencing disability, disadvantage or illness.
Variety provides support to families and organisations through providing grants for a range of equipment, such as wheelchairs or all-abilities playgrounds to provide practical help to kids, schools and organisations in need.
We run programs to educate and empower kids that are falling through the cracks.
We give scholarships to encourage the talents of kids living with disadvantage or disability.
And last but certainly not least, we hold kids events to bring joy, light and laughter to children in need and their families.
Make sure you check out our Top Tips and Resources pages to help you get started!
How can I get in touch?
Start Your Engines
Get your mates together and sign up to drive change for kids in need
Join the Support Crew
Make a direct donation or sponsor a friend in their drive to help kids
