Frequently Asked Questions
Doing something new always comes with a question or two! Here are our most frequently asked questions about the Variety Brats Bash.
TAKING PART
Where and when does the event happen?
The 2025 Variety Victoria Brats Bash route will be launched soon.
Do I need to know anything about cars?
Not at all! We provide a full vehicle checklist, advice, and a pre-event workshop to check your car is in good shape for the journey.
If your vehicle encounters issues during the event, our dedicated Mobile Workshop Crew will do their best to help you repair it on the side of the road. We aim to keep you moving and get you to the finish line in one piece!
What kind of car can I take?
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.
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.
How many crew members can I have?
The minimum number to make up a Brats Bash crew is two – a driver and a navigator - and the maximum is the legal capacity of the vehicle. Bear in mind the size of your car and the amount of luggage you have on board.
Where do we stay and how are meals arranged?
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 the hard work out of it and book all 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.
Do we have to have a theme or dress up?
Nope, that’s entirely up to you and your crew.
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.
Do I need a Working With Children's Check?
Yes! This one is a non-negotiable for all Variety Motoring Event entrants aged 18+. No WWCC, no entry.
The Brats Bash Committee will ensure you have obtanined a WWCC in the lead up to the event. You must carry your WWCC card with you at all times during the event.
If you haven’t already got a WWCC, please apply for one via the free and easy online form here. Please note the approval process can take up to 6 weeks.
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).
How much 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).
Do I have to be from the Variety Bash to take part?
Absolutely not! You’re sure to meet some of our Variety Bash crew, but this event is open to all families and we welcome 'rookies' with open arms! The Variety family is always growing and we love meeting new people from all walks of life.
Do I see where my fundraising goes?
Yes! One of the most exciting parts of Variety Motoring Events is the en-route grants to kids and schools along the journey so you get to see your fundraising at work and experience all the smiles, joy and tangible impact your support has made a reality.
Funds raised above and beyond our en-route grants fund Variety grants throughout the year and you'll receive updates in our monthly Hearbeat newsletter.
GETTING DONATIONS & SUPPORT
How do people donate and support my team?
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.
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 your Games for All Dashboard: Go to your dashboard by logging in at https://fundraise.variety.org.au/event/bratsbash
- 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. (link coming soon!)
- 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 yur 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 - 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 you via email.
Are there any images available I can post on social media?
Yes! We're creating social media tiles for you to share - make sure you also share your fundraising page link with each post! Stay tuned!
VARIETY - THE CHILDREN'S CHARITY
What is 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 each year?
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 help 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.
When my friends donate where does the money go?
All funds raised will support Variety - the Children's Charity all-abilities sports programs.
Ready to make a difference?
Need more information?
Call us on 03 8698 3900 or email motoringevents@varietyvic.org.au
