Bathurst father and son Variety Bash duo John Lindsell and Steve Lindsell are looking forward to welcoming a new generation to their team this year: John’s granddaughter Kirri Lee.
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This year’s Variety Bash, which will start tomorrow, will be John’s 27th time in the event.
The Lindsell family will take on the notorious dirt roads and striking seaside routes from Bass Hill, in Sydney’s west, to Bunbury, south of Perth, as part of a travelling carnival of vintage-themed vehicles and peculiar outfits.
Country music star John Williamson will be part of the 10-day, 4598-kilometre charity motoring event which will visit 18 regional and remote towns.
John said this year the Bashers have been granted special permission to drive the original Nullarbor Track, will explore the spectacular vistas of the Great Australian Bight and see the magnificent coastline around Esperance.
“And it’s all in support of Variety – the Children’s Charity,” he said.
John has previously completed the Bash with Steve, who is on his 18th Bash this year, and grandson Blake.
Now Kirri Lee is joining the family team this year for her first Bash.
“Kirri Lee just graduated from university and asked if she could jump on board with me before I abdicate to my son,” John said.
The Lindsell team will join the convoy of novelty pre-1976 vehicles in John’s own 1964 Wolseley 2480 MK2, themed as a Chiko Roll.
“I used to work for Chiko Roll and bought the car from them,” he said.
“It’s been with me through all the Bashes, and it doesn’t seem to be stopping. It’s a great Aussie icon.
“Last year I even had a bloke stop us in the middle of the road in Bundaberg for a photo.
“Every year is different, so you never feel like giving up.
“You get excited about catching up with the friends you’ve made along the way, and see the difference you’ve made to the children’s lives.
“Camaraderie is a big part of it. It’s more fun if you’ve got people to share the experiences and memories with.”
The Lindsell team has done plenty of local fundraising in its quest to get to its goal of $10,000 for Variety.
“We have a corporate sponsor, but most of our donations come out of the barbecues at Bunnings and the local Woolies,” John said. “Over the years I’ve been doing the Bash I think we’ve raised close to $450,000, so another $10,000 this year isn’t a bad goal.”
