Bathurst Chiko Roll entry to take part in 30th Variety Bash

Bathurst’s John Lindsell is preparing to take part in his 30^th Variety Bash in the same vehicle in which he took part in his first: his trusty 1964 Wolseley 2480 with a giant Chiko Roll on top.

Simplot Australia, the maker of Chiko Rolls, has sponsored Mr Lindsell since his first Variety Bash in 1989.

“I never dreamed this time would come, but it’s great,” Mr Lindsell said.

“We started in 1989, and then did another five, 10, 20, and now 30. It’s crept up on me.”

Mr Lindsell says it’s easy to stay motivated to take part in the event each year.

“When you see your fundraising efforts going towards wheelchairs, mobility equipment, scholarships and learning aids for disadvantaged kids and, on the Variety Bash, donations of equipment to tiny schools along the route, you really feel like you’re making a difference to Aussie kids,” he said.

“If we didn’t do this, they wouldn’t get any of that. 

“Our supporters Simplot Australia, maker of Chiko Rolls, Bathurst Real Estate, Betta Home Living Bathurst, Bathurst Panthers and The Dental Practice - Bathurst understand the great work Variety do and they have supported Variety for years. 

“The fact we participate as a family and I have built enduring friendships while seeing outback Australia is icing on the cake.”

Mr Lindsell, his son Steve and granddaughter Kiri will join fellow competitors in tackling dirt roads, creek crossings and bush tracks as they cover vast distances in this year’s event.

They will stop each day at schools in small towns to make donations of equipment and resources designed to help Australian children overcome barriers to reach their full potential.

The 2018 Variety Bash will start at Bonnyrigg, in western Sydney, on Sunday, August 12 and visit Bathurst, West Wyalong, Ivanhoe, Broken Hill, White Cliffs, Tibooburra, Merty Merty, Leigh Creek, William Creek, Coober Pedy, Oodnadatta, Marla, Mulga Park, Yulara, Uluru, Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), Mutitjulu and Curtin Springs before finishing up at Braitling in Alice Springs on August 21.

“The Variety Bash can only help Aussie kids overcome barriers to reach their full potential because of big-hearted guys like John Lindsell who will make a lasting difference to kids who face all sorts of challenges such as isolation, financial hardship, disability and sickness in life,” Variety – the Children’s Charity NSW motoring events manager Stuart Telfer said.

“We salute John and thank him for his dedication to helping Aussie kids get a fair go in life.”

Locals can see the Variety Bash parade into Bathurst at 11.30am on August 12 on Kendall Avenue near the showground.