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Fuel crisis forces cancellation of  iconic Variety NSW Bash
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Variety - the Children’s Charity NSW/ACT (Variety NSW/ACT) has today announced the difficult decision to cancel the 2026 Variety NSW Bash.  

Skyrocketing fuel prices and fuel scarcity have made the 6-day regional motoring event untenable as planned for this May. 

Variety’s commitment to rural communities remains unchanged with every school and community group scheduled to receive a Variety grant along the Bash route to receive their funding.  

However, the absence of the Bash will leave Variety NSW/ACT with a fundraising loss of over $1 million – crucial funds used to support children who are sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with a disability.  

Filling the Gap: The ‘Move In May’ Challenge.  

In a bid to still help raise vital funds to support children in need, Variety NSW/ACT is calling on all Australians to trade their steering wheels for sneakers by registering for the Move In MayChallenge.  

The goal is simple: get moving, get active and help raise the $1 million needed to fund grants, scholarships, programs and experiences for children and families in need in NSW/ACT. 

“Motoring events have been the heartbeat of Variety’s fundraising efforts across the country for fifty years and we can’t wait to get back out there,” says Tony Warner, CEO of Variety NSW/ACT.  

“While the NSW Bash cars won’t be on the road this year, the need hasn’t stopped,” he says.  

“Families are doing it tough, and the children we support still need our help, now more than ever.” 

“We need the community to help us raise $1 million to ensure we can continue to support children to thrive, belong and reach their full potential, regardless of disability or circumstance.” 

“‘Move In May’ is a chance for everyone to get involved, get moving and help raise these much-needed funds to support children who need it most.”   

Anyone can register to ‘Move In May.’ 

Variety NSW/ACT is encouraging the general public and supporters, as well as current and former Bash participants, to sign up and fundraise throughout the month of May.  

Whether it’s walking, running, swimming, rolling or cycling, every kilometre covered helps replace the funds usually raised by the colourful convoy. 

  • Register: Sign up at www.moveinmay.org.au to start your personal or team challenge.  
  • The Impact: Funds raised will go directly toward supporting children who are sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with a disability. This includes funds for life-changing grants, scholarships, programs and experiences.  
  • To find out more about Variety NSW/ACT and the Move In May Challenge, visit www.moveinmay.org.au.  

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Applications Open for Variety Heart Scholarships

Variety – the Children’s Charity NSW/ACT is calling on families to apply for a 2026 Variety Heart Scholarship, offering life-changing support for young people living with disabilities, chronic illness or financial hardship.   The scholarship provides practical, financial assistance to help children aged 8 – 18 years reach their full potential in sport, music and the creative arts, removing barriers and creating opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach.   Whether its funding for specialist equipment, competitions or training programs, the scholarship is designed to empower children to pursue their passions, build their talent and participate fully in their chosen field.  Variety NSW/ACT CEO, Tony Warner, said the program continues to deliver meaningful, long-term impact for families doing it tough.  “Every child deserves the chance to follow their dreams and feel included, regardless of circumstances,” he said.  “The Variety Heart Scholarship is about recognising potential and providing the support needed to help children thrive – on the field, on the stage, and beyond.”  Over the past decade, more than 500 scholarships have been granted with receipients including:  Parents, carers and guardians of eligible children are encouraged to apply now with applications open until Thursday 21 May at 4pm – visit https://nsw.variety.org.au/variety-heart-scholarships/.   Variety Heart Scholarships are made possible by presenting partner, the Grahame Mapp Family Foundation, in honour of the late Gillian Mapp. 

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