Bashing and the food industry

In August, the annual Variety Bash will motor its way around diverse parts of Australia from Garden Island to HMAS Bathurst in Darwin, raising money for sick, disadvantaged and disabled children.

This year, Linco Food Systems managing director, Brian Liddell, will be participating in his especially purchased 1967 VW Kombi (ah - I remember when I was young). High-profile companies from the food industry including Inghams Enterprises, Cadbury Schweppes, Theiss and What's New in Food Technology & Manufacturing have agreed to be corporate sponsors for Linco. Their contribution will not fund the journey but increase the funds available for Variety's charity work.

Financial donations will be directly payable to the Variety Club of NSW and will be tax deductible to the sponsor. There's still lots of space for extra signage on the Kombi so why not include your company and support a great charity?

As the Bash meanders through the countryside it hands out gifts to children it happens across. This is another opportunity for you to participate vicariously in the event by supplying Brian with small gifts for distribution to the kids.

The Bash is not a race or a rally. Drivers from all walks of life come together to drive along rough outback roads and bribe and cheat their way past the officials. (I'm sure Brian would love to receive anything with which he could bribe these officials.)

The Bash was originated by businessman, explorer and philanthropist Dick Smith in June 1985, when he organised a group of people to travel from Sydney to Bourke in Far West New South Wales, and from there to Burketown in Northern Queensland. Dick wanted to take a few mates for a drive in the outback in old cars and at the same time raise money for charity so he charged everyone to enter, and entrants were able to bribe the officials or be fined.

That first event raised $250,000 for Variety and was known as the Bourke to Burketown Bash.

Since 1986, the Bash has grown and Variety now organises one in each state, as well as Newcastle NSW.

Linco and Brian's Kombi are providing the food industry a great opportunity to support a worthwhile charity and receive mass-media coverage as a by-product.

If you would like to Sponsor Brian please contact him at brian@linco.com.au.