The Dick Smith 2013 NSW Variety B to B Bash will see some of the zaniest automobiles in the country going on an 11-day trip through four states, visiting outback schools and towns along the way, in spirit of adventure, fun and freedom encapsulated by Variety, the Children's Charity.
Commencing on August 22, drivers (in their best-dressed pre-1974 vehicles) will rove from Bankstown to Ballarat, crossing Nyngan, Tibooburra, Innamincka, Birdsville, Leigh Creek, Peterborough, Mildura and Horsham en route to the historic gold rush Victorian city. It is truly a remarkable event, one that, as well as raising much-needed funds and support for Variety, gives participants the opportunity to traverse dusty dirt tracks through idyllic regional centres in their beloved motor vehicles.
Variety, the Children’s Charity is a national not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing care, vital equipment, hope and a future to children who are sick, disadvantaged or with special needs, helping them to “live, laugh and learn”. The mission of Variety is to assist these individuals attain their fullest potential, facilitating them to gain freedom and mobility, to boost their independence and self-esteem and, ultimately, to lend a helping hand in order that they might be able to live their lives to the fullest. Nationally, Variety contributes around $1 million a month in individual and organisational equipment grants, making an enormous difference to lots of young lives.
In this year’s Variety Bash, Ai-Media, under the Ai-Live name, is proud to be associated with one of the awesome-looking participating vehicles. K9 has an illustrious history in the event, with drivers Geoff Abrahams and Robert Lewis taking the classic 1969 Austin 1800 Ute across inland Australia for the last nine years to the acclaim of the judging panel, receiving several awards including Bash Idol three times, Spirit of the Bash twice and, last year, being inducted into the NSW Bash Hall of Fame. As with many passionate 'Bashers' and Variety supporters, Geoff and Robert spend much of the year restoring and preparing K9 for the big Bash.
2013 sees a fresh look for K9 as the Ai-Live logo will be adorning the brightly coloured ute for the first time. Ai-Live is Ai-Media’s flagship captioning service for schools, universities, conferences and events, and is at the centre of Ai-Media’s commitment to achieving a similar goal to Variety - that of access, freedom and “empowering people through inclusive technology”.
The 2013 Variety Bash will be, as it is every year, a show stopper and Ai-Media wishes Geoff, Robert and K9, and all of the participants, success and the very best in all their efforts over the coming weeks.
You can follow K9's journey via Facebook
