Driving Change For Kids In Need

A massive congratulations is in order for one of Aintree Group’s client’s Robert Marshall, and his incredible achievement journeying through the Australian outback as part of the 2026 Variety Bash, having raised $10,000 for underprivileged children in need.

The iconic Variety Victoria Bash is Australia’s longest-running charity motoring event. It is part road trip, part challenge, all for a legendary cause. A bucket-list event to Rob for many years, one afternoon he decided it was finally time.

The Journey

Starting in Halls Gap, Victoria and finishing at the stunning Ningaloo Reef in Exmouth, Western Australia, Rob joined in the convoy of 25+ year-old decked-out cars as a ‘Rookie’. He encountered all types of terrain, from farm, outback, and coast. All the while, popping into local schools along the way and bearing gifts.

Variety Bash

For Rob, these were his favourite stops, getting to spend time with the children and present gifts and financial support grants on behalf of the Variety Bash convoy that will make a difference in local communities across the country.

‘Imagine 90 cars roll into your school or community full of crazy people dressed in costume and dressed up vehicles, handing out all sorts of presents; a site there never seen before or maybe ever again.‘

Quick Fire Questions

Being your first year, do you have to meet any requirements?

‘Being our first Bash we are called Rookies and are required to raise a minimum of $5000.00 dollars but once again the motoring team are there to help in any way required.’

What does getting a vehicle look like?

‘[First, we] went about finding an existing Bash car to buy with the help of Variety Motoring Team.

The vehicle must pass a number of testing requirement held by specialist mechanics on behalf of Variety to make sure its safe and meets all Vic Roads requirements.’

What is the lead up to the event like?

‘In the lead up to the event you attend many functions to meet fellow Bash competitors and learn and understand how it all works.

You do learn how to navigate and read trip notes very quickly as to not get lost but once again that’s all managed by the Variety team.’

True Community Impact: Ayla’s Story

One example of the difference these gifts can make is Ayla’s story. Ayla lives on a farm in regional Victoria and loves the outdoors, but with cerebral palsy, joining in activities with her friends can be tricky.

During Variety Bash 2026, Ayla received a specialised adaptive trike, giving her greater independence to explore the farm, join community bike rides and go on adventures with her friends.

Discover More Stories

Better Together

We are so pleased to have been even a little part of Rob’s journey, with the Aintree Group logo persisting with pride on the side of the car, mud and all.

At Aintree Group, we strive every day to be courageous custodians of our community. To us, this means leading with integrity and making choices that will create lasting benefits for the people and communities around us.

We are so fortunate to work with incredible clients such as Rob who share in this mission. His achievement is a reminder that together, great things can be achieved for the community.