General News
23 June, 2023
Jake prepares for Variety Bash
THIS year’s Variety Club Bash will hold extra special meaning for Panmure local Jake Dumesny.
Jake, whose father Reg was tragically killed in a car accident early this year, will take part in the Bash in honour of his dad – who last year raised more than $43,000 for the charity along with his brothers Max and Bill.
He will drive his dad’s beloved HR Holden alongside his uncle’s Max and Bill for the Variety Victoria Bash which will run from Wednesday August 16 to Friday August 25 – with participants driving from Melbourne to the Gold Coast.
A rally, not a race, the Variety Bash is a fundraising adventure through regional Australia with a group of like-minded legends.
The route provides the perfect balance of roads, sights, granting and giving.
This year’s theme – which is certainly fitting for the Dumesny family - is ‘All things Motoring’ and, as such, the route will incorporate a lap of the historic Winton Raceway.
Beginning in Phillip Island, the cars will wind their way through Benalla, Shepparton, Yass, Dubbo, Nelson Bay and Coffs Harbour before arriving on the Gold Coast on August 25.
The Dumesny name is synonymous with motorsport and it’s little surprise their love of engines and their ongoing commitment to the Variety Club of Australia has been entrenched in Jake and his family.
“Dad had planned to do it (the Bash) again this year but unfortunately that wasn’t to be,” Jake said.
“Now I’m doing it in his memory; I just hope I can make him proud and that we can do our bit to raise as much money as we can to help kids all over Australia who are sick, disadvantaged or have additional needs.
“Variety is a wonderful charity and sadly without them some of those kids might otherwise go without the help they need.”
As part of his fundraising prior to the start of the Variety Bash, Jake has teamed up with Panmure publican Annie Lenehan to organise a special day out for locals and visitors to the town on Sunday July 2.
The car park of the Panmure Hotel will come alive from around 12 noon with a colourful and interesting display of cars from various local clubs, while local band Buzzard Breath will provide entertainment throughout the afternoon.
The Apex Club of Terang will keep hungry visitors satisfied with a barbecue and there will also be a coffee van serving your favourite hot cuppa.
“We’re hoping a lot of people will come out and enjoy the day and donate what they can,” Jake said.
“There’ll be several historical cars to look at, the band will be playing, the barbie will be going and (hopefully) the sun will be shining.
“There will be donation tins and a raffle; every donation, big or small, will be gratefully received.”
Anyone who would like to donate to Variety but can’t get to Panmure on the day is encouraged to donate via the Dumesny’s fundraising page – simply scan the QR code.
