Losing my Virginity….my Bash Virginity

It’s 7am in the morning. It’s freezing cold and I’m in a town in remote NSW, no idea where really, making my way back to school. I drove 300 plus Ks yesterday, I’ll do the same today most likely with a tiara and a purple wig on, just after I have breakfast with a bunch of school kids I’ve never met before….and I’m pumped!

It’s hard to believe this time last year I was gearing up for an adventure of a life time! It’s crazy to think it’s already been a year since I lost my virginity…..my bash virginity that is!

As the last days and hours are being counted down to the start of the 2016 Newcastle bash, I thought I’d take a look back at my experience last year, an event that certainly changed my life in more ways than one!

Why bash? The question really is…why not? For me the bash was an incredible experience not just a car rally, more like a life adventure. Something that showed me parts of my country I have never seen before. Took me out of my comfort zone and through me in the mix with a bunch of total strangers who shared something with me, we shared the desire to help. The want to raise money and help kids in need, no matter what it took!

And it takes a lot. Money, energy, enthusiasm, the desire to feel silly and stupid. When I’d get up in the morning and see loads of grown ups all dressed up as characters excited to meet the kids at each remote school and to share their experience, I knew I was dealing with a special bunch of people.

I’ll be honest, I had no idea what to expect when I signed up to drive around remote NSW for 6 days. What I got was dust, noise, bumpiness, diverse landscape, team work, camaraderie, kinship. Endless kilometer’s random directions, short cuts, long cuts, breakdowns, road side pit stops with my new mates like the Flinstone’s, Buzz and Woody, Minnie and Mickey. The cheers and laughter of kids, knowing you’ve made a difference when you donate something to a school and above all new friendships built on a foundation of doing something good!

Good they are certainly doing. Making a difference with the money raised to families across Australia. From providing ipads for rural schools to empowering children with accessibility, communication and self-esteem. Variety provide equipment, medical needs and support to children in reaching their dreams.

So when the cars roll out of Newcastle this year, stop and clap on a bunch of tops people who aren’t just going for a holiday but for an adventure to help kids across Australia! If someone ever asks you, do you want to do the bash? Don’t hesitate, don’t question, just say yes….you gotta do it!

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