Woodards Executive Chairman takes on 6,000km outback challenge for Variety

Woodards Executive Chairman John Piccolo is preparing to swap boardrooms for the Australian outback later this month as he embarks on a 6,000km journey from Victoria to Exmouth, Western Australia, to raise money for Variety, the Children's Charity. 

From August 18, Mr Piccolo will take part in his second Variety Bash, joining hundreds of participants travelling across some of Australia's most remote roads in themed vehicles more than 25 years old. His team, aptly named "Lovers Not Mechanics", will spend 10 days raising funds to help children living with disability, illness or disadvantage. 

The iconic fundraising event is about far more than the kilometres travelled. Along the route, participants visit remote schools and communities to deliver grants, wheelchairs, communication aids and other life-changing equipment directly to children and families who need them most. 

Mr Piccolo said supporting vulnerable children had become a cause close to his heart. 

"The Variety Bash is about giving children living with disability, illness or disadvantage opportunities they might not otherwise have," he said. 

"I believe everyone deserves a fair go and Variety helps to achieve that." 

Having completed his first Bash last year, Mr Piccolo said seeing the impact of the fundraising firsthand inspired him to return. 

"One of the most rewarding parts of the Bash is visiting remote schools and communities along the route,” he said. 

“We don't simply drive through, we stop, meet the children, deliver equipment and grants, and see first-hand the difference these donations make. 

"Last year, one smile from a young Indigenous boy after receiving his gift reminded me exactly why this journey matters. Those moments stay with you long after the dust settles." 

Mr Piccolo has kickstarted his fundraising campaign with a personal donation of $2,500 and is inviting colleagues, clients and the wider community to help him reach his $5,000 target. 

"Every dollar raised goes directly to Variety and helps fund things that genuinely change lives, wheelchairs, communication aids, playgrounds, scholarships, education support and programs that bring families together," he said. 

"These aren't 'nice-to-haves'; they're life-changing opportunities that many families simply couldn't access without support." 

Founded in 1985 by Australian entrepreneur Dick Smith and broadcaster John Tapp, the Variety Bash has grown into Australia's largest and longest-running charity motoring event.

Over the past four decades, participants have collectively raised more than $33 million, travelled 130,145 kilometres in 523 themed cars, and helped change the lives of thousands of children by funding wheelchairs, communication devices, sensory equipment and other life-changing support. 

Mr Piccolo said he was proud to be playing a small part in continuing that legacy. 

"Whether you've supported me before or this is your first time, I'd love to have you along for the journey," he said. 

"Every contribution, large or small, will help make a genuine difference." Donations can be made at https://fundraise.variety.org.au/fundraisers/johnpiccolo/bash