A trio of local Gippsland mates are gearing up for the journey of a lifetime, all in the name of helping children who need it most.
The “Smooth Operators” – Variety Bash Car 3858 team will take part in this year’s Variety Vic Bash, Australia’s iconic charity motoring event, raising vital funds for children who are sick, disadvantaged, or living with disabilities.
Leading the team is Andrew McInnes, owner of McInnes Earthmoving, who caught the Bash bug last year as a rookie participant travelling from Hamilton to Darwin.
Andrew brought his trusty vehicle – a GQ Nissan Patrol – back to life, transforming it into a head-turning, construction-themed fundraising machine.
Complete with road signs reading “Road Work Ahead,” “Caution Smooth Operators,” and the cheeky “Do Not Overtake – Overturning Vehicle,” along with flashing lights, toy Tonka trucks and decals, the car draws plenty of attention.
Determined to return bigger and better this year, Andrew is joined by two fellow Metung locals, Rod “Eagle” Edwards, owner-operator of Gippsland Lakes Barge Services, and Len Marshall, owner of Great Lakes Airport in Lakes Entrance.
Together, the trio will depart from Metung to join the official start of the Bash in Halls Gap on August 18, embarking on an unforgettable journey across remote and regional Australia, finishing at Exmouth on Western Australia’s stunning Ningaloo Reef.
While the adventure promises plenty of laughs, challenges and camaraderie, the mission behind it is deeply meaningful.
The Variety Bash is about more than just the drive – along the route, participants visit schools and small communities, delivering essential grants, mobility equipment and support directly to families and children in need. It’s this direct impact that fuels the Smooth Operators’ passion.
The team has set an ambitious fundraising goal of $25,000, with every dollar going directly to Variety – the Children’s Charity, helping to improve the lives of kids across Australia.
To reach their target, the Smooth Operators are calling on the East Gippsland community to get involved in a series of upcoming fundraising events:
– Trivia night – Saturday, May 2, 6pm at the Metung Bowls Club.
Team tables of six are encouraged, though individuals are welcome to book. Grazing and hot food platters will be available, with fun games between rounds, plenty of prizes, and a lucky door giveaway. Bring some gold coins for extra games or pre-purchase when buying tickets via trybooking.
– Metung Market Stall – Friday, May 9, 8am–12.30pm.
The team will be running a firewood raffle, giving locals the chance to win and stay warm this winter.
The Smooth Operators are also building a following online, encouraging supporters to track their journey, share their cause, and contribute to fundraising efforts via their social media pages and donation platform.
With a spirit of adventure and a strong commitment to making a difference, this local team is proving that a great road trip can go a long way in changing young lives.
To support the Smooth Operators or learn more, follow them on Facebook and Instagram or donate via their TryBooking page: Variety the Children’s Charity – 3858 – Smooth Operators
