Local motoring enthusiasts head west for Variety Bash for charity

Bashing it in style: Bernard Ballantine and his 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300E.

Over the past 20 years Palmwoods retiree Bernard Ballantine and his Nambour doctor, Wayne Herdy, have struck up a friendship based around their love of motoring. 

In that spirit the two are once more joining forces in this year’s Variety Bash – an adventure where mates navigate far-flung areas of Queensland in cars that are at least 30 years old.

Bernard, who has a background in avionics, and Wayne, who has been a vital part of the medical landscape on the Coast for more than 30 years, will be flying around the outback in Bernard’s 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300E.

“It’s all to help give Aussie kids a fair go,” said Bernard. “Our objective is to try and raise money for children with disadvantages and disabilities. They may have parents who can’t afford the care they need.”

This year’s Bash is from Winton to Yeppoon via Birdsville.

Bernard said the going would be tough, with ten days camping from August 29-September 7, but the camaraderie was infectious.  

Safety is paramount and cars are bound to undertake strict modifications to ensure they are up to the rigours of the outback on routes that often take them off the beaten track.

The pair have been Bash regulars since the 2016 event.

“I mainly work on the car with a lot of help from others,” said Bernard. “I used to race cars, mainly at a club level. 

“For the Bash, the vehicles have to be sound mechanically and modified for safety. We have to have bash plates installed under the car from the front of the engine to the rear of gearbox, front and rear tow points, bull bars, radios, extra fuel and water etc.

“Cars are scrutineered three times before we can start, so they have to be in good condition.”

Teams are also under the constant watch of the much-feared kangaroo court, and a plush Mercedes-Benz piloted by a doctor and his mate makes an obvious target. 

“We got singled out one year because we had working air-conditioning and sheep skin covers in a Mercedes,” laughed Bernard. “They charged us a few dollars for that. It’s part of the frivolity.”

• To donate to the 2022 Variety Bash go to www.varietybashqld.com.au/wayne-herdy.

“We don’t get the money or see the money,” said Bernard. “It all goes to the kids living with a disability.”