Variety Brats hit the road

For more than a decade, he has helped sick children and disadvantaged communities through the Variety Vic Bash.

From April 7–14, 2026, families will travel from Daylesford through Victoria and South Australia, including Halls Gap, Beachport, and Kangaroo Island.

They will stop at schools and communities along the way to deliver grants and see first-hand the impact of their fundraising.

School minibuses funded by Variety help students with mobility needs participate in everyday school life.

For Paul, the highlight is witnessing how much it means to the children.

“We go to different places that need money, and seeing the kids’ faces, that’s what it’s all about,” Paul said.

This year, Paul is joined by 16-year-old Demi, her mum Amanda, and family friend Paula.

Paul believes involving young people helps them understand generosity and community.

“It’s good Demi is doing it,” Paul said.

“She knows where the money is going; kids doing it for the kids, that’s the whole point.

“When they see a school getting a swing set or a mini-bus, they realise they can make a difference too.”

Paul’s themed bash vehicle, the Batmobile, has completed dozens of charity runs and draws attention wherever it goes, but the fun is only part of the story.

“They’re the ones that put swings in parks, give kids caring dogs, beds and wheelchairs so they can stay at home with their families,” he said.

“It’s good to see where the money goes.

“We might go to a school, and they need a swing set or something, so we’ll put in for that.

“It probably costs more to do the bash than we raise, but it’s not about that; it’s for the kids.”

The Basse family encourages the community to contribute as well.

Donations help extend the reach of the Bash and support even more children in need.

For Paul, Demi, Amanda and the other families taking part, the Brats Bash is more than a road trip.

It’s a journey that teaches generosity, builds community, and creates memories that last a lifetime.