Steve to rock the Bash

ORMISTON father of three Steve Whittam has four loves in life a good challenge, his family, rock music and his 1978 Ford Fairlane.

Which is why the 55-year-old is loading up his beloved Ford and joining 400 drivers in this year's Variety Bash to raise money for sick and disadvantaged kids.

More than 140 cars, all decked out in different themes, are in the 10-day event, which starts at Dalby, west of Brisbane, and ends up 4000km north in Mackay.

The "Bashers", as they are affectionately known, will drop off much-needed equipment to 12 schools and communities along the way.

This is the fourth time Mr Whittam has entered and he has chosen an Aussie Rock theme this year.

"We have a speaker on the top of the car that blasts out music ranging from ACDC to Barnsey and INXS," Mr Whittam said.

"Kids love the car because it is plastered with stickers and 250 album covers, which hide the blue paint.

"Last year, we drove from Hervey Bay to finish at the Gympie Muster so this year, I'm really looking forward to going bush.

"It will also be special for me because during the event I hope to pass the $100,000 donation mark," he said.

The 23rd Variety Bash leaves Dalby on Thursday, August 2, and arrives in Mackay on Saturday, August 11.

The Variety Bash started as a drive in the Outback in 1985, when adventurer and philanthropist Dick Smith took a group of intrepid motorists from Burke to Bourketown in their old cars.

Every entrant has to raise money for Variety and all vehicles must be 30 years old or older at the time of entry and be non-performance modified.

Organisers are at pains to state the Bash is not a race, rally or speed trial.

To be eligible to enter, each team must raise a minimum of $8000.

Since it started, the Variety Bash has raised nearly $16 million in Queensland.