September 2026

Welcome to the September edition of Heartly News.

This month, we’re celebrating the incredible success of the 2026 QLD Variety Bash. At a time when so many Queenslanders are tightening their belts, our Bash community continues to show what’s possible when people come together for kids.

In this edition:

The Road Less Travelled, the Impact That Lasts: The 2026 QLD Variety Bash raises an incredible $1,813,781 for Queensland kids
Creating Possibility Together: The difference you are making
Opportunities for Variety Families: Water Skiing Day | Brisbane Children’s Christmas Party
Some Ways You Can Help: Heroes with Heart | Variety Heart Lottery

The Road Less Travelled,
the Impact That Lasts

The 2026 QLD Variety Bash raises an incredible
$1,813,781 for Queensland kids

We’ve recently returned from the 2026 QLD Variety Bash – our biggest fundraising event of the year and, without question, one of our most memorable. Over 10 unforgettable days, a colourful convoy of vehicles more than 25 years old travelled from Innisfail to Gladstone via some of Queensland’s most spectacular and remote communities.

There was dirt. There was dust. There were creek crossings, bogged cars, dinosaurs, terrible wedding outfits, country and western costumes and more laughs than we could possibly count.

But beneath all the colour, creativity and adventure was something incredibly powerful. This year, the QLD Variety Bash supported 1,243 children through more than $170,000 in grants delivered along the route.

And despite a tough year for many Queenslanders, our incredible Bash community raised an extraordinary $1,813,781 – funds that will now go on to support many more Queensland children throughout the year ahead.

The Bashers arrive at Rolleston State School where Variety QLD has funded new sporting equipment for all 48 students.

How do they do it?

Every Bash team commits to raising at least $8,500 before hitting the road – although many Bashers raise far more. This year, three teams raised more than $100,000 each! And absolutely every dollar counts. Some teams fundraise the good old-fashioned way with Bunnings BBQs, meat trays and raffles. Others get wonderfully creative, hosting balls, galas, long lunches, camping weekends, golf tournaments and more!

This year, we were also thrilled to welcome 30 Bashers under the age of 30 – a wonderful sign that the next generation of Bashers is ready to take the wheel.

Watch Harry and Oliver reflect on their Bash journey below:

It takes a village to run a Bash

Behind every successful Variety Bash is a huge team working both on the road and behind the scenes. From planning the route and keeping everyone safe, to managing grants, communications, logistics, finance and supporter experience, our staff and volunteers take on countless roles to keep the Bash moving. It’s a genuine team effort, with everyone pitching in to make sure the event runs smoothly and the focus stays where it belongs – on creating an incredible experience for our Bashers and making a difference for Queensland kids.

And then there are our incredible volunteers – the backbone of the Bash. From scouts, medics and communications crews to sweeps, tow trucks, Bash mums, mobile workshops and so many more, the Bash simply wouldn’t happen without them. A special shoutout to Elliot and Tina, who took on the tough job of loading and unloading the baggage truck and keeping everyone’s gear moving along the route day after day. And, thankfully, we were also exceptionally well caffeinated this year, thanks to Liz and Trent from St George Bakery, who brought a bona fide coffee cart along for the entire journey, keeping Bashers fuelled with barista-made coffee and delicious treats. Because apparently, even the road less travelled has room for good coffee!

Cameron (left) was a volunteer medical driver on this year’s Bash, pictured here with 9-year-old Amelia, Sam from Variety Kids Support, and Amelia’s sister. Variety has funded a jungle gym and trampoline to support Amelia. Cameron presented the girls with a challenge coin – a symbol of recognition, honouring someone’s strength, character and resilience.

From Sugar Cane to Coal Trains

Our 2026 route began in Innisfail, travelling through Woodleigh Station, Cobbold Gorge, Greenvale, Hughenden, Barcaldine, Capella, Carnarvon Gorge and Biloela before reaching the finish line in Gladstone.

Want to follow the journey? Discover every stop, meet the communities we visited and see how the 16 grants delivered along the route are making a difference for Queensland kids.

Read the full story of the 2026 QLD Variety Bash on our website:

Read the Full Story

We met children and families. We visited schools in some of Queensland’s most remote communities. We saw first-hand what happens when fundraising dollars become real opportunities for children to participate in everyday life.

But the impact of the Bash doesn’t stop at the finish line. That incredible $1,813,781 will now go on to help support many more Queensland children throughout the year ahead.

And it will all be possible because of a community of people who decided to get behind the wheel of an old car, take the road less travelled and do something extraordinary together.

The cars may be back home. The dust may have settled. But the impact of the 2026 QLD Variety Bash is only just getting started.

Curious about the 2027 QLD Variety Bash?

Creating Possibility Together

August was another month of meaningful impact for Queensland children and families, with Variety grants and programs helping create more opportunities to learn, participate and thrive across the state.

In addition to more than $170,000 in life-changing support delivered through the 2026 QLD Variety Bash, Variety provided five individual and four community grants in August, supporting 723 children.

Every grant is different because every child is different. Here are just a few of the ways Variety’s supporters helped create possibility this month.

Finding a voice through technology

A five-year-old boy living with dystonic quadriplegic cerebral palsy and vision impairment received a Tobii i16 eye-gaze device to support his communication.

Before receiving the device, he was limited to choosing between four picture cards to communicate. Now, he can independently access a comprehensive communication system with thousands of words, giving him greater opportunity to participate in learning, social interactions and everyday life.

Last year, Amina at Western Suburbs Special School (above) showed us how an eye gaze device works.

Supporting interests, learning and independence

A nine-year-old girl received a laptop, violin and support towards excursion costs. Three very different items, but each one plays an important role in supporting her interests, learning and growing independence.

Opening doors to education

A 17-year-old experiencing financial and geographic disadvantage received a laptop to support her TAFE studies, including coursework, research, assessments and visual arts projects. Having the right technology means she can more easily access her education and pursue her goals.

We also provided support to two vulnerable siblings experiencing serious family hardship, helping provide some of the practical items they need to feel safe, supported and able to participate in everyday life.

Supporting Queensland communities

Our community grants are helping create opportunities for children in schools and community organisations across the state.

This month, support included sewing machines and carry bags for Girl Guides Queensland, laptops for Fairview Heights Primary Parents and Citizens Association, e-games and a learner driver simulator for Currimundi Special School P&C Association, and uniforms, stationery and hygiene supplies for Lockyer District High School.

Behind every grant is a child, a family, a school or a community with an opportunity to do more, participate more fully and look towards what’s possible.

Thank you for helping make that possible.

Opportunities for Variety Families

We love seeing Variety families connect, try new things and create special memories together. Here are some exciting upcoming opportunities for children and families to get involved.

Lake Kurwongbah Charity Fun Day

Date: Sunday 25 October 2026
Location: Ski Road, Kurwongbah QLD 4503
Time: 9:00am – 3:00pm

Lake Kurwongbah is hosting another charity fun day, giving children and families the opportunity to experience tubing, knee boarding, water skiing and related water activities in a fun, safe and welcoming environment.

To keep everyone fuelled, there will be a complimentary BBQ lunch.

Attendance is free, but tickets are required. To register, please email kidssupport@varietyqld.org.au

Brisbane Children’s Christmas Party

It’s never too early to start getting excited about Christmas! Registrations are now open for the Brisbane Children’s Christmas Party, a magical day created especially for children with disabilities and complex needs.

Children can enjoy rides, interactive activities, entertainment, photos with Santa and plenty of festive treats – plus, every registered child will receive three brand-new presents from Santa!

Date: Saturday 12 December 2026
Location: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Time: 10:30am – 2:00pm
Cost: FREE (apply below)

The event is open to children aged 0-12 years who are eligible for the NDIS. Children do not need to be receiving NDIS funding to attend. Places are limited, so families are encouraged to register early. Registrations close 28 September 2026.

To find out more and register your interest, please visit the registration page below.

Register for the Children’s Christmas Party

Some Ways You Can Help

These newsletters are designed to show you how we’re spending your money – the children we’re supporting, the opportunities we’re creating and the difference your generosity makes right here in Queensland.

If you’d like to help us be there for even more children, here are two simple ways you can make a difference.

Become a Hero with Heart

When families need help, they can’t always wait for the next fundraiser.

Heroes with Heart are Variety’s regular givers – a community of generous supporters who help us be ready to step in when a child or family needs us most. A regular gift, whatever the amount, gives Variety the confidence to respond quickly and help fill the gaps when other support isn’t available.

Could you become a Hero with Heart? Find out more and join our community of regular givers.

Enter the Variety Heart Lottery

You could win $10,000 cash just in time for Christmas, while helping Variety support children who are sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with disabilities.

With a maximum of 5,000 tickets available, every ticket helps us continue providing practical support where it’s needed most. And if you’re a Variety VIP Club member, you’ll automatically go into every lottery draw, plus have the chance to win one of two exclusive $500 VIP prizes each year.

Get your tickets or join the VIP Club today.