Having a bash for Variety

Leading Aircraftmen Nathan Dugdell and Bruce Howkins listen to a briefing before the bash. The pair provided mechanical expertise for the event.

MEMBERS of RAAF Base Tindal are keen to give anything a bash – particularly to support a worthy cause.

The base raised more than $8000 through the recent Variety Club of the Northern Territory 2002 Outback to Ocean Bash, a car rally that raised more than $26,000 for disabled and disadvantaged children.

Twenty-seven vehicles participated in the event, which started in Katherine in the Northern Territory and finished in Broome in Western Australia.

Tindal Bash Club’s 1967 HR Holden station wagon was among the participants. Group Captain Corrie Metz (OC RAAF Tindal) waved the start flag to launch the bash at Katherine’s School of the Air.

As well, RAAF Base Tindal hosted the pre-bash dinner at the Airmen’s Mess and Latham Club. On hand to witness this were GPCAPT Metz, Wing Commander Steve Hart (CO322CSS) and Squadron Leader Geoff Penn (AFLT 75SQN). Variety Club of the Northern Territory chairman Trevor Smith thanked the base for its support of Variety over the years.

He also applauded the contributions of Leading Aircraftwoman Kristy Dixon, Acting Corporal Shaun McGowan, Leading Aircraftman Paul Vella, Aircraftman Ron Schultz and Aircraftman James Gow to the success of the pre-bash function.

A raffle of a cow-patterned trenchcoat, made by Deb Crouch (Tindal Bash Club costume designer and seamstress) raised more than $1000.

Tindal Bash Club has existed since 1992 and has donated more than $70,000 to Variety.

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