'Task Group' readies for charity voyage
24 March 2010
If you have ever aspired to pilot a Navy helicopter, to steer a guided missile frigate or drive a submarine across the Australian landscape, then this is your BIG chance.
The Navy Bash Team is looking for 10-12 charity-minded and fun-loving sailors to participate in the 2010 NSW Variety Bash.
Team spokesperson, LCDR Graeme Wong, said the Navy team requires crew for five ‘Bash’ cars it will enter in the annual charity drive that raises money for Australian children with special needs.
“The five Navy cars will participate in the 3,500 km charity voyage from B Shed (Sydney Market) to Byron Bay, via Bourke, Moree, Goondiwindi and Toowoomba, during 22-30 August,” he said.
LCDR Wong said the charity-minded sailors will spearhead the “Fleet” in five cars that are mock up of a frigate, a submarine, a replenishment ship and two helicopters.
He said Navy personnel who want to volunteer their time for charity and a fun time require a good sense of humour to interact with participants and children.
They need to be prepared to pay for their food and accommodation and make a contribution towards the cost of fuel. They also require approval from their work area to undertake adventure training and to be prepared to assist with the preparation in their own time prior to the event. Mechanical and/or electrical skills are ‘nice to have’ but not essential.
LCDR Wong said the Bash is not a race or a rally, but an annual charity drive that has grown into Australia’s most successful charity motoring event and has raised more than $100 million nationally for special needs Australian children since the inaugural Bash in 1985.
He said Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Steve Gilmore, has signed on as patron of the Navy Variety Bash Team, which since 2003 has raised more than $300,000 for the NSW Variety Bash.
“The great thing about the Bash is that everyone has an enjoyable time travelling in parts of Australia they have never seen before and at the same time raising money for charity as well as giving out equipment and donations to schools along the Bash route,” he said.
LCDR Wong said the Navy’s five cars are being redesigned with the help of the capable engineers at Fleet Support Unit (FSU) Sydney.
The FSU team who are participating in the redesign and repair work are enjoying the job, with a number of competencies gained including sheet metal work, welding, electrical wiring, spray painting and fabricating.
