SEVERAL teams of Riverlanders joined a covey of more than 130 vehicles last Saturday, as part of the annual SA Variety Bash. 
Travelling more than 2300km across South Australia, the eight-day journey from Adelaide’s West Beach, to Tanunda, hopes to raise $2.6m for children in need. 
Lyrup’s Matthew and Lisa Lloyd, and Loxton’s Domenic Perre, Rhain Hondow, Simon Bullock, and Brendan Schulz are the two teams representing the Riverland for 2025, with Loxton local Lyn Appleton — riding with Orroroo team The Roo Racers — also at last week’s starting line.
Speaking with The Murray Pioneer ahead of the cruise, Mr and Ms Lloyd said they were excited to complete their Variety Bash in a new-and-improved Scooby Doo Mystery Machine themed 1996 VS Commodore wagon.
“The children all loved DOO last year,” Ms Lloyd said. 
 “So, we thought we’d give DOO a little makeover, by adding signage, characters to the panels, and a bright, coloured flag to fly above DOO this year.”
Hoping to reach silver door status once again by raising more than $22,000 for the cause, Ms Lloyd said the chance to give back to those who need it most is what has inspired the team to “keep coming back to the Bash. 
“Last year’s Bash was just fantastic,” she said.
“Seeing some of the children Variety has helped along the way was hugely rewarding, and made all the effort and time we put into it worthwhile. 
“It’s a definite yes that the DOO will be back for the 2026 Variety Bash, although the team may look a little different — we will just have to wait and see.”
Made up of a “mix of (six-year) veterans and newbies”, Loxton’s Fireman Sam team has worked to raise more than $12,000 this Bash.
“The cause hits the hearts of everyone who has kids — and the cause emanates the need to support those kids that are not as lucky as our own,” Mr Perre said.
“Living in the Riverland really makes you aware there are lots of people and companies that truly support (local people), so (it’s been) really heart-warming to see even the small business owners supported us just as much as the bigger ones.”
“The 2025 Bash has a great sense of anticipation around it,” Variety SA CEO Mark McGill said. 
“We have over 130 cars heading into the Northern Outback reaches of our state spreading goodwill along the route via direct grants to children and families in need and significant economic benefit to the regions. 
“The long game is the incredible impact this fundraising will make to the tens of thousands of children next year.”
Though holding a long-term passion for cars, Ms Appleton joined her Orroroo team, The Roo Racers, as a rookie of the 2025 race.
“I am involved in the (Orroroo) Black Rock Dirt Circuit, and when one of their original team mates couldn’t make it this year I was given the opportunity,” she said.
“I am very excited to complete the trip — everyone gets a turn at driving and navigating, so it should be a lot of fun.”
Fundraising across Orroroo and Loxton, Ms Appleton said the team had been able to raise more than $24,000 “thanks to the generosity of the local community”.
“The SA Variety Bash is just amazing — the money they raise is so important,” she said.
“It’s great to see the Riverland be so supportive to this cause.”