A small rural school with just 16 students had a very big morning when the Variety Bash rolled into Neville Public School for morning tea.
Around 200 people descended on the school as the colourful Bash convoy stopped in, creating plenty of excitement for students, staff and the wider school community.
The visit also brought a significant boost for the school, with Variety Bash participants donating $5,000, along with sporting equipment, a photocopier and books for the school library.
For a small school such as Neville, the support will make a real difference, providing resources that can be difficult for small rural schools to fund from their own limited budgets. Each of the school’s 16 students has their own personalised education program, allowing learning to be tailored to their individual needs, strengths and interests.
Principal Tracey Blattman was delighted with the visit and the generosity shown to the school, describing the morning as an exciting and memorable occasion for the students. Tracey noted that despite small numbers and limited resources the school and community had pulled together an amazing morning tea, with more than enough to go around.
This year’s Variety Bash, known as the Backyard Bash, is a shorter six-day event, reflecting the increased cost of fuel and travel. Despite the shorter journey, its purpose remains the same — travelling through regional NSW to raise funds and provide practical support for children who are sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with a disability.
The arrival of around 200 participants transformed the usually quiet school grounds, giving the students the chance to meet Bash participants and see the famously colourful and decorated vehicles up close.
Lee Estens from Moree was driving in her 24th Bash and said that while each Bash has raised significant funds and she has visited a lot of schools, it was real thrill to visit Neville Public School, the most beautiful school she had seen. She was thrilled to be able to support the students and staff.
As the convoy pulled out and headed on to its next destination, however, one car stayed behind. Its driver was a magician who had promised the Neville students a special magic show to round off the occasion.
It was a fitting end to a memorable morning — one that brought fun, generosity and a touch of magic to one of the region’s smallest schools.
For Neville Public School, the new equipment, books and financial support will continue to benefit students long after the colourful Variety Bash convoy has disappeared down the road.
