Eighty cars set off from Bar Beach for the week-long adventure, which is expected to raise around $800,000 for children of the Hunter in need.

The Bash will return to Bar Beach on May 27.

Elliott, who is the youngest Australian to win a Paralympic gold medal, was born with cerebral palsy and saw first-hand the help Variety can give in terms of helping her achieve her sporting dreams.

“Variety changed my life by giving me scholarships to support my training and competition costs,” Elliott said.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without Variety. I’m excited to be at the start of the Variety Bash and wave off all the amazing Bashers who fundraise all year round to help thousands of other kids like me.”

The Variety Bash will visit Gilgandra, Cowra, Narrandera, Yass, Bathurst and Muswellbrook before returning to Bar Beach on May 27.

Along the way, the Bash crews will donate $51,000 worth of resources and equipment to 12 regional NSW schools.

Among the grants this year’s Bash will provide are a smart brailler for children with impaired vision and an all abilities swing for a school playground.

“All our crews look forward to heading out on the Variety Bash each year, and by far the highlight of every trip is when we get to visit the schools and meet the kids we support,” Variety NSW Regional Director Jason Bourke said.

“Thanks to the incredible generosity and hard work of our Bashers, we hope to raise more than $800,000 through the 2017 Variety NSW Bash.

“All of the funds raised will provide grants to kids in need. This might be a new wheelchair for a child with a disability, a scholarship to help a child facing financial hardship achieve their sporting dream, or even nappies for a family doing it tough.”

“Whatever it is, the money raised during our event will give a fair go to Aussie kids who miss out, because that’s the Variety way”.