Car Ken completes an unforgettable SA Variety Bash

After eight days and 2,304 kilometres through regional South Australia, Car Ken and the Kennards Hire Bootleggers have crossed the finish line of the 2026 SA Variety Bash.

Travelling from Gawler to Port Pirie, the team joined 72 colourful cars, 231 entrants and 53 official volunteers, visiting Quorn, Kimba, Streaky Bay, Wudinna, Port Lincoln and Cleve along the way.

The journey delivered no shortage of memorable moments, from wet and muddy roads to spectacular scenery, early starts, themed events and warm welcomes from regional communities. Most importantly, the Bash gave the Bootleggers the chance to connect with local children, families and communities while seeing firsthand the difference Variety SA makes.

Throughout the journey, the Bootleggers handed out sweets, Matchbox cars and merchandise, welcomed children aboard for tours of Car Ken and embraced every opportunity to get involved in community activities.

The team also made a conscious effort to support regional economies by visiting local petrol stations, cafés, hotels, pubs and shops along the route. The generosity was returned through the incredible hospitality shown by the communities hosting the Bash, from breakfasts and lunches to community celebrations and fundraising activities.

At Kimba, the team had the privilege of presenting a $5,000 grant to the Kimba Football and Netball Club for new sporting equipment for local children.

Kennards Hire was also proud to be the official Day Two Checkout Partner and as the colourful convoy prepared to hit the road, the Bootleggers were on hand to hand out packets of Shapes to help keep the teams fuelled for another big day of driving.

These activities formed part of Kennards Hire’s wider support for the event, which also included providing hire equipment to help bring the Bash to life.

The 2026 SA Variety Bash raised an incredible $2,055,000 net to help children across South Australia who are sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with disability.

The money raised will help Variety SA provide practical support, equipment and opportunities that improve inclusion, independence and quality of life for children and their families.

Kennards Hire has been a Gold Sponsor of the SA Variety Bash for 14 consecutive years, as part of a relationship with Variety SA spanning 16 years.

Kennards Hire SA General Manager and first-time Bootlegger Tyrone Morley said the event brings together fundraising, community connection and plenty of fun.

“The Bash is such an incredible community-based event. Not only does it capture the hearts and minds of people right across regional Australia, but it also raises vital funds for children and families who need support,” Tyrone said.

“We’re incredibly proud to have been backing the event for the past 16 years and to continue playing a small part in something that makes such a big difference.

“The Bash brings together some amazing people and communities, and that’s what makes it such a special event to be part of.”

Variety South Australia CEO Mark McGill thanked Kennards Hire for its longstanding support.

“This event is a standout one for us in the calendar and drives considerable interest and donations to support our mission,” Mark said.

“We’re grateful to have longstanding partners, such as Kennards Hire, on board, as their commitment plays a vital role towards fundraising and supporting the children and families who are most in need.”

For first-time participant and Kennards Hire Business Development Manager Matt Jenkins, the experience created a new appreciation of Variety’s work and the people supported by the organisation.

“Being able to speak to people and families along the way who had benefited was incredibly emotional,” Matt said. “It quickly became clear that the event was about so much more than us.”

Matt was also struck by the hospitality shown by regional communities and the way Bash teams supported one another throughout the journey.

“Everyone was so welcoming, from fellow Bashers who have been participating for 30 years to the residents of the towns we passed through. There was a genuine feeling that we were all in it together.”

Read Matt’s full story and discover more about his experience as a first-time Basher online here.

Find out more about how Kennards Hire participates in and Lift Up Communities across Australia and New Zealand: kennards.com.au/community-support