Warrnambool sticker idea adds a bit of variety to fundraiser

She and fellow nanna Carmel Clarke will set off from Melbourne for a two-week adventure across outback Australia to raise money for the Variety Bash.

To make the journey, Ms Anderson purchased a 1986 Nissan Navara, sight unseen but has upgraded it to make sure it will go the distance.

She said they had to add a tow bar on the front, a bullbar, light covers and a bash plate from the radiator to petrol tank to protect it from rocks.

"We had an option to carry fuel, which for me would have been petrol, but I chose not to carry petrol because it's so flammable," Mrs Anderson said.

"We had a long-range fuel tank put in so we've gone from 60 litres to 110 litres.

"Because of the weight we've then had to lift the car higher off the ground, so the shocks and springs have been altered."

They also had a canopy built for the car so they can carry two spare wheels, an axle, fuel filters, air filters, timing belts, fan belts, oil coolant and all their camping equipment.

The trip will take the duo through Deniliquin, Renmark, Wilpena Pound, Marree, Birdsville, Longreach, Springsure, Yeppoon to Great Keppel Island.

But that doesn't mean they will be sticking to main roads.

"They could navigate you through some farmer's property where he's got a wet patch so you get bogged," Ms Anderson said.

"We don't know what they're doing until that day they give us the coordinates. Goodness knows what they could plan."

Ms Anderson usually makes personalised Christmas stockings, which in recent years she has sold to raise money for the Merri River School or the Royal Children's Hospital.

But after spotting some Variety Bash cars when she returned from Queensland last year she said she thought raising money that way for all children's causes would be "so cool".

While COVID meant raising money through things like trivia nights was out, Ms Anderson came up with the idea of putting stickers on her car.

So for the rest of the week, her ute will be parked in Gateway Plaza, and for a gold coin donation children can add a sticker to the vehicle.

"My granddaughter called it 'sticker bombing'," she said,

The stickers of animals, butterflies, eggs and chickens hatching are in keeping with the car's farm theme - something they chose because of their farming background.

As well as stickers there are tote bags and Variety Bash badges for sale.

Ms Anderson said she had minimal experience fixing cars, but if a radiator or a tyre needed repair, or she needed to get herself out of a tight spot, she would have a go.

But if the car breaks down there is a support crew and three trucks ready to help.

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"Quite often they can drop a whole new motor in a vehicle and these mechanics are up all night getting it done for the road the next day," she said.

It was while volunteering at Warrnambool's former Fun4Kids Festival that Ms Anderson was inspired to raise money for kids.

She said one day while milking cows at the festival's animal nursery, a young girl wanted to know if she could take home the butter they had made but because of food safety she wasn't allowed.

"The next day she came back and she had gone to town and bought a jar of cream and said: 'if I make the butter can I take it home?'

"All it takes is one opportunity. That girl that wanted to do the butter is now at Warrnambool Cheese and Butter.

"Kids just need an opportunity. You don't know where their futures are going today."

Ms Anderson said a child might be a good sports player and needs sports equipment, and it's something that's so small that's holding these kids back. "The more we raise the more kids are given that opportunity," she said.

You can also donate at the Variety Bash website by searching for car 70 - Grassmere run.

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