Essential Energy is proud to support the 2025 Variety NSW Bash, Australia’s longest-running charity motoring event, taking place from 18–24 May. This year’s Bash travels through many towns within Essential Energy’s footprint - including Bathurst, Young, West Wyalong, Coleambally, Hay, Pooncarie, Broken Hill, Ivanhoe, Griffith, Euabalong West, Parkes, Yeoval, and Mudgee.

The colourful convoy connects directly with communities we serve, bringing joy and raising funds for Variety - the Children’s Charity, while highlighting the needs and strengths of regional NSW.

Through our employee-driven Essential Giving program, employees can contribute to causes they care about through regular payroll donations - with every dollar matched by Essential Energy, up to $1,000 per year. Since the program began in 2014, Variety has been one of our valued charity partners, providing practical support to children who are sick, disadvantaged or living with disability.

Tony Warner, CEO of Variety, emphasises the importance of this partnership: “This partnership helps us fill critical gaps in funding. And that’s what makes it so powerful - we’re responding to real needs, in real time, thanks to the generosity of Essential Energy staff.”

“I believe that giving is either in the DNA of an organisation or it isn’t - and we’re fortunate to have a relationship with Essential Energy, who understand the value and purpose of supporting the community sector,” Tony adds.

The consistent income from payroll giving allows Variety to respond to urgent, often unmet needs in the community. This includes supporting a school in Port Macquarie to access an adapted vehicle for students who use wheelchairs - something not typically funded through government channels.

In remote areas where specialist healthcare is harder to access, payroll giving has also helped Variety fly paediatricians into towns like Walgett, Lightning Ridge, Brewarrina and Bourke where families are facing waitlists of up to five years.

“Without a formal diagnosis, families are stuck,” Tony explains. “They’re not able to apply for Centrelink funding, and schools can’t apply for learning support. Just getting that diagnosis helps get a family unstuck - and that makes a world of difference.”

Together, we’re lighting the way for brighter, more inclusive communities - one child, one family, one donation at a time.