Janice Johnstone and John Martin, team ‘481 WET’, with the 1995 Toyota LandCruiser they will drive across the outback for the Variety Bash.
Photo by
Bree Lambert
With a story of friendship, community and remembrance, two Kyabram locals, Janice Johnstone and John Martin, are gearing up for this year’s Wild Wild West Variety Bash.
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Janice and John, as team ‘481 WET’, will embark on the journey starting from Halls Gap, Victoria, to Exmouth, Western Australia, in a 1995 Toyota LandCruiser.
The Variety Bash is Australia’s longest-running charity motoring event, where participants drive old vehicles through remote and scenic terrain to raise funds for children living with illness or disability, or experiencing disadvantage.
The LandCruiser is an ex-mining vehicle that has already conquered the Nullarbor two or three times, and originally belonged to Janice’s late partner, Bruce.
Bruce, who passed away in 2025, was also a friend to John, a dedicated Rotarian, the secretary of the Kyabram Angling Club and a former policeman who grew up in the Pilbara region in Western Australia.
Following his passing, the vehicle was transferred to Janice, who decided to give it a new purpose by supporting children in need through the Variety Bash, taking place from August 18 to 27.
“He absolutely loved the LandCruiser, and we thought, well, it’s appropriate to take his ashes home," John said.
“And it fits with his ethos and my ethos and our ethos.”
“He loved the Pilbara, he worked out there for quite a few years, he loved that part of WA,” Janice said.
Janice and John have been preparing for the trip for six months and have already raised half of their fundraising target, which is $5000.
John and Janice are gearing up for the journey, in memory of Bruce.
Photo by
Bree Lambert
“As part of our journey west, we also hope to take some of Bruce’s ashes home to the Pilbara, returning him to the country that helped shape his life,” John said.
“We’re proud to be part of the Bash community and grateful for every donation and word of encouragement along the way.”
To help reach their fundraising goals, the team is hosting a fundraising trivia event on Saturday, July 18, with all proceeds going directly to children in need.
The trivia night will take place at Kyabram Anglers Club for a 7pm start, with pricing at $10 per person for tables of eight.
For bookings and inquiries, contact John via john@acomputing.com.au or Janice 0438 531 979.
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