All great adventures commence with simple beginnings. To Collaroy’s Jack Cannon, they can even start with a cup of tea.
Twenty years ago, a simple conversation over a cuppa changed Jack Cannon’s life. The successful businessman was actively involved in community work, and a casual meeting with the late Aboriginal elder Aunty Joyce Doole sparked the idea to create the Bush to Beach local charity.
Since 2005, Jack and his team have been bringing Aboriginal young people from communities in far north-west NSW – home of Aunty Joyce – to the Northern Beaches to see ocean for the first time.
“We teach them basic first aid and CPR. It’s been a fabulous program that is possible with the help of a whole range of people, like the South Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club (NSLSC) and its former president Steve Maxwell, Managing Director at Brookvale’s DMK Forest Products,” says Jack.
Jack’s passion and experience in caring for kids spurred him to join children’s charity Variety NSW, where he is chairman of the Variety Bash.
“The Bash started in 1985, with (entrepreneur) Dick Smith driving in the Outback with a few mates to raise money for (disadvantaged) kids,” explains Jack.
“I saw the Bash and desperately wanted to do it. I fell in love with the cause that has been helping Aussie kids for almost 40 years, collectively raising over $250 million. The money goes to kids in need, and we have a lot of fun travelling.”
The Variety Bash B to B is not a race, but a ‘drive in the Outback with mates,’ Jack says. Unleashing their spirit of adventure, participants leave the city to explore bush tracks and visit parts of Australia most people never get to see.
After three months of preparations, Jack and Steve’s ‘Bashbusters’ car is ready to hit the road once again for a 5,500 kilometre trek. The Bashers will start in Bathurst, New South Wales, head to Cooper Pedy in South Australia before arriving at Geraldton on the Batavia Coast in Western Australia.
“I’ve been friends with Steve Maxwell for over 30 years (through Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club). We’ve been to many events which are all great and different. But it’s the people you meet. People in the bush are just amazing. They’re resilient; they’re fun. They laugh with you.
“Getting out there and sleeping under the stars for many nights is wonderful. But meeting these little bush communities who do it is so tough is unique. It’s very special,” Jack explains.
Jack, who became a Member of the Order of Australia for his charity work several years ago, says many people come on the Bash and say ‘this has changed my life’.
The Bashers will start in Bathurst and drop off equipment and funds in remote towns on the way to WA.
“They never realise what a beautiful country we have out there or the needs of the people in these rural communities that are disadvantaged by location, but that have a smile on their faces.
“And that’s the important bit. People that work on the land and live in these rural communities are absolutely first-class.”
From 6 to 16 August, the Bashers will visit schools in outback towns along their trek to Geraldton and donate much-needed items and equipment.
Jack and Steve are aiming to raise $8,500 this year. To donate, go to https://fundraise.varietynswact.org.au/fundraisers/bashbusterscar0.