Variety QLD Motoring Events

27/05/2026

💛

Some people quietly shape the heart of our motoring community for decades and this year we had the privilege of celebrating one of them.

At the recent 2026 Yamaha Variety Jet Trek, Warren Chapman was presented with a Variety International Presidential Citation, one of the highest honours in the Variety Family.

For nearly 30 years, Warren has been part of the fabric of Variety Queensland. From Bash Participant, 4WD Adventurer and Jet Trekker, to Board Member, Event Committee Member and Volunteer Official, he has worn many hats, always with generosity, dedication and an unwavering commitment to helping children across Australia.

Over the years, Warren has contributed more than 9,000 volunteer hours and helped raise more than $250,000 to support children who are sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with disabilities.

But ask anyone who knows Warren, and they’ll tell you it’s not the numbers that define him – it’s the way he quietly shows up, lends a hand, and helps bring our community together.

This recognition celebrates not only an extraordinary contribution, but the spirit of what it means to be part of the Variety Family.

Please join us in congratulating Warren on this incredibly well-deserved honour! 👏

25/05/2026

G’day Variety Family 👋

We’ve got a slightly different for you today – a look at the incredible impact our 2026 Yamaha Variety Jet Trek has created for children and families across Queensland 🌊

This year alone, more than $178,000 in grants was distributed across Queensland, helping children who are sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with disabilities access the support they need to thrive.

That’s the power of our motoring community in action.

Read all about the impact of this year’s Jet Trek on our brand-new website:
https://qld.variety.org.au/stories/creating-waves-of-hope-for-children/

Want to relive the adventure? Joshua Dowling has also wrapped up this year’s event here:
https://watercraftzone.com.au/2026-yamaha-variety-jet-trek-charity-ocean-ride-276000/

And if you’d like to hear a family’s personal experience of the Jet Trek, the wonderful Tammy has shared her story over at Cause for Cruz. Be sure to drop her some love in the comments:
https://www.facebook.com/causeforcruz

Stay tuned: we’ll be sharing plenty of on-the-water action in a photo gallery very soon!

20/05/2026

New website. Same mission. Bigger impact.

The new Variety Queensland website is now live, bringing together our events, community, and life-changing support in one place.

Thanks to the incredible Variety Family, we’re continuing to create futures without limits for children across Queensland, made possible because of you.

We have big news this …we’re excited to officially share the brand-new Variety Queensland website!

Designed to better support families, connect communities, and make it easier to access help, our brand-new website has been created with Queensland children and families at the heart of every click.

Whether you’re looking to support children who are sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with disabilities, apply for assistance, get involved in an event, or read inspiring stories from Queensland kids and families – it’s now easier than ever to explore all things Variety.

How we Help
https://qld.variety.org.au/how-we-help/

Get Involved
https://qld.variety.org.au/get-involved/

Events
https://qld.variety.org.au/events/

Impact Stories
https://qld.variety.org.au/stories/

17/05/2026

This , we’re excited to share an update on Variety Heart Scholarship recipient, Tom Bergemann.

You might remember Tom, whose story we shared in 2024.

Living in a remote part of Gympie, Queensland, Tom has faced significant challenges – from family hardship and loss to the realities of growing up far from opportunity. Yet his determination to pursue beach volleyball has never wavered, even without access to local sand courts.

With the support of a Variety Heart Scholarship, Tom was able to replace worn-out shoes and access competitions that once felt out of reach. Since then, he’s gone from strength to strength, competing at a high level, winning on the Queensland Beach Tour and being named Senior Sportsman of the Year – all while keeping his sights firmly set on representing Australia.

Most recently, Tom, alongside Ethan Grocott, claimed the Under 18s Boys title at the Youth Championships – their fourth consecutive gold medal – finishing with a thrilling three-set match.

“I am glad that it wasn’t a two-setter – it’s always more exciting to finish it out in three,” Tom shared. “My highlight was a one-arm pickup in the front corner. I went in with my legs shaking the whole game, but now I can ease up.”

Tom’s family shared just how important this support continues to be: “Without the scholarship, Tom wouldn’t be able to attend these events. Thanks to Variety, we’ve been able to enter competitions and purchase the gear he needs.”

Tom is training hard and working towards his dream of competing at the Olympic Games, and we’ll be cheering him on every step of the way.

Stay tuned for more info about our upcoming Variety Heart Scholarships for 2026/27. In the meantime, can you think of any talented young Queenslanders who need some extra support?

15/05/2026

10/05/2026

The 2026 Yamaha Variety Jet Trek officially wrapped up in Mackay yesterday, marking the end of an incredible 6-day journey from Townsville via the Whitsundays.

Together, our amazing Trekkers raised an outstanding $276,578 for Aussie kids in need, a result that will help Variety Queensland continue supporting children who are sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with disabilities.

This week alone, their fundraising efforts have already made a direct impact along the Trek route, with grants totalling $178,051 and supporting more than 252 children in local communities throughout the regions visited. Seeing the difference these grants make is a powerful reminder of what the Yamaha Variety Jet Trek is all about.

To every participant who took part in the 2026 Yamaha Variety Jet Trek, thank you. Your dedication, commitment, enthusiasm, and fundraising efforts did not go unnoticed. From early mornings and long days on the water to laughs, costumes, and memories made along the way, you helped make this event truly special.

A huge thank you also goes to our volunteer event officials, support crews, and everyone behind the scenes who helped organise, pack and prepare for the Trek. Events like the Yamaha Variety Jet Trek simply wouldn’t be possible without the amazing people who generously give their time year after year to make it happen.

Thank you to all the towns, local councils, accommodation providers, caterers, and everyone else who welcomed us and looked after us along the way - your generosity, hospitality, and support helped make the journey safe, smooth, and truly unforgettable.

Thank you to the grant recipients, families, and organisations we met along the way for joining us and sharing your stories - your openness highlights exactly why this support matters and how it will make a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Finally, thank you to our incredible event sponsors - Yamaha Motor Australia, Bremer Ford, Dijital Team, and our media partner WIN Network for your valued support of the 2026 Yamaha Variety Jet Trek and helping us make a difference for Aussie kids and their families who turn to us for help, when no one else can.

09/05/2026

On behalf of all the Trekkers, volunteer officials and the Variety team - thank you to the crews of our two incredible support vessels for everything you did to help make the 2026 Yamaha Variety Jet Trek such a success while supporting Aussie kids along the way.

Without our support vessels and crews, this event simply could not run. From the early starts to the long (and sometimes terrible) days on the water, your time, vessels, knowledge and willingness to help wherever needed played a huge role throughout the Trek.

Your commitment and dedication never went unnoticed, and we are incredibly grateful for the support you provided every step of the journey.

08/05/2026

The costumes were next level with every corner of the room looking like a page straight out of the book! The food was absolutely incredible here at Mantra Club Croc, giving everyone the perfect chance to relax before the final leg tomorrow to Mackay.

One last push on the water ahead as this amazing crew continues creating smiles, memories and life-changing impact for kids along the coastline.

08/05/2026

Hope everyone enjoyed a well deserved lay day, whether it was sitting back by the pool, soaking up the Airlie sunshine, or heading out to explore the town .🌴☀️

Now it’s time to switch gears and get ready for tonight’s “Where’s Wally?” theme night… 👀 😂

Looking forward to seeing the creativity the Variety family brings tonight, because if the effort on the water is anything to go by, the costumes should be next level.

07/05/2026

Loop Day was something else. Charging through the iconic Whitsundays, the Trekkers put on a show as the Variety family jumped, sprayed and revved their way across paradise, living the dream while creating real change for kids along the way.

A well-earned lay day tomorrow, time to rest up, sit back, and relive another unforgettable day on the water with the incredible Variety family.