Gemma and Stuart Downie will take part in the 2018 Variety 4WD Challenge, starting May 27.
Camera IconGemma and Stuart Downie will take part in the 2018 Variety 4WD Challenge, starting May 27. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Bull Creek duo to get down and dirty in Variety 4WD Challenge

Bryce LuffMelville Gazette

BULL CREEK locals Gemma and Stuart Downie are not your typical off-road drivers, spending the majority of their cruising time on suburban streets.

But with the perfect vehicle, an experienced crew around them and a great cause to get behind, they are ready to the venture down paths less travelled.

The duo, together with Mrs Downie’s sister – Willagee local Justine Rosevear – and friend Karen Coleman, from Falcon, will be among the 20 cars navigating their way from Kalgoorlie to Kings Canyon in the Northern Territory to raise money for Variety WA.

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Highlights of the Variety 4WD Challenge will include an opening cocktail function, schools visits, access to private 4WD tracks through Kings Creek, an overnight stay at Warakurna, a remote indigenous community, and a gourmet sunset dinner overlooking Uluru.

Mrs Downie and her husband do not have a stack of four-wheel driving experience.

But having sat on Variety’s grants committee for seven years, Mrs Downie said she had seen first-hand how events like this one had helped many sick and disadvantaged kids.

“I can see times have changed in terms of giving – it’s a different environment,” she said, hoping her contribution would make a difference.

Variety WA general manager Phil Croot said the week-long challenge, which starts May 27, was a popular event in the charity’s fundraising calendar.

For information visit www.varietywa.org.au.

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