On Day 5, Thursday 22 May, the group will travel through Euabalong West and on to Parkes. Day 6, Friday 23 May, the vehicles will be departing Parkes and heading through Bogan Gate.

The iconic Variety NSW Bash is back for its 33rd year, aiming to raise $1 million to support children who are sick, experienc­ing disadvantage or living with a disability.

From Sunday 18 May to Saturday 24 May, 78 colourful cars and 255 participants will embark on the exhilarating seven-day road trip, congregating at Mount Panorama and ending in Newcastle.

The Variety NSW Bash is a one-of-a-kind motoring adventure that unites car lovers from all walks of life in a colourful celebra­tion of community and cause. Spanning just over 3,000km, the event is packed with fun, friendship, and purpose — with $41,647 in grants to be awarded to rural schools and communities along the route.

Participants are encouraged to decorate and theme their vehicles; from Men in Black, Scooby Doo, SpongeBob SquarePants, Pokémon to Minions, all while raising criti­cal funds for Variety–the Children’s Charity NSW/ACT.

Stops along the way include Bathurst, Young, West Wyalong, Weethalle, Coleam­bally, Hay, Pooncarie, Broken Hill, Ivanhoe, Griffith, Euabalong West, Parkes, Bogan Gate, Yeoval, Mudgee and finishing with a Family Fun Day in Newcastle.

“We’re thrilled to bring the Variety NSW Bash back for another year,” said Tony Warner, CEO of Variety NSW/ACT.

“It’s more than just a road trip, it’s a pow­erful fundraising event that directly sup­ports kids who are sick, disadvantaged or living with disability right across NSW.”

This year, school beneficiaries include Weethalle Public School, Kalinda School, Coleambally Central School, Pooncarie Public School, Ivanhoe Central School, Euabalong West Public School, Yeoval Central School. Each school will receive between $3,000 and $5,000 for education­al resources and sporting equipment such as projectors, workbooks, sensory play equipment, EDU classroom drone kit, and even a Variety Sunshine Coach!For more information or to donate, visit: https://fundraise.varietynswact.org.au/event/nswbash25

Transport for NSW will carry out geotechnical slope assessments at multiple locations across the Central West as part of ongoing efforts to maintain a safe road environment.

From Monday 12 May, crews will assess slopes on the Great Western, Castlereagh and Mitchell highways as well as on So­fala Road, The Escort Way, Chifley Road, Trunkey Road, Jenolan Caves Road and Duckmaloi Road.

A Transport for NSW spokesperson said the work is crucial for identifying potential issues and informing decisions about risk management and mitigation.

“Assessors will be looking for slope instability and the potential for landslides. This routine work helps provide a safe road environ­ment now and into the future,” the spokesperson said.

“Slope management is vital for the upkeep of our road network and to maximise safety for all road users.

“Motorists may notice our assessment teams working on foot in these areas and we ask that they drive with added awareness and caution.”

Work will take place between 7am and 5pm on weekdays and is expected to take five days to complete, weather permitting. For the safety of workers and motorists, single lane closures, intermittent stopping and a reduced speed limit of 40 km/h may be in place during work hours. Access for residents and emergency services will be maintained at all times.

Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the di­rections of signs and traffic control. Transport for NSW thanks road users for their patience. For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW app, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.