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Variety the Children's Charity commenced operation in Tasmania in 1991 as an arm of
the Variety Australia Tent. In those
early days, the Variety office was a shipping container at the office of Thorpe
Transport. Bob Thorpe was responsible
for bringing Variety to Tasmania, and with a dedicated group of Directors, set
about the work of Variety assisting Tasmania's children in need.
In 1998 at the international Convention in Toronto, the
Chairman of the day, Michael Kent AM, led the charge for Variety in Tasmania to
become a fully fledged Tent in its own right. At the convention Tasmania was
granted 'Tentship' and the organisation has flourished.
In November 2007,
Variety Tasmania recognised the work undertaken by a few individuals who have a long history with the organisation enabling it to continue helping children in need.
Elder Statesmanship was given to:
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Michael Kent AM
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Doone Kennedy AO
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Bob Thorpe OAM
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Mike Speakman
In 2008, Heinz Voss and Tony Pedder were also honoured with
Statesmanship, while 2010 saw long standing Board member and past chairman Bendan Blomeley also receiving Elder Statesman status.
Variety the Children’s Charity Tasmania has always been
known for its iconic motoring event, Variety Oasis Tasbash, and for many years this alone was the key fundraising event.
Over the last few years Variety has designed and
implemented a number of key initiatives including the 'House of Hope', AFL
Ladies Grand Final functions, Variety Race Day and the Tattersalls Show of
Hearts scholarship program, to name but a few.
The funds raised from these initiatives are
committed back into the Tasmanian community and it is with much pride that
Variety is able to witness first hand the enormous positive impact this has.
Variety the Children's Charity Tasmania is one of seven offices around Australia
all working for the same cause; to enrich lives and inspire hope for children
in need.
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