GOLDEN GUITAR great John Williamson might have been the star, but there was a real variety of charity superstars in Tamworth at the weekend.
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They turned out in a solid band at the open house for the Variety Freedom House, sponsored by local builders GJ Gardner Homes.
Williamson is a Variety Children’s Charity ambassador and headed up some stellar Variety supporters from around the district, who came together for the open day unveiling of the new house.
“I got involved because I was the ideal person (with connections in Tamworth) to help promote it, and I didn’t mind them using my well-known dial. It’s a fantastic way to raise money for the charity,” he said.
The multi-award winner got involved with Variety when he was invited as a guest on the Variety Bash in 1998, where he met his wife, Meg.
It was years before they got together, but Meg is now on her 15th Bash and they’ve done seven bashes together.
“It just grows on you,” Williamson said.
“The Bash itself is a great way of having fun while you celebrate the money you’ve made. This is a big one, with Bass Hill to Bunbury and Bunbury to Broome.”
The singer-songwriter said the house was built with love.
“All the tradies have done a fantastic job. I don’t think you could recommend a house more than this one that’s been built like this,” he said.
“It’s been a good thing for GJ Gardner to do, and Dan and Natalie (Urquhart, from GJ Gardner Homes Tamworth) have been wonderful to work with. The house will be a great investment.”
He said Variety was his favourite charity because it was local and there were very few middle people.
“It’s the charity with the highest amount per dollar that goes directly to what it’s for,” he said.
“They don’t give people money, they give something that’s needed – whether it’s a Liberty Swing for kids in wheelchairs, or a little bus for an isolated school, or whatever it is. This house will go a long way to helping that. There are always plenty of people we can find to hand on our assistance to.”
Williamson leaves on the Variety Bash on Sunday for about 20 days.
The Variety Freedom House at The Trails Estate will be auctioned on August 22.