Full schedule, start time of Hot 100 Variety Australia Day Ute Run

The organiser of a major children’s charity fundraiser is hoping their Australia Day Ute Run will be one of the biggest. Find out what they have planned.

Classic 1934 Ford pick-up will be featured in the 2023 Darwin Ute Run which supports Aaron Norton, 17, to attend Freedom Camps run by Variety NT General Manger Michael Kerr, also featured Hank the dog. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

For 22 years the streets of the northern suburbs become abuzz with fast and fancy cars on Australia Day.

And this year’s celebration will be no different.

Run by children’s charity Variety and hosted by Hot 100, the annual event will feature a convoy of decorated and beefed-up utes carrying every motoring-mad Territorian and his dog from Hidden Valley Raceway to Noonamah Tavern.

Variety NT general manager Michael Kerr said the event was one of the main fundraisers for the charity’s Freedom Camp program.

Variety NT General Manger Michael Kerr with a 1934 Ford pick-up that will be featured in the 2023 Darwin Ute Run which supports kids with disability to attend Freedom Camp. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

“It’s a camp we put on for moderate disability of all types, and they get to go away for a week go to Goanna Park and do a variety of different adventures and activities,” he said.

“(The ute run) is a great way to get the community involved, it’s something a bit different and let’s be honest you can’t get anything more Territorian than a bunch of utes all dressed up and people having fun.”

Mr Kerr said they were hoping for at least 300 utes to attend.

“I think we’re on track to hopefully get there,” he said.

“We are 20-30 per cent up on registrations last year so far.”

Aaron Norton, 17 attends Variety's Freedom Camps which are supported by funds raised by the Variety NT Darwin Ute Run. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

For three-time Freedom Camp participant Aaron Norton, 17, the best thing about the camp was the independence it represented.

“He loves the disco night and talent show, and being able to sleepover with other kids and make new friends with the volunteers and the Junior Police Rangers,” his mum Naomi said.

“The best thing about Freedom camp is that provides Aaron with the opportunity to be independent and free from home and parents and a life largely scheduled around therapy.”

Gates open at Hidden Valley from 6am, with the parade kicking off at 9.30am and vehicles expected to arrive at Noonamah Tavern for the official after-party by 10.30am.