Kibble Park | Gosford NSW

Friday: 7 March 10 am – 2 pm

The RAA team were to set up the display in Kibble Park, opposite Gosford Central Mall. It was raining when we arrived and as we were not sure of the exact position for the display, we parked the trailer a block or so away where there was parking available and walked to the park. Not too many people were out and about except for some people who had been sleeping rough in the park and were sheltering on seats in an undercover area. It was nice to interact with them throughout the day.

Our church host met us with the key to unlock the bollards for the park and we were able to then drive into the display area, unload Bubsie as people passing by took photos of her being unloaded and driven to the display position, and then we positioned the car trailer to maximise the advertising for the display.

We placed the booklets to share inside Bubsie, so they would not get wet and the cards and leaflets on the running boards under the cover of the gazebo. As breaks appeared in the weather, more people were venturing out for the day and came over to view the car and learn more.

Gosford church had prepared an advertising flyer from the resources on the website and inserted them into the books drawing people’s attention to the “Breakfast with Gary” on Saturday morning at the church, to be followed by an information session and then a presentation in the worship time by Pr Gary Kent. They are also running a family fun day on Sunday, which was also on the leaflet. So, as people came, they were invited to attend the upcoming events at the church. The balloons with QR code printed on them were enjoyed by children who came by.

Even one of the ladies living rough, walked around the area inviting people to come over to see the display and we had quite a few conversations with her during the day.
By lunch time, the weather had cleared and as people from surrounding offices and business came into the park to eat lunch, we had more interest in the vehicle and display.

Pr Andy Matthes, the Gosford church pastor, assisted in attracting people to the display with the use of our PA system, welcoming people to the park and inviting them to come over and join in the celebration of the centenary of this historic event.

Many interesting conversations were held, and people were very supportive of the project and the opportunity afforded them to view the tribute vehicle and receive a copy of the sharing booklet – “The Overlander.”

After finishing up in the afternoon at 2.00 pm, we relocated the Bubsie car and trailer to the Gosford Church carpark in Narara, which is a lock up carpark where it would be secure for the night.