Community Displays | Parap & Casuarina NT
Friday: 11 July
Right Around Australia – Motor Vehicle Enthusiasts Club Visitation
Perfect Weather Conditions
We enjoyed wonderfully comfortable weather for our visit to the Motor Vehicle Enthusiasts Club in Parap NT this morning. Several enthusiasts were already waiting to see Bubsie when we arrived, creating an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement.
Historic Venue
The clubhouse is located in a remarkable location – the old Qantas hangar that survived the World War II bombing of Darwin in 1942. The building still bears the scars of history, with bullet holes and shrapnel marks visible throughout the structure, serving as a powerful reminder of Darwin’s wartime experiences.
Well-Equipped Facility
The facility has been excellently adapted for its current purpose, featuring a fully equipped workshop where club members can work on their vehicles. The space also includes an impressive museum section showcasing vintage cars and motorcycles, small engines, and train engines, creating a comprehensive display of mechanical heritage.
Distinguished Visitor
We were honoured to welcome MLA Laurie Zio, who visited and was provided with a ride in Bubsie.
The combination of the historic venue, enthusiastic club members made for an engaging and memorable display in this unique Darwin location.
Friday: 11 July Continued…
Right Around Australia – Casuarina Shopping Centre Display
Comfortable Display Setup
We were allocated an excellent spot in a breezeway at the shopping centre, which provided comfortable conditions for both our team and visitors throughout the day. The covered location proved ideal for showcasing Bubsie while keeping everyone protected from the elements.
Steady Community Interest
The day brought a consistent stream of visitors, including some familiar faces who had seen us at Mindil Markets the previous evening and others who had heard about our visit through radio promotions. Kevin also participated in a scheduled interview with First Nations Broadcasting at 12:30 pm, further spreading awareness of our journey.
Team Coordination and Maintenance
While engaging with the public, we managed practical tasks efficiently. Glenda dedicated her day to administrative duties, while Kevin took the opportunity to clean the trailer, which had become quite soiled after our travels on various station tracks.
Our team rotated through lunch breaks, allowing couples to enjoy meals and explore the shopping centre while maintaining continuous coverage of the display.
Exceptional Hospitality
Rosanna De Cesare proved to be an outstanding hostess, ensuring our comfort throughout the day and coordinating with centre management to escort Bubsie safely into the allocated display area. Both she and her father, Victor Rao, have been with us consistently during our entire Darwin presentation, providing invaluable support and local knowledge.
Distinguished Visitor
Late in the afternoon, thanks to Rosa’s arrangements, Luke Gosling, the federal member for Solomon, visited our display and spent quality time learning about Bubsie and our journey. His genuine interest and engagement added a special dimension to our day.
Satisfying Conclusion
We departed the centre at 5 pm feeling tired but thoroughly pleased with the quality of interactions we’d had with the people of Darwin. The combination of excellent facilities, supportive hosts, and engaged visitors made for another successful day of sharing Bubsie’s story.
