Aged Care Display | Wallsend NSW

Wednesday: 8 October

A Century Celebration: Bubsie Visits Wallsend Manor

A Special Invitation
When the team at Wallsend Manor Aged Care got word that one of their residents, Godfrey, had just turned 100, they wanted to mark the occasion with something truly unforgettable. A couple of weeks earlier, they’d heard about Bubsie—the iconic car that completed the first circumnavigation of Australia exactly 100 years ago—and they knew exactly what to do. They reached out to us, and we couldn’t resist the chance to celebrate this remarkable milestone in such a meaningful way.

The Journey Begins
After gathering at the trailer pack for a prayer, our team hit the road for the 45-minute drive to the Manor. We arrived a little earlier than planned and set up in the car park, ready for an afternoon we won’t forget. Before we knew it, one of the residents was already soaking up the sunshine and eager for a first look at Bubsie. Word spread quickly!

A Day Full of Memories
The moment residents and staff spotted the car, they came out in droves. Soon, the car park filled with visitors—residents, workers, families, and curious children—all wanting a closer look and a chance to snap a photo. Over 40 people came to celebrate with us, and the conversations that followed were golden. For many, Bubsie sparked memories of times gone by, creating those special moments where a car becomes a time machine to cherished stories from their lives.

The Birthday Surprise
As we gave Godfrey and his family a tour of the beautifully maintained facility, we seized the perfect moment. We gathered around Bubsie, and our whole group sang “Happy Birthday” to this remarkable centenarian. Godfrey’s joy was palpable as he reconnected with the story of Bubsie’s historic journey and celebrated his own incredible life milestone. He shared that he’d come to Australia from Europe in 1960, arriving by boat—a journey that now resonated even more deeply with Bubsie’s own historic voyage.

A Memorable Afternoon
Our gratitude goes to Grahame, the Lifestyle Co-ordinator, who gave us such a warm welcome and a wonderful tour of the facility. One of the highlights was admiring a stunning sunflower montage that the residents had collectively created during an art activity—a vibrant display of creativity and community spirit that perfectly captured the warmth of Wallsend Manor.
What started as a visit to share a piece of motoring history became something so much richer: a celebration of life, memory, and connection across the generations.