Church & Aged Care Display | Aitkenvale & Annandale Qld
Saturday: 26 July
Townsville Community Morning Events – Right Around Australia Project
Dual Community Gatherings
The team split into two groups to maximise community engagement across Townsville. Half the team attended the Aitkenvale church, with Bubsie displayed prominently near the entrance, allowing continuous interaction with arriving attendees and community members throughout the morning.
Team members rotated duties, with one staying outside with Bubsie during the initial session while others participated in the main gathering. Kevin delivered an inspiring presentation about Nevill, Greg, and Bubsie’s journey, weaving together the historical adventure with the personal motivations that drove these young men to their remarkable achievement.
A special highlight was the children’s program featuring the children’s book version of the Bubsie story, with two community members portraying Nevill and Greg while a narrator brought the tale to life. The morning generated significant newsletter sign-ups and book distributions, with numerous QR code cards shared before the community enjoyed lunch under a magnificent tree, undeterred by a passing rain shower.
Simultaneously, the other team half experienced a wonderful morning at the packed Townsville City facility. Pastor Gordon Smith incorporated the Bubsie journey into his presentation, with every family receiving “The Overlander” book and showing tremendous enthusiasm after hearing portions of the story. This venue also produced numerous newsletter subscriptions, with attendees enjoying their lunch under the facility’s rain tree.
On their return journey, the City team conducted a reconnaissance visit to the showgrounds to prepare for the following morning’s activities. Both groups then reunited and proceeded together to their next venue, with Bubsie making the short drive independently.
Saturday: 26 July
Aged Care Facility Visit
Children from the morning gathering followed Bubsie to the street with evident joy as Kevin and Glenda drove the short distance across the Ross River to “The Good Shepherd” aged care facility. Approximately 50 residents were already arranged in two welcoming lines at the facility’s entrance, eagerly awaiting Bubsie’s arrival.
Gordon delivered an engaging presentation about Bubsie’s story, enhanced by beautiful musical interludes from the Melanesian singing group who had joined from the morning gathering. The musical performances created wonderful moments of connection, with some residents singing along to familiar songs, creating a harmonious blend of storytelling and entertainment.
Every staff member, volunteer, and resident received a copy of the book, followed by a group photograph session. While some residents returned to their rooms afterwards, many remained for closer examination of the historic vehicle and individual photographs.
The facility staff expressed amazement that all residents remained engaged throughout the entire 90-minute presentation, noting this rarely occurs. They extended an invitation for the singing group to return regularly, recognising the positive impact of the musical component.
The team returned to base with uplifted spirits, having secured Bubsie for the evening, and then participated in community sharing sessions where afternoon outreach experiences were discussed. Team members recounted their nursing home visit while Glenda highlighted key moments from the overall journey. The day concluded with community fellowship as everyone prepared for the busy schedule ahead.
