Community Display | Mt Barker WA

Thursday: 22 May

Journey West: Mt Barker Community Showcase and Albany Arrival

Early Departure and Team Division
Our team departed early from Esperance Church, travelling west with a strategic split—half the group heading directly to Albany while the remainder proceeded to Mt Barker for a community engagement event.

Jerdacuttup Rendezvous
Approximately 120 kilometres from Esperance, we stopped at the Jerdacuttup Info Bay for a prearranged meeting. Stuart and Dean, longtime acquaintances of Warren and Pieter, had specifically requested to view the historic vehicle. This impromptu roadside presentation allowed them to examine Bubsie and receive copies of “The Overlander” publication.

Route to Mt Barker
Roger and Carol Millist accompanied Kevin and Glenda toward Mt Barker, while the remaining team members extended their visit with Stuart and Dean before continuing to their overnight accommodation with the Godfreys at Warrenup. Significant roadworks along the route caused delays throughout the journey.

Mt Barker Community Event

Initial Setup Challenges
The Mt Barker church community had organised a morning tea for cancer awareness and extended an invitation for an afternoon car display in the park’s adjacent car park. Despite aiming for a 1:00 PM arrival, necessary fuel stops and travel breaks delayed our schedule. Roger proceeded ahead with the Bubsie trailer while the main group followed approximately 15 kilometres behind.

Pastor David de Klerk and church members had prepared lunch for the team—a welcome meal, considering breakfast had occurred seven hours earlier.

Strategic Relocation
The initial 2:00 PM setup in the car park attracted modest interest. Recognising the opportunity for greater community exposure, Pastor de Klerk and Roger conducted a reconnaissance drive through town. At 3:00 PM, coinciding with school dismissal, we relocated to the main street outside the IGA supermarket, positioning ourselves along the primary route for afternoon shoppers.

Prime Positioning
The Celebrations bottle shop owner, familiar with our journey through news coverage, invited us to position the display directly in front of the shopping complex entrance. This prominent location significantly increased visibility and foot traffic.

Community Response and Engagement
The relocated display quickly attracted substantial community interest. Meanwhile, a visitor at the original park location inquired about the vehicle. Team members remaining at the park provided him with informational materials and directions to the new location. This gentleman, a three-wheeler vehicle enthusiast, shared his passion for cancer research involving bee venom therapy.

Resource Management
Carol and Glenda made additional trips to retrieve more books from Bubsie’s storage compartment as Roger and the other team members rapidly distributed the available supply. The ladies also completed essential grocery shopping at the IGA to replenish our depleted food supplies.

Successful Conclusion
Following extensive community interaction and photo opportunities, we concluded the presentation after 4:00 PM. Roger and Clint Hollingsworth transported Bubsie back to the trailer at the park for secure loading. The team gathered briefly before departing for Albany as rain began to fall.

Albany Arrival and Reunion
We arrived at the Godfrey residence at dusk, coinciding with the arrival of team members travelling directly from Esperance. The second group had stopped for lunch and completed their supply runs, including purchases at Bunnings for vehicle maintenance requirements.

Evening Setup
Despite darkness and steady rainfall, we successfully positioned all trailers and established our overnight accommodation. The Godfrey family’s hospitality proved invaluable, providing warm showers and laundry facilities for the team.

Reflection
The day represented a successful combination of extended travel, meaningful community engagement in Mt Barker, and effective logistical coordination. The evening provided an opportunity to reflect on the day’s achievements and the positive community response to our mobile heritage display.