Community & School Displays | Mt Isa, Cloncurry & Julia Creek NT
Monday: 21 July
Travelling to Mt Isa
Warmer morning temperatures greeted the team’s departure from Tennant Creek toward Mount Isa, bidding farewell to Pastor Jose and Luz while leaving winter’s chill behind. Following Nevill’s original route, some team members departed early to assist stranded Literature Evangelists with mechanical issues at Barkly Homestead.
At the Queensland border, the team encountered a couple who had previously met Bubsie ‘B’ in Darwin and were delighted to also experience Bubsie ‘A’. After border photography and book distribution to fellow travellers, the journey continued through Camooweal for fuel and lunch.
A roadside alternator replacement on the tow vehicle delayed progress by two hours, though favourable conditions – moderate temperatures, available spare parts, daylight completion, and manageable flies – made the repair manageable. The team reunited at the Mount Isa facility for well-deserved rest.
Tuesday: 22 July
Travel to Mt Isa
Warmer morning temperatures greeted the team’s departure from Tennant Creek toward Mount Isa, bidding farewell to Pastor Jose and Luz while leaving winter’s chill behind. Following Nevill’s original route, some team members departed early to assist stranded Literature Evangelists with mechanical issues at Barkly Homestead.
At the Queensland border, the team encountered a couple who had previously met Bubsie ‘B’ in Darwin and were delighted to also experience Bubsie ‘A’. After border photography and book distribution to fellow travellers, the journey continued through Camooweal for fuel and lunch.
A roadside alternator replacement on the tow vehicle delayed progress by two hours, though favourable conditions – moderate temperatures, available spare parts, daylight completion, and manageable flies – made the repair manageable. The team reunited at the Mount Isa facility for a well-deserved rest.
Mount Isa Town Display @ Centennial Park
The morning display at Centennial Place attracted steady visitor flow despite brisk conditions, with Literature Evangelists showcasing their book variety alongside Bubsie. Every visitor received the Nevill and Bubsie storybook as a memento.
Council media officer Lyndsay Jameson documented the display with photos and video, immediately posting content across social media platforms to alert regional councils of the team’s presence. Local shire councillors and hospital doctors visited before starting their workday, while indigenous community members also engaged with the display.
Pastor Gui created additional video content for the Mt Isa & Cloncurry facility Facebook page, which was shared on the Right Around Australia project page for broader reach.
Tuesday: 22 July
Cloncurry Tourist Information Display
After packing equipment and securing Bubsie in the trailer, the team relocated to Mary Kathleen Memorial Park outside the Cloncurry Tourist Information Centre. The early arrival was welcomed by waiting staff, with tourists and locals enjoying close-up experiences and receiving family books.
Remarkable connections emerged, including meeting tourists related to team members’ Tasmanian friends. Local media documented the visit with video stories and photography, tagging future destination councils for ongoing publicity.
The team acknowledged valuable assistance from Nicole Costa, Karen Gallo, and David Tyson for event planning and contact coordination. Frank and Irene drove Bubsie to the next venue at St Joseph’s Catholic School, just four minutes away.
Tuesday: 22 July
St Joseph’s Catholic School Display
The final display at St Joseph’s Catholic School featured attentive students listening to Bubsie’s Australian journey story, with enthusiastic participation during question time. Children delighted in hearing the horn and witnessing the crank start demonstration, receiving QR-coded cards while teachers gratefully accepted books.
Perfect timing coincided with the Prep class celebrating 100 days of school and Grade 6 students marking 100 days remaining in primary education, with many students wearing vintage costumes that complemented Bubsie’s historical presence. Departing older students personally thanked team members and requested additional books.
After securing Bubsie and refuelling for the Julia Creek journey, Kevin participated in a live ABC radio interview from Cairns during their Drive program, sharing Nevill and Bubsie’s story and highlighting the current cross-country expedition.
Tuesday: 22 July
Julia Creek Caravan Park Display
Upon arriving at Julia Creek caravan park, the team discovered that news of Bubsie had spread through two-way radio and social media networks. Residents were actively watching for the trailer, waving and photographing the arrival.
Responding to the community enthusiasm, the team secured permission for an impromptu display, bringing Bubsie out for a park circuit and informal presentation. Additional books were distributed and photographs taken, with locals expressing genuine appreciation that such a historic project had taken time to visit and stop in their small outback community.
