Home Coming Motorcade & Display | Perth WA

Tuesday: 30 December

Welcome Back to Perth: Celebrating 100 Years Since Nevill’s Historic Return

The Climax of Right Round Australia
Today marked the culmination of our journey – exactly 100 years to the day since Nevill Westwood returned to Perth, completing his pioneering circumnavigation of Australia as the first person and motor car to achieve this remarkable feat.

Morning Assembly at Burswood Park
Departing our accommodation just after 7 am, we headed to Burswood Park, where vintage and veteran cars were assembling for the celebratory convoy. While drivers prepared their vehicles, the rest of our team moved to Forrest Place in the city centre to set up sound systems and facilities for the main event.

Anxious Anticipation and Triumphant Arrival
At 10 am, anticipation built as we awaited both Bubsies’ safe arrival after their 5-kilometre journey through Perth traffic. The growing crowd of onlookers erupted with interest as the historic vehicles appeared. Twenty-one cars graced the display – both Bubsies joined by nineteen others, including nine Citroëns. A special highlight was seeing Tom and Lois Newsome with the car they drove around Australia for the 75th anniversary celebration. The vehicles and their stories captivated the public throughout the day.

Perfect Conditions and Distinguished Speakers
The venue proved ideal, with a cool breeze creating pleasant conditions. Distinguished speakers addressed the gathering:

– Lord Mayor of Perth, The Right Honourable Bruce Reynolds
– MLA for Kalamunda, Mr Adam Hort
– Local community leader Ben Reynolds
– Gary Kent, Presenter/Director of “The Incredible Journey”

Roger Millist welcomed attendees with a historical background before speakers shared their reflections. He concluded with heartfelt thanks to all contributors and invited everyone to explore the displayed cars and receive complimentary copies of “The Overlander.”

Celebration and Photography
Following speeches, dignitaries and attendees enjoyed celebratory sparkling grape juice while capturing photos with the historic vehicles – these commemorative moments will be treasured by all who attended.

Extended Display and Successful Conclusion
While many display cars departed by noon, we remained until 2 pm to engage shoppers at Forrest Chase before driving both Bubsies back to their trailers and returning to our vans.

The consensus was unanimous – an exceptionally successful centenary celebration! Back at the car park, Gary expressed gratitude to all contributors. Joe and Cynthia Cesaro’s timely arrival from the Riverland with Bubsie B made the dual display possible, creating powerful visual testimony to the enduring legacy of Nevill’s original journey.

Afternoon Filming at Bickley
Later, Warren, Shane, and Jared participated in filming with Bubsie B, Gary Kent, and the production crew at Bickley, ensuring this historic centenary receives proper documentary coverage.

*One hundred years after Nevill Westwood’s pioneering return to Perth, two Bubsies and a community of vintage car enthusiasts gathered to honour his remarkable achievement. From anxious anticipation to triumphant celebration, the day perfectly captured both historical significance and contemporary automotive passion.*