Official Launch | Bickley to Maida Vale WA

Sunday: 22 June

Right Around Australia – Official Launch Day

A Historic Moment Begins
Today marks a truly momentous occasion – the official launch of our Right Around Australia project, as we begin retracing the incredible route pioneered by Nevill Westwood 100 years ago. In 1925, Nevill became the first person ever to circumnavigate Australia by automobile, and today we honour that groundbreaking achievement by following in his tyre tracks with our beloved Bubsie.

Early Morning Preparations
The day started bright and early with Warren and Pieter heading to Carmel College for special filming of Bubsie around the campus and surrounding roads. The rest of our team departed thirty minutes later for Bickley to assist with the setup for what promised to be an extraordinary day of celebration and historical commemoration.

Exceptional Community Effort
The volunteers at Bickley outdid themselves with their preparation for this landmark weekend. The community breakfast was absolutely spectacular – professionally presented, delicious, and executed flawlessly. Their dedication and attention to detail made everything look effortless, though we knew the tremendous work that went into making it perfect.

Family-Friendly Festival Atmosphere
The event featured delightful attractions, including face painting and balloon animals managed by the local youth group, book stalls offering children’s literature, and a popular hot drinks van that kept everyone warm and energised throughout the morning.

Weather Cooperation
Despite forecasts predicting rain, we were blessed with mostly favourable conditions. Apart from one brief shower during the morning festivities, patches of sunshine graced our historic launch day, as if the weather itself was celebrating this momentous occasion.

Living History Through Period Dress
Many attendees embraced the historical significance by arriving in period costume, creating an authentic atmosphere that transported everyone back to the 1920s era of Nevill and Greg’s original adventure.

Remarkable Family Connections
The day was made even more special by the presence of descendants from both pioneering families. Nevill Westwood’s grandson, Guy, attended with his family, bringing precious memorabilia including photographs from the 50th anniversary restoration and a treasured book of poems written by his grandmother (Nevill’s wife), complete with a handwritten poem dedicated to young Guy. His presence beautifully demonstrated how the spirit of adventure passes through generations.

Greg’s family was equally well represented, with his son Graeme and wife Ann joining other family relatives, including descendants of Greg’s siblings – Ena and William (Bill). Ena’s family included Doug Hanbury, Shirley Bishop, Brendon (Margaret Derry’s son), and Colleen Manners, while Lynette represented Bill’s branch of the family. These family connections brought profound authenticity and emotional depth to our launch.

Political Recognition
The significance of our project was acknowledged by two local politicians: Klasey Hirst MLC (representing Labor) and local member for Kalamunda, Adam Hort MLA (representing Liberal). Adam delivered the official launch speech, formally marking the beginning of our historic journey and recognising the importance of preserving and celebrating Australia’s automotive heritage.

The Historic Departure
Following speeches, photographs, media interviews, and blessings for the journey ahead, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived. Roger Millist, representing Nevill Westwood, and Jared Millist, representing Greg Davies, climbed into Bubsie and began the historic drive to Kalamunda Historical Village.

Spectacular Convoy
The convoy was a sight to behold – Bubsie led the way, followed by several veteran and classic cars, and an enthusiastic entourage of spectator vehicles. At the Historical Village, they were greeted by the stirring sounds of the local pipe band, adding ceremonial grandeur to the occasion. Extensive filming captured these magical moments against the backdrop of the heritage village.

The Scenic Route
The convoy then proceeded to the top of the famous Zig Zag Scenic Drive, where media and photographers had positioned themselves strategically along the route. When everything was perfectly arranged, the cars began their scenic descent, recreating the kind of dramatic driving that characterised the original 1924 adventure.

Community Celebration Continues
Most of the convoy continued to Advent Park in Maida Vale, where the local community had prepared a welcoming sausage sizzle. Despite some delays due to additional filming runs down the Zig Zag Drive, enthusiastic cheers greeted Bubsie’s arrival at the convention grounds. The patience and preparation of the Maida Vale volunteers were deeply appreciated by everyone who attended this wonderful community celebration.

Final Preparations
The afternoon was dedicated to crucial last-minute preparations for our dawn departure on Monday morning. This included taking our media liaison to the airport, refuelling all vehicles, and restocking supplies for the long journey ahead.

Gratitude and Anticipation
This weekend exceeded all expectations, and our heartfelt thanks go to every person who contributed to its success. The teams at both Bickley and Maida Vale demonstrated fabulous preparation, warm hospitality, and remarkable patience throughout the complex logistics of this historic launch.

The Adventure Begins
As we prepare for dawn on Monday morning, we’re filled with excitement and anticipation. We are officially on our way to recreating one of Australia’s greatest automotive adventures, following the pioneering path of Nevill and Greg 100 years later. The Right Around Australia journey has officially begun, and what an incredible start it has been!

This is more than just a car journey – it’s a celebration of Australian pioneering spirit, community connection, and the timeless appeal of adventure that continues to inspire new generations.