School Display | Timor VIC

Friday: 5 December

The Journey North
Today’s adventure took us north of Ballarat to the charming Timor Public School. The drive itself was a treat—lush green fields stretched out before us until we crested the hills and entered the rain shadow area, where fascinating mullock heaps told stories of the region’s rich mining history.

A Warm Welcome
Upon arrival, we signed in and Kevin had the pleasure of meeting Principal Andrew Tatchell. We set Bubsie up under the covered area and waited with happy anticipation for 10 o’clock to arrive. Right on time, the students gathered around, their faces bright with curiosity, as Kevin shared the remarkable story of the first car to travel right around Australia 100 years ago.

Hands-On History
The excitement really bubbled over when Kevin invited two staff members to sit in the car! They had everyone laughing as they demonstrated the hand-operated windscreen wipers and gave the horn a good honk. The students were bursting with questions, and Kevin lovingly answered each one.
Then came the special moment—each class group got to walk around the car for a closer look, and we captured photos of their smiling faces. We were thrilled to present copies of The Overlander to the staff members and older students, hoping the story would continue to inspire them.

The Grand Finale
The moment everyone had been waiting for arrived—Kevin started up Bubsie’s engine! Principal Andrew’s face lit up as he climbed aboard for a special ride around the basketball court and back to the trailer. What joy!
While this was happening, Pastor John and the Bubsie team had a wonderful chat with Andrew about the school’s history. It warmed our hearts to learn that Pastor John has been working closely with both the school and the broader Timor community—building such meaningful connections.

The Journey Home
After fond farewells, we made our way back to Ballarat, taking a few delightful minutes to admire the beautiful old buildings in Clunes. What a gorgeous little town! It’s so picturesque that it’s often chosen as a film set for movies—and we could certainly see why.

Keeping Everything Ship-Shape
Back in Ballarat, the afternoon was spent on the practical side of things. Kevin and Glenda lovingly tended to some van maintenance, making sure everything stays in tip-top condition for the journey ahead. Meanwhile, Pieter and Veronica carefully organized our book supply, ensuring each copy was brochure and ready to share at our next stop.

What a fulfilling day of connecting with young hearts and minds!