Community Displays | Port Augusta & Whyalla SA
Thursday: 15 May
Vehicle Restoration & Church Displays @ Port August & Whyalla SA
Morning Departure and Travel
We departed Port Pirie at 9:00 AM en route to Whyalla for our scheduled afternoon display. Following an invitation received the previous day, we planned a special stop at the Port Augusta Vehicle Restorers Club (PAVRC) meeting room at Sykes Oval.
Our journey proceeded smoothly despite a brief delay due to roadworks along the route. Upon arriving at the PAVRC facility, we unloaded Bubsie for the club members to examine and photograph.
Creating Special Memories
An interesting pattern emerged regarding our vintage vehicle. After yesterday’s marriage proposal that took place in Bubsie, today we hosted a couple celebrating their 15th wedding anniversary who commemorated the occasion with a photograph in the car. This prompted lighthearted discussion about whether Bubsie should be nicknamed the “Love Bug” given its apparent connection to romantic milestones.
Club Hospitality
Following an engaging period of conversation about the historic vehicle and after securing Bubsie back on the trailer, we joined the club members in their meeting room where they generously provided morning tea.
With our scheduled visit completed, we continued our journey toward Whyalla for the afternoon’s planned activities.
Whyalla Exhibition: Vintage Vehicles and Community Engagement
Arrival and Setup
We arrived in Whyalla shortly after noon and proceeded directly to the Whyalla Tourist and Caravan Park to establish our overnight accommodations. After setting up and having lunch, team members addressed necessary domestic tasks before heading to the scheduled exhibition location.
Multi-Faceted Exhibition
The afternoon event featured several coordinated displays at the community center. Our historic vehicle Bubsie was showcased alongside five additional vintage and classic automobiles arranged by Martin Tanner in the parking area. The facility also housed a community shop, book display, and café serving refreshments.
Professor Mark Wilson presented an archaeology exhibition promoting his upcoming “Digging Up the Past” educational seminar scheduled for Friday evening and Saturday.
Community Response
Throughout the afternoon, we welcomed numerous visitors who had learned about the event through the local newspaper or distributed leaflets. Attendees explored the various displays, made purchases from the shop and book collection, and enjoyed refreshments from the café.
The archaeology exhibition generated significant interest among visitors, with many inquiring about the upcoming educational program. A journalist from the local newspaper attended to document the event with photographs.
Engagement and Distribution
The team distributed approximately 40 copies of “The Overlander” to interested visitors. We particularly valued the opportunity to engage in extended conversations with community members who shared common interests and appreciation for historical vehicles.
Some team members enjoyed evening meals from the café before loading Bubsie back into the trailer and returning to the caravan park for the night.
