Report by Bette Brian

The report was originally written by our ‘Mad Doctor’ Ian Jensen but I’m afraid I lost it, sorry Ian.

After breakfast, we were treated to seeing the view of Alice Springs from the top of Mt Gillen thanks to special permission by the Civil Aviation Authority organised by a “wheelie” councillor from the Alice Springs Council. The local press and television interviewed the group, especially Albert, Daniel and Branka after their Uluru conquests.

A mini-bus was arranged to take the wheelies and medical team on a scenic tour of Alice, visiting the royal Flying Doctor Base, Telegraph Station where the spring which Alice Springs derived its name from can be seen, and exploring the shops in Alice for a couple of hours before meeting up with the bus to go back to the caravan park.

Whilst most of the group were able to tour around Alice, a few of the group were very busy working. Tony and Wayne went to the freighting company to collect the donated supplies plus some replacement car parts that had been forwarded from Sydney to Alice Springs. Trevor had to book his truck in for major repairs to the gear box at the Alice Springs Toyota Dealer. Trevor was very pleased with the work and service he received by Peter kittle, from the Toyota Dealership. Many thanks to Peter Kittle.

Restocking of fresh supplies also had to take place, so the Prices (Ali, Tony, Chris and Steve) plus the Curtis’ (Jill, Steve and Mandy) went to the supermarket, butcher, etc.

Brent, our eldest son and co-driver for the Scout, had been unwell for a few days – the reason being he had Chicken Pox. Arrangements had to be organised for Brent to stay in Alice Springs until he was past the contagious stage. Personal friends of Sally and Noel owned the Desert Rose Motel where Brent stayed. Through Graham Bell’s efforts before the trip stated, the NRMA generously provided Aussie Assist cover and paid for the 10 days motel accommodation plus the bus ticket from Alice Springs to Katherine where Brent rejoined the tour. Our thanks to all who helped Brent.

In the evening at the caravan park we were all gathered around a TV set to see the 2 broadcasts of the interviews done earlier in the day. Afterwards we then headed into Alice to the Overlanders Steakhouse. The steakhouse was packed with 4WD enthusiasts as the Range Rover Club was also booked into the restaurant the same evening. We had already bumped into members of their club at Uluru, the Olgas and at Curtin Springs where they were staying with members from different states. The meal was excellent with a choice of beef, bara, buffalo, emu, kangaroo, camel and crocodile. Many had a taste of each, I’m not quite the adventurous type and stuck with the beef and bara which was absolutely delicious.

The entertainment was excellent with everyone joining in with the merriment of the evening. Our very own Bush Band plus Shannon sang a few songs which was appreciated by all. We then headed back to the caravan park to try to get a good sleep as we had a long drive of 759kms the next day.

The Alternative Activities by Caroline Davy

Reporter notes that we had most vehicles unavailable for passenger duties, so we organised a small bus and Evan planned a day of sight-seeing, shopping and “being in Alice” for the Wheelies. Thanks Evan, for getting it together so well and for giving up your day for the Wheelies. Craig drove the bus and medical Escorts made it possible to get everybody around.

Meanwhile, as well as vehicle repairs, we had eight radios which needed attention and organised everybody for this. A bit of waiting around, but at least when we left The Alice we could talk to each other! Shannon needed a visit to the Dentist – and with only two Dentists in town, getting him an appointment was due to persistence of Christine from the Northern Territory Tourist Commission who just kept ringing them to make sure she got a cancellation. This was typical of the incredible assistance Christine had given to the whole project over nearly a year. She probably contributed most of anybody outside the actual project towards our efforts – and it was just great to meet her for the first time at the Alice Springs Council Civic Reception. The voice on the phone became a real person and we can never thank her enough.

As far as the press in Alice was concerned, we had three minor celebrities: Danny and Albert who climbed Uluru and Branka who wheeled herself around the base – so after the session on Mt. Gillen Caroline took them and all the chairs for more interviews. First was ABC Radio live to air, then ABC News for syndication and then ABC TV news, also syndicated nationally. In between all that some more backing and forthing with Impaja Television and the Centralian Advocate who processed some of the film Andrew shot of the boys climbing Uluru, and eventually syndicated the pictures to the Darwin press.