Outback mission brings hope and laughter to the bush

When a 12-year-old girl from a remote rural town in drought- ravaged western Queensland thanked Captain Mark Bulow and his team for visiting and making her mum and dad laugh for the first time in a long while, he knew the trip was worth it.

“We received lots of other positive and grateful comments, but this one was amazing,” said Captain Bulow, who is The Salvation Army’s South Queensland Flying Service and Rural Hub leader.

Captain Bulow and his team travelled almost 3000km in just over a week, bringing entertainment and providing care and support to primary schools and the local communities in Glenmorgan, Quilpie, Thargomindah, Eulo, Yowah, and Begonia. Team members were involved in school performances, community barbecues and evening concerts during the trip.

“The aim was to bring some fun and laughter to the communities that have been struggling through the drought,” explained Captain Bulow. “By bringing people together for a community event they can share with each other and enjoy some free food and a chat.

“Some of them haven’t seen each other for a long time, so breaking the isolation of the community is something special. There’s not a lot to smile about in some of these places, so we give them something to laugh and smile about.”

Many people also appreciated having Jason Beswick, a qualified Salvation Army counsellor, to talk to.

“This is a breakthrough, as in the past many rural people have said they don’t need professional help but now, since he’s been out with us a few times and they are recognising him, there is a large number willing to talk to him and asking him to come out and chat with them,” Captain Bulow added.

A week later, Captain Bulow was making the long trip west to the famous Birdsville Races. Accompanied by a team that also included Longreach Salvos Divisional Envoys Lyn and Gordon Jones, they set up a Salvos stall, complete with a donut machine and tea and coffee making facilities, from which they provided information about Salvation Army services in rural Queensland.

“We spent a lot of time just talking to people and letting them know about us,” said Captain Bulow.

“People came in to relax and have a chat. They are starting to not only recognise us but look for us because we’re regulars at Birdsville now and they know who we are and what we offer.”