Woke just before the alarm, which I had selected ducks and the sound. Lucky I was awake when it went off, as I was busy looking for the duck in the house before remembering it was the alarm.
Dressed in bushwalking appropriate gear and drove the car to Rothwell Station, to get into the Brisbane Conventions and Exhibition Centre. Alighted from the train in South Brisbane and tossed a coin as to which entrance I would access. Walked up Grey Street and saw the signs so, followed them and found the Bushwalking Queensland stall. Set the table with the information of:
- Great Ocean Walk flyers, maps and other paraphernalia,
- Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk Trek map,
- BVRT Trek 4 DQ Flyers,
- Out There Cycling flyers,
- Yuraygir walk information flyers, and
- Girraween National Park maps
- Plus the laptop displaying photos of fundraising walks.
I realised I should have had the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk map for those asking about the trek in November.
Anyway, got settled and waited to see how the day panned out.
Before the first session at 8.30 am, there was plenty of inquiries from the mingling attendees about Bushwalking Queensland, and how to join clubs. There were no brochures, so handwritten notes were handed out.
Then everyone disappeared into their respective sessions and gave me a chance to review the information asked. A lot of BVRT Trek 4 DQ flyers had been issued, as well as information about other treks coming up.
At 10.30, it was time for morning tea, and the crowds came out and more information was given. Some asked if there was a club that catered specifically for people with diabetes, and for families and support persons as well. This started a seed of a thought…could it be possible?
Once the next session had started at 11.00 am and the crowd had dispersed into their various conferences, I reflected on these answers. I reckon there is an opportunity there. I consulted the staff of Diabetes Qld about the idea and was met with great support.
Lunch, being at 1.00pm, meant the onslaught again started and much the same questions were fielded.
Having an hour for lunch, meant people were coming back asking further questions.
Once lunch was finished, and the throng had disappeared, the reflection continued with more feedback.
At this stage, a video was taken of me spruiking about Bushwalking Queensland and the fundraising treks on the horizon. This was then posted on Facebook.
Then it was time to pack up and I spoke to the various staff of Diabetes Qld, then left and caught the trains home, one from South Bank to Roma Street, and Roma Street to Rothwell with a 25-minute wait at Roma Street.
Once home, it was out again to get Chinese (special fried rice and honey chicken).
After that time to review the day and get some sleep.
Gavin Dale's Blog 