My TRUE Story:
I arrived at BHQ Airport on a Flight from Adelaide to connect to SYD with several (six) hours to wait for my onward flight
I was in the Airport Waiting Area reading, when a gentleman approached me.
He advised me that it was customary to close the Airport as no one was there till an hour before my SYD Flight Departure
He was operating the Helicopter which was taking a Nurse further into the Outback, and would not return till very much later that evening.
He also owned and operated of Café at the Airport, which was also closing for the time
He asked me what I would do.
I said, having no choice I would just have to wait outside the locked Airport.
He then tossed a Bunch of Keys to me and said, there is my Ute (Aussie Term for a Car with a Flat tray at the Back like a mini-Truck) parked at the back…….take it and drive around town), as it is worth visiting
The Mine is right down the Middle of the Town which is divided by it, in a massive Hill, on both sides . …….and worth visiting
The Railway Museum is worth a visit as was the Tourist Centre , The RFDS (Royal Flying Doctor Service, the Pro Hart Art Gallery, and other places of Interest including a spectacular Monument to Miners who lost their lives.
The Buildings are early Federation (1901)
I was astounded at this….he did not know me from a Bar of Soap….and I said this……..!!!!!!
I got looks of many of the Townsfolk…………..and knew why !
When I asked where I could refuel the Ute before returning it to where it was…he said, please do NOT bother…..see that Petrol Pump just inside the Airport Perimeter,
I own the Petrol Distribution for BHQ, just leave the Ute where you found it with Keys in the Vehicle
I had a great time, driving around with folk looking at the Stranger Driver, knowing it was not the owner who was well known to them
That is true Country Hospitality in the Outback…..Unbelievable, perhaps but every word is true….I have experienced it personally…………………..Only in Australia !!!!!!
Would this happen in the anywhere else ?……..YES, AT MEHS
Many of us have never met each other personally or during our School Days……but we have extended our hands in Friendship across The World via MEHS and this Website