What began as a conversation over a few beers has become a community rescue mission. The return of Bobby Dudgeon’s old courtesy bus is a reminder of the generosity, volunteer spirit and local pride that have long defined Bangalow, writes Brett Stephens.

While the Bangalow community continues its fight to bring back the Bowlo, an important piece of its history has been rescued and given a new life.

The Bangalow Bowlo courtesy bus, a 1996 minivan that carried generations of locals home safely, has been saved, not as a relic of the past, but as a symbol of the community spirit that created it.

Twenty years ago, the bus was purchased and donated to the Bangalow Bowlo by local legend Bobby Dudgeon. It became a familiar sight around town, transporting residents to and from social events, sporting fixtures and community gatherings.

For more than 45 years, Bobby gave his time and energy to Bangalow through the Lions Club. In recognition of his extraordinary contribution, he was awarded the highest honour offered by Lions International, the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, in 2023.

Over a few beers, colourful Bangalow identities Niall Carty and Simon Evans found themselves wondering what had happened to the beloved courtesy bus.

Two days later, while Niall was working at Tyagarah, he spotted something familiar sitting behind Wards Byron Shire Truck & Machinery Centre.

“There was the courtesy bus,” Niall recalls. “It was a little bit dilapidated. There was a lot of dirt on it. It had been sitting there for a couple of months and I rang Simon straight away. I said, ‘You’re not going to believe this.’”

The pair made sure the bus was safely stored, and Simon contacted Norths Collective to explain the history behind it.

Norths agreed to sell it back for a symbolic dollar, and Lions Club President John Singh stepped forward to take responsibility for its future.

“Bobby donated it to the Bangalow community, and now it’s coming home,” John says.

“This bus doesn’t belong to Norths. It belongs to the people of Bangalow,” says Lions Club champion Nashy. “The original donation came from Bobby for the benefit of the whole community, and the idea is simple, return it to the people.”

The mission has become more than restoring an old vehicle. It’s about honouring Bobby and the generosity that defines him.

“You drove us around for years,” locals reminded Bobby during the project reveal at Wollongbar Tavern, close to where Bobby now lives. “You donated it to Bangalow, and it should stay with the community.”

The restoration has been a true community effort.

Shaune Davy from Panel Pro Northern Rivers stepped in with significant repair work, donating his labour to help bring the vehicle back.

“He’s a legend,” says Niall. “A new member of the community, but a community-minded person.”

The bus required rust repairs, electrical work and mechanical repairs, but the next chapter is now taking shape. A new vinyl wrap and interior liner are being prepared, transforming the old courtesy bus into something fresh.

Soon to be parked at the Bangalow Men’s Shed, and ready for service, Bobby D’s Community Bus will once again belong where it always belonged, with the people of Bangalow.

Here’s hoping Norths will now be inspired by Bobby and return our beloved Bangalow Bowlo back to the community, where it rightfully belongs.