30 June 2025
When most talk about sport or politics at the pub, Trevor Bunneworth and mates discuss riding small bikes over big distances.
That’s where he first heard about their plan to ride 50cc mopeds across the Nullarbor.
“They raised a bunch of money for Beyond Blue. I thought that it was a great idea so I talked to a bunch of my veteran mates to ride across Queensland,” Mr Bunneworth said.
Since 2022, Mr Bunneworth has led dozens of riders from Biloela to Barcaldine, Charleville to Charters Towers, and everywhere in between to raise money for Legacy and the Air Force Association.
Legacy cares for the families of hurt or missing veterans and the Air Force Association helps homeless veterans.
This year, about 30 riders will set off from Brisbane in late August on 100cc mopeds, returning two weeks later after covering more 2300km across the Sunshine State, stopping at barracks at Toowoomba and Townsville along the way.
They even plan to visit Cunnamulla, Thargomindah and Quilpie, communities affected by the recent flooding, where they’ll spend a few days visiting schools to teach children about Defence, and holding community events to lift the spirits of locals.
Scootaville has raised $80,000 for Legacy and the Air Force Association.
'We can sit around at night, have a drink, have a yarn and help each other out.'
Mr Bunneworth, a Caribou aircraft technician who served with 35 Squadron during the Vietnam War, said the benefits of the Scootaville ride were twofold.
Not only did they raise money to help veterans who had fallen on hard times, it was also a chance for ex-service personnel to connect.
“Some of them have got a few problems,” Mr Bunneworth said.
“We can sit around at night, have a drink, have a yarn and help each other out.”
And with more than 2000km to cover across outback Queensland, there’s bound to be a story or two at the end of the road.
Scootaville is organised by the Radschool Association Inc, a charity representing Air Force servicemen and women trained to operate electronic equipment.
Further Scootaville events are planned in Victoria in November and will be held in Queensland, NSW, Victoria and Tasmania by 2027.
Visit scootaville.org.au to get involved or donate.
