Trevor the Travelator rolls into Townsville history with crowds, community spirit … and a croc

The big day has come and gone, and what a day it was.

Last Saturday, the much-anticipated grand opening of Trevor the Travelator drew a bumper crowd to Townsville Shopping Centre, with Star 106.3’s Archie and Donny hosting the event.

From the moment the procession kicked off – led in style by 89-year-old footy tipper Ray Nichols, dressed in his Saturday best and representing the Good Shepherd Nursing Home – the tone was set for an unforgettable morning.

The North Queensland Opera and Music Theatre Company Choir, backed by the powerful tones of the Townsville RSL Memorial Pipes and Drums, delivered a stirring reworked version of John Farnham’s You’re the Voice.

Local legends and special guests made the day even more memorable. They included MP Bob Katter, the Townsville Brass Band, former Townsville NBL mascot The Croc, Wests Hockey Tomahawk and Bushy the Kangaroo – the Queensland Fire Department mascot.

From toddlers to pensioners, hundreds took their first official glide on Trevor at a perfectly relaxed 0.2 km/h.

And although Bob Katter missed the official live first ride due to an “emergency,” he later joined Archie, Donny, and The Townsville Croc for a joyful spin on Trevor the Travelator rounding out the event with a very cheerful post-ride interview.

What began as a playful breakfast radio bit has now become a permanent fixture in Townsville life.

Trevor the Travelator will be here for the next 40 years, moving locals, their shopping, and the town’s spirit, one smooth ride at a time.

Trevor the Travelator is now in operation. Because not all heroes wear capes. Some glide.

*Images supplied by ARN