A humble Mackay local has found himself at the centre of a feel-good viral moment after a simple act of kindness captured the hearts of thousands online, and even landed a Japanese hitchhiker on national TV.
Matt, who was travelling from Bowen to Mackay, offered a lift to a Japanese traveller named Tom, who is hitchhiking his way across Australia from Cairns to Melbourne. But the generosity didn’t stop there. Matt also took Tom to a local pub, shouted him dinner and a beer, and shared a true-blue Aussie experience along the way.
Tom, who has been documenting his journey on TikTok, praised Matt’s kindness: “Matt took me from Bowen to Mackay and paid me for beer and dinner. He is so kind. Thank you very much, Matt.”
The video quickly went viral, catching the attention of viewers across the country and eventually securing Tom a feature on local TV.
Locals in Mackay have celebrated Matt’s gesture, calling him a “top bloke” and the kind of person who embodies the true Aussie spirit.
“We need more Matts! Nothing more Australian than this,” one comment read.
Another local added, “Nice to see there are still good people out there. Good on you, Matt.”
Tom continues his cross-country adventure and is calling for tips on must-see places and friendly faces along the way.
One thing’s for sure – his stop in Mackay, thanks to Matt, is one he won’t forget.
A Mackay man’s simple act of kindness toward a hitchhiking tourist has gone viral, earning praise online and helping put the region, and his generous Aussie spirit on the map. Photo source: Midori Tomoya (Instagram)
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