On March 1st a delegation of eight Rotarians from D7820 gathered in Melbourne, Australia to begin a two week friendship exchange with various clubs in D9790. Our group consisted of Jim & Barbara Goit (Truro); Tom & Shirley McCaughey (Halifax North West); Elva Heyge & Rod McMahon(Kentville); Margie Brown (New Minas Sunrise) and Donna Clark (Halifax Harbourside)
We were hosted in five areas of Victoria State, Melbourne, Shepparton Benella, Beechworth and Wodonga/Albury by wonderful Rotarians who showed us delightful hospitality and friendship. We were welcomed and feted by clubs and politicians in the areas that we visited...
We had the opportunity to view so many sights throughout the district, including so many areas and adventures that most tourists would not see. We saw many Rotary supported projects and discussed potential joint projects.
We toured the Great Ocean Road, fabulous murals, mountain tops, national parks, orchards & wineries, fire observation tower, zoos, museums- some honouring the notorious, art galleries, followed the trails of the gold rush prospectors, therapeutic riding projects and circus training. We learned blacksmithing, ranching, gathered fruit for breakfast, saw and fed & petted many samples of wildlife, saw a sample the destruction of their recent bush fires and pleased to witness nature restoring itself somewhat.
All told, we had a wonderful time; saw so much; learned so much about the history, geography and customs of the State of Victoria. The most memorable part of this exchange is the warmth and hospitality of some wonderful people who will be forever friends.