Monday 18th - eight members from Mt. Barker arrived at the Gold Coast Airport. By 6.00pm we had all gathered at Margaret and Roy's for a lovely ‘pot luck’ tea. By the sound of the chatter people were quickly getting to know one another.

Tuesday morning hosts and guests arrived at Marina Mirage early and had a look around the lovely shops and hotel facilities. At 10.45am we boarded our vessel and in brilliant weather cruised down the Nerang River. David our Captain gave us an entertaining commentary on the various mansions that have popped up over the last few years and to add a personal touch it happened that he came from Victor Harbor (in South Australia) and his family was known by several of our guests. Morning tea was served on board and at 12.30pm we headed for The Spit where we enjoyed a brisk walk along the breakwater. Our guests marvelled at the view down to Coolangatta and were rewarded by seeing a turtle in the crystal clear water. Next on the agenda was the Pelican feeding at ‘Charis Seafoods’, always a delight to see. This was followed by a delightful lunch of freshly cooked fish and chips and a lovely assortment of fruit platters.

Wednesday was a free day and I escorted five ladies to SEAWORLD.

We all had a wonderful time, especially our ambassador 88yr. old Nita. We took her on the Flume and the Bermuda Triangle where she had the best thrill in the last 20 yrs. We had hired a wheelchair for her and so it was easy to get around and we were given VIP treatment at the shows. Gwen and Audrey decided to take a helicopter ride and came back ecstatic.

Meeting a Colourful Local...

We all stayed until the last show and returned home for quick showers and then it was off to dinner hosting that evening.

Pontoon to Poolside....

Thursday - our journey to the Tweed was enjoyable with morning tea at Pt. Danger and then onto the Madura Tea Plantation. Following the interesting tour our Tweed FF friends gave us a nice lunch and then escorted us to their new Art Gallery. This was an eye opener with many of the Archibald Prize exhibits on show as well as a whole gallery of other prize winning portraits. The building is situated in such a beautiful setting it’s well worth the drive to see it. After brief stops at a Craft Gallery at Stokers Siding and Uki we all headed home in various directions to show our guests more of our beautiful area.

Friday - the picnic at Hinze Dam was well attended and it was lovely to see green grass and plenty of water.

We had a friendly game of boules and many of our members caught up with old friends from previous exchanges to Mt. Barker.

Saturday was a free day and most people headed for Mount Tamborine - the weather was perfect for it. I took my guests for a look at Sovereign Island, Paradise Point and back thru' Oyster Cove to Helensvale where we had to pick up our buns for Brunch the following day.

Taking a Break from Preparations!

On Saturday afternoon my two guests helped out preparing dips and food for the ‘pot-luck’ dinner at our home that evening. It was a balmy night and over thirty people arrived steadily after 5.00pm for drinks and nibbles, followed by copious amounts of food - and just a few bottles of Sth. Aust. Wine....

Sunday - brunch at Burleigh Beach started off with something of a panic as finding a parking spot close to the facilities was impossible as Burleigh Markets were on that day. Finally, thanks to the trusty four wheel drive we drove up over the gutter, unloaded our gear and found parking in a side street. By the time other people started arriving parking became easier and over thirty-five people attended the friendly get-together. Everyone seemed to enjoy the hamburgers, home-made cake and platters of fruit.

View from Hi-Rise Above Park Where We Enjoyed Brunch

Following the delicious brunch some people ventured on to see the unusual Sand Sculpture exhibition at Currumbin Beach before wending their way home to prepare for the Farewell Dinner that night

A Look at Just Some of the Artistic Work on Display

At 6.00pm that night we set off for Emerald Lakes where we enjoyed a lovely meal.

Following some hilarious games, photographs were presented to hosts and ambassadors, speeches were made and all in all everyone agreed it had been a great exchange.

Mt Barker Ambassadors


Hosts and Ambassadors


Time for the Formalities

I feel sure all our hosts and guests enjoyed the week and I thank all the hosts and dinner hosts, especially new members Gina and Glenis for hosting at short notice. And lastly thanks to Brian for his patience, Miri and John for back-up and Henk for organising the host-ambassador photos. Arthur provded me with moral support as he was physically incapacitated by his painful shoulder.

Barbara