Gloria and I together with ten Gold Coast members, being Brian & Beth Hallam, David & Joan Evans, Charlie & Kay Wheeler, Peter & Margaret Jamieson, Eric & Joy Woodward, attended the 2004 Australian FF Conference hosted by the Queanbeyan-Canberra FF Club from 30th January to 1st February. Approximately 250 FF members from twenty-one Clubs were in attendance and a great time was had by all, especially the out-of-hours fellowship, as the Conference was fully residential at the Australian National University.

FRIDAY: The Conference opened at 9am with the Australian Council Meeting (minutes of which are held by our Club Secretary). The Opening Ceremony commenced at 2pm with addresses by local political identities. This was followed by a Flag Presentation which was most impressive.

Dr William A Stanton, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of the United States of America, performed the official opening of the Conference with great dignity. This was followed by an address by Ms Harriett Kuhr, Director Programmes FFI.

Following afternoon tea we listened to a wonderful address from Mrs Margaret Reid, formerly President of the Australian Senate. The three District Administrators being Ian McVicar, Barbara Owen and Robin Mulholland then reported on activities within their District, and Club highlights.

Following an informal evening meal we were entertained by a Korean Dancing Group as arranged by Bruce Murray of Sydney club.

SATURDAY: Robin Mulholland commenced proceedings at 9am with a report from the Australian Council Meeting. We then heard a most entertaining address from Dr Michael McKernan, local historian/writer, who told us of ‘highlights’ of Federation and the development of Canberra.

Following morning tea, we were given ‘much food for thought’ during an address by Michael Palmer, retired Commissioner, Australia Federal Police.

Noel Pryde, Member of the Board of Trustees, took us through the workings of FFI, particularly over the last difficult twelve months. In particular, he emphasised the positive contribution made to FFI by Susie Smith. A sincere vote of thanks was moved to Susie in this regard and best wishes were passed on to her given her pending marriage. From 2pm - 3pm, we were enlightened by the Working Sessions:

Segment 1. Friendship Force Information and Financial Matters     Jean Burkinshaw & Harriet Kuhr. Segment 2. Demystifying Exchange Matching & Planning Process     Eric Melbourne & Talieh Monajjem. Segment 3. The Web Page & Internet     Margaret Doughty & Tony Eccles.

The Conference day concluded with a spirited debate on - ‘The Primary Reason that Friendship Force Exists is to Send Ambassadors Out on Exchanges’ - between Southern District's Janet Cross, Marilyn Pope and Adrian Brown versus Northern District's Helen Kwong, Andrew Semple and Peter Jamieson. The Adjudicator, Bernie Collins, Governor, Monaro Division, Toastmasters International, awarded the debate to the Northern District.

From 6.45 pm we enjoyed a sumptuous Formal Dinner followed by a spirited performance by “Sing Australia”.

Gold Coast Club Members
with Harriet Kuhr and Talieh Monajjem


Talieh Monajjem of FFI with Gold Coast Club President
Viv Caulfield

SUNDAY: From 9am members were able to attend an Ecumenical Service in the College Chapel.

From 10.30am Mrs Laurie Grovenor who suffers from severe vision impairment gave us an insight into the life of a vision impaired person and the importance of her Guide Dog.

Harriet Kuhr then summed up the Conference in a professional and entertaining manner. Sid Parry, President of Brisbane Club, which is to host the 2005 National Conference, then accepted the Banner on behalf of Brisbane Club.

President Queanbeyan-Canberra
and Two of the club's More ‘Interesting’ Members!

In summary I found my attendance very beneficial as I listened to many stimulating addresses, heard much from FFI staff and got to meet many new ‘friends’.

Viv Caulfield

(President, Friendship Force of The Gold Coast)

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