Hosted by: Friendship Force of Tamworth, NSW, Australia
REPORT ON THE CONFERENCE
Eric, Joy, Gloria and I enjoyed four wonderful days while attending the National Conference of Australian Friendship Force Clubs in Tamworth from 25 - 28th February. The weather was very kind to us during the period although while motoring down and back we experienced rain, showers and fog. The country-side has never looked better.
The Conference, which was attended by 253 delegates, commenced on the Thursday with a Leadership Forum from 10am - 12.30pm. This was very instructive, particularly for newer members to Friendship Force. This was followed by the Australian Council meeting from 2 - 5pm. During the early part of the meeting we were given a number of addresses including one from Friendship Force International representative Kathy Thomas, Atlanta, USA followed by FFI Board Member, Alan Milne, Kapiti Coast, New Zealand. The three Motions on Notice, as discussed during our February Club Meeting, were then put to the meeting which engendered some spirited debate. The three motions were eventually passed by a comfortable margin. The General Business section of the meeting raised several matters which were eventually passed on to the Australian Liaison Committee for clarification/action. That evening we enjoyed a great BBQ at a popular Tourist Park while being entertained by a 'bush poet', namely Paddy Ryan.
Friday commenced with a morning bus trip for many of the delegates to the countryside including the historical former gold mining town of Nundle which was recently flooded following years of drought.
The Conference proper was called to order at 2pm with the Official Opening by Club Patron Tony Windsor, the Federal Member for New England, from 2.40pm. We then got down to the business side of the conference with a further address by Kathy followed by Alan.
Other highlights of the conference included:
an address by Barry Harley, General Manager Rural Press Events, where he gave an outline of the growth of country music in Tamworth from very humble beginnings to today where Tamworth is world-renowned as the Country Music Capital of Australia which is now worth $50 million annually to the district.
the annual Great Debate which this year was between Northern and Southern Districts with a topic of 'Big is Better'. This was most entertaining and was won (eventually) on the toss by Dame Edna by Northern District.
a Dinner and Bush Dance on the Friday evening during which we celebrated the 21st Birthday of Tamworth Club followed by a dinner and Country Music Concert on the Saturday evening which had most of us up on the dance floor.
a Sunday morning special morning tea to celebrate World Friendship Day which was followed by an excellent presentation by the Tamworth Conservatorium Concert Band.
During Sunday morning we were given a presentation by Bundaberg Club inviting us all to the 2011 National Conference to be hosted by them. I must admit I was disappointed with the roll-up from our Club as we were greatly overshadowed by most other Clubs in attendance numbers at Tamworth. I would strongly urge our Members to include the 2011 Bundaberg Conference in your calendar and look forward to a wonderful, informative experience.
The 2011 Australian Conference will be held in Bundaberg, Qld.
Viv Caulfield
President
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