27th March 2002 Outback experience a winner with Rotarians

John Anderson (Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Member for Gwydir), Herman Kreller (Rotary), Peter Waterford (Mayor), Vic North (General Manager, Walgett Shire Council), Chris McPhan (President of Lightning Ridge Rotary) and Ian Slack-Smith (State Member for Barwon) with Exchang students Eevi Kuisma (Finland) and Marcela Medina (Mexico)

“Choosing Lightning Ridge as the venue for the Rotary District Conference, was a gamble that paid off,” said District Governor, Brian Prince before his departure.

In the Year of the Outback it was a fitting choice which gave Rotarians the opportunity to discover the uniqueness of this vibrant community.

The 600 Rotarians who packed motels, caravan parks or were home hosted will carry with them a cherished memory of a conference with a difference.

Hospitality, bonded friendships, innumerable surprises were all commented upon.

Their enthusiasm was matched only by their vows to return to this mecca of cultures called Lightning Ridge.

For those fortunate enough to join the Rotarians the depth and values of this internationally respected organisation was abundantly clear.

The attendance of the Deputy Prime Minister, John Anderson and Member for Barwon, Ian Slack-Smith at the Opening Ceremony again displayed the esteem in which Rotary is held.

Local Rotarians, headed by President, Chris McPhan and Conference Chairman, Herman Kreller, were tireless in their efforts to showcase Lightning Ridge.

Aunty Rose Fernando welcomed conference goers in the Euahlayi language, translated by Mrs June Barker.

Fellow Rotarian, Robert Valler, picked up the reins with the much publicised Lightning Ridge Central School Choir to enthral Rotarians with the presentation they had made at the Olympic Games Ceremony. The tight program which commenced with the Opening Ceremony 8.30am Saturday was star-studded with key note speakers, presentations and, most importantly, social interaction.

The program drew to a close lunch-time Sunday; a steady stream of vehicles headed for the Castlereagh Highway, while those bitten by our mysterious bug remained to savour the weekend a little longer.