We started out the morning with a tour of the Midway Chip Mill here in Geelong...got to hear from Rowan Eyre about their company operations and tour the chipping facility. They are located right on the water in the industrial area and are able to load ships directly from the facility...the chips are headed to Japan.
We had lunch & spent the afternoon at the Aboriginal Cultural Museum called "Narana Creations". Norm Stanley (not his Aboriginal Name) had a lunch prepared for us, took us around the garden area they've created, and demonstrated boomerang-throwing. Then we all got a chance to try it! He did a wonderful job of explaining their culture, showed us traditional tools used for hunting, and finished by playing the digeri-doo (sp?). As an extra, we were driven to view the famous surfing beaches (Bell's Beach), but no one was out surfing because it was so windy.
Last night was our first presenation...to the Highton Rotary Club. It seemed very well-received, and the Rotarians asked excellent questions. Gifts were exchanged and a good time was had by all!
Many of you have asked about the fires. It is devasting news in the area, and there is a national campaign encouraging people to donate to the victims & survivors. Last I heard, AUS$ 70 million had been raised already. I have not heard how the money will be distributed. The news here has included how much other countries, including Canada and the US, have sent goodwill and assistance. We have not yet travelled to areas directly affected by the fires, and the towns hardest hit are not on our itinerary, but a couple of the towns we will get to later in our tour have had fires in the area, also. As we learn more about how we might help, we will certainly share that news with you.
Tomorrow, Jill has the opportunity to go horseback riding, and the rest of us are being escorted into Melbourne by Dave's host Rotarian, John. We are heading in on the train in the morning, and will return in time to have a BBQ dinner with Jill's host family.
We have taken hundreds of pictures already, and I will try to figure out how to post one soon!
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Great to hear about your day and that you all safely arrived. The fires are horrible and the loss of life tragic. Please let them know or hearts go out them and let us know how we may help. I just heard that the Forest Service and BLM are sending some folks to assist. I think about 60 or so. You all might watch out for them. Can't wait to see some photos.
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