A NEW rose bush was added to the garden outside the Mount Gambier Civic Centre on Monday to signify a visit from overseas Friendship Force club members.
Travelling from the Victoria/Vancouver Islands in Canada, the group of 15 ambassadors has spent the past week exploring the South East as part of their Australia exchange.
First visiting Perth, Adelaide and Murray Bridge clubs, the Blue Lake city marked the end of their six-week trip with a range of activities organised around the region.
Group coordinator Steve Ray said the visit has been excellent with many opportunities to learn about the history of Mount Gambier.
“I’m really impressed with the city and its surroundings – we’d love to come and live here,” he said.
“We have met a lot of interesting people and visited many sites, including the Tantanoola Caves, Beachport, the Port MacDonnell museum and the Main Corner.
“Plus the weather has been fantastic, it is always nice to get away from the cold weather in Canada for a bit.”
Pleased the group has enjoyed their time in the South East, Mount Gambier Friendship Force coordinator Marg Doody said they have been excellent guests.
“The exchange has been great and we have had lots of good feedback from our guests on the activities planned and leisure time offered,” she said.
“Steve has done a great job with his ambassadors and I hope they enjoy the rest of their stay.”
This is the final hosting for the Mount Gambier group this year with plans to host visitors from Albany (Western Australia) and Lime (Peru) next year with outbound journey’s to Bundaberg, Queensland and two clubs in New Zealand.
Anyone who is interested in joining the club can make contact through the Mount Gambier Friendship Force website or on 0438 388 367.
