Rotarians escape to Norfolk Island

A ROTARY district governors’ escape tour has seen eleven Ballarat club members and friends visit Norfolk Island.

Led by Alfredton Rotary Club member and immediate past Rotary District 9780 governor Kathy Rivett, trip attendees not only explored the island, but linked up with members of the Rotary Club of Norfolk Island.

Also on the tour were Rotarians from Geelong, as well as Deniliquin and Blackheath in New South Wales, and Mount Gambier in South Australia, some of which had been district governors and presidents in the past.

“My theme for the last district governor year was, ‘imagine what you can do in rotary’,” Ms Rivett said.

“Trips like these open up the boundaries you have within the world, and they can open doors for you.

“We went to one of the Rotary Club of Norfolk Island’s weekly meetings and exchanged club and district banners, which links everyone together.

“Rotarians can help people in all areas of the world, and if ever they need our help in Norfolk Island, we can assist them.”

The itinerary included visits to the Kingston historic area, Mount Pitt, and author Colleen McCullough’s home, a clifftop barbecue, farm and industry tour, a breakfast bushwalk, murder mystery dinner, and a Taste of Norfolk local produce experience.

Ms Rivett said Rotary District 9780 could learn a lot from Norfolk Island’s sustainability processes.

“We need to look at how we recycle here and what we reuse,” she said.

“One shop over there is just doing everything in bulk, and people take their own jars. We can bring those waste-saving things into our lives.”

All proceeds from the tour are being donated to the Lismore flood appeal which is funding pod houses, pet supplies, bikes, and ongoing assistance to families in unsuitable accommodation.