Safari Hits The Road

Safari co-ordinator Paul Ying, left, Tamworth Rotary Club President Scott Simmons and Newcastle member Gerry Davies take time out from the tour duties in Tamworth.

Safari Diary by Special Safari Correspondent Paul Ying.

The big colourful Winnebago Motorhome and the Peugeot support vehicle arrived at Quirindi, the first stop in District 9650, on Saturday morning at 8.30 am. The team consisting of the Event Manager, John Flower, and Gerry Davies were welcomed by President Shirley Goodwin and Rotarians from Quirindi in rainy conditions, the first time experienced by the team since leaving Sydney. The exhibition was well attended by the morning shoppers, and well supported by Robyn Leece a Rotarian working with the local rural health service. Morning tea and a much appreciated hot lunch were provided by the Rotarians before the Safari headed for Tamworth.

The Safari arrived at the Frog and Toad Restaurant, Tamworth on schedule just before 2 pm. It was a quiet afternoon, an opportunity for the team to wash and tidy up the Winnebago. The Motorhome was specifically fitted for the Safari with all the luxury and comfort to be the home of the team for the next six months, an office with 3 computers set up with all the programs to promote the awareness of mental illness and Rotary information, and a TV loaded with videos for the promotion of the works carried by the Australian Rotary Health Research Fund.

A welcoming dinner was held at the Frog & Toad Restaurant organised by Tamworth North Rotary Club attended by 20 Rotarians and guests. DG Jane officially welcomed the Safari to the District. John Flower was the guest speaker for the night giving the audience an interesting story of his experience in organising Variety Club Bashes, the Sydney 2000 Olympics Torch Relay and the Health Safari.

On Sunday morning the Winnebago was set up in front of the Tamworth Town Hall in Fitzroy Street in a miserably cold and windy condition. The attendance was a bit disappointed possible due to being a Sunday in the school holiday. However, it was good to see the visit of the photographer and journalist from the Northern Daily Leader.

The Team was joined by John and Margaret Stuckey, Rotarians from Warnambool, Victoria.
John was volunteered to be a driver of the Winnebago from Tamworth to Toowoomba for the next fortnight. They were farewell by the Tamworth Rotarians on the way to Gunnedah.

More news next time.

See earlier article Safari update for schedule of Safari tour.