week 3 - Jen's Blog

I know we've been all over the place with our blogs recently, I will try and do a tidy up of them when I return and also write some more about the places I've not written about.

I'm really keen to write some more about my vocational trips in Grafton however I feel that I really need time to have a think about the visits and how the issues compare between Scotland and Australia.

Anyway, week 3

Following the conference at Yamba we then had a very hectic few days. We went from Maclean to Grafton to Glen Innes. We only spent 1 night in Maclean and Grafton so our experiences there were sadly rather short and I felt rather unsettled by being moved about so much. However as always everyone was very welcoming and kind and as I've said earlier I'm planning to write more about my vocational visits at a later date.

We had a longer stay in Glen Innes however I think by this point we all felt rather frazzled. Luckily for us Jane Lawrence who was a member of the GSE team who came to Scotland was on hand to offer some support and an understanding ear. Also the Glen Innes Rotary were able to free up our programme to give us some free time to spend together so Lorraine, Iain and myself were able to experience a night out in Glen Innes.

The following day we moved into Stanthorpe and our final week ...

Updates - Jen

I have lots written in my notepad at the moment but am kind of lacking the energy to type them up. Mainly I think due to catching a cold - Australia is supposed to be warm and therfore no colds should be happening. I was so cold last night in Glen Innes I had to put on an extra t-shirt and a pair of socks!

Normal service will be resumed shortly I hope - in the meantime you can warm yourself with mental image of Lorraine and I recreating Evita on the blacony of Glen Innes Town Hall

I found this on the internet and it made me giggle

Yamba - the district conference

We arrived on friday night with fifteen minutes to get changed before dinner. We met loads of previous and future hosts as well as other gse team members. We finished up the night in the pub before retiring back to the convent (it was our accommodation and was a motel which was previously a convent) We were all a bit apprehensive about our presentation the next morning as there were hundreds of people attending. The presentation went well with no hicups and we could eventually relax enough to get breakfast. Heard a few more speakers than retired to the beach for some well deserved R&R. Got dressed for the pirates night which was interesting! Another late night but great fun. We had to keep up the Scottish reputation against some tough Ozzie competition. On sunday there were some amazing speakers which really opened your eyes to society. Overall a great weekend!

Lorraine week 2

Monday 24th

Went to the bush tucker farm where were were shown the native plants which provided food and medicines for natives. Was such a laugh. Met up with the Lebanese team. We were shown where they filmed I'm a celebrity get me out of here, although we didnt get to see much. Afternoon was spent on the beach where we saw sea bluebottles which try to sting you. Everything in this country wants to eat or hurt you! A relaxing afternoon topping up the tan

mark and the mermaids

After a fantastic meal cooked by Sandy, the evening finishes with Hugh and myself playing pool and sitting by the other pool with a few glasses of wine – during which time we put the world to rights!


Tuesday 18th March

Feeling a bit delicate this morning so the ideal time to go on a boa cruise. We leave on a 65ft boat and head up the Broadwater passing some spectacular scenery – not to mention houses on the way.

Plans to go ashore are knocked on the head when the small boat that is on the front of the big boat springs a leak as soon as it enters the water. Still the captain takes it well – better than I would have anyway!

After returning to sanctuary cove and everyone getting together for a few beers its home to pack as we are on the move again to our next hosts.

This is a fantastic trip but just when you are getting settled and making friends with your hosts and other club members it becomes time to move on!

Wednesday 19th
Our first breakfast meeting and another impressive venue – a lovely clubhouse of Hope Island Golf Course – feels like torture to be this close and not get to have a shot.

Once again the presentation is well received but it is becoming clear that Ian (boss) is becoming the star performer! Naturally witty and quick to respond to opportunities that present for a good ribbing!

On the way out of the presentation we see some kangaroos lying on the golf course enjoying the sun.

Next is a presentation by the Manager at Sanctuary Cove – a gated development of houses on free-hold land. The set up is very impressive in relation to what it is supposed to do. More spectacular houses, private security, golf courses and leisure centres and a shopping/ eatery complex with each house having a golf buggy to get around.

We see inside one house valued at $4.2million dollars and I feel a tug on my principles regarding wealth – I definitely could get used to living in a house like that – as some annoying American bloke used to say! It even has a wine room although why they put it next to stairs I don’t know – if I had it a stairlift or room in the bed would probably be required.

True to form the team all get excited when some (don’t know the collective term) Kangaroos appear! The poor creatures will be trying to recover from the camera flashes for a while.

After Sanctuary Cove, Debs take us onto Mermaid Beach and another presentation and handover to our new hosts.

Mermaid Beach Club
Once again the presentation is fine and we are pretty much sticking to time although I am sure there are several folk who never understood a word I said.

After the meeting we discover our leisure time has been replaced by a trip to a radio station!

C4 radio station is a charitable set up but nevertheless a full time operating station particularly targeting older people. It is interesting to discover that old people the world over have no taste in music as Daniel O’Donnell is among the most played artists. I also have a connection to the station manager – we both think ABBA are rubbish!

Warren returns us to our hosts and again my host’s residence is rather nice. I am staying with Alan (Cotty) & Lois Cotterel in an apartment on Main Beach. Alan is quite a character – and despite giving me 20 years I have to go some to keep up.

We “cruise” about is his sports car and he takes me around the Indy track also!
After dinner the 3 of us go for a walk – Alan is as nearly as fast on his legs as he is in the car.

We go around Surfers Paradise and visit a market before returning home. Australians seem to watch a lot of television – don’t know why that surprises me but it does! Maybe because it gets dark so quickly!

The next morning starts with Lois giving me a swimming lesson in the private indoor pool – the outside one is too cold!

Jennifer and I then get the opportunity to visit the Gold Coast Youth Services Team. It is a different structure to us, with only one community worker – a guy from Shawlands no less, although they do have good structures for involving young people in decision-making.

It is striking that despite being just about as far away from Glasgow as you can get the issues between young people and their communities are almost identical.

From the vocational visit we head to Alan’s Farm/ranch. This is where the participants of “I am a Celebrity get me out of here” get orientation training before being dropped in the jungle – a jungle that is 5km’s up the road and surrounded by houses and roads and tourist routes.

Thursday night a group of us visit the Outback Spectacular and have a good night. Iain, Lorraine and I take the chance to stay out and have a few beers. After visiting the Casino we head to Surfers.

Annoyed by drunken Irish men, violence in the streets and lots of drunks – just like being at home! With that in mind we head to the beach and go for a paddle. The tide comes in so fast we almost lose our shoes.

Despite being about 4am we ask a passer by to take our photo – the chap is from Hull – England – kind of sums up Surfers Paradise.

Next day is Easter Friday – tired and delicate after last night so what better than another boat ride! This time we head to South Stretty where Bob and Margo, Doc’s hosts have a holiday home.

For me this is the most impressive site so far – a fantastic house on a small sand island. Bob takes us for a drive in an open top van and we see iguanas, wallabies oh and a tarantula which decided to drop in or should that be on us.

We stop at a beautiful golden beach with almost nobody on it and we all take the opportunity for a quick swim – well as close as I would get!

Back in the house we have the most fantastic meal – Sharon would be so impressed with the amount of fruit and veg I am eating!

Bob’s son takes us all out on a jet ski and I have my first experience of being dragged around water at high speed on an inflatable ring – what fun despite being dunked!

Truly an ideal location and memorable day. I don’t think any of us wants to move on but needs must as once again it is time to move onto our next hosts.

Iain's Blog

What an amazing first 2weeks its been in Oz! From Body boarding and diving with Sharks to hearing some incredibly inspirational speakers at the District conference it seems like we've managed to cram a lifetimes worth of experiences into just 2weeks!

The programme has been jam packed full of visits to sugar mills, tea plantations, brewary tours as well as days touring the marina and then experiencing the high life cruising down the broadwater river system in a variety of boats!

My vocational visits have also been fun with trips to the local hospitals with a couple of future job prospects emphasising their desperation for doctors out here I think as every hospital I visit seems to find difficulty trying to recruit enough doctors. This is especially true of the Gold coast where the population is booming!

I also manged to visit pharmacists, Physiotherapists and particularly enjoyed my visit to a naturalists where I was almost sick after trying some of their tea to help boost my immune system. However I must admit it was an incredible afternoon spent with them and one of my most unusual and interesting visits so far.

Anyway gotta go on another vocational visit today to a GP practice, Physiotherapy dept and a well being health centre which should be interesting - not gonna drink any tea this time though!

week one part 2

Thursday 20th March



Spent the morning at Marymount College a catholic secondary school. It was really interesting to find out what they do in science. I was impressed by their range of extra curricular studies run by the science department. In the afternoon we went to Cotty's farm (owned by one of the Rotarians) We saw loads of animals including peacocks, birds, horses and poisonous spiders! In the evening we went to 'Outback Spectacular' a musical show which was really good fun - have the authentic cowboy hat to prove it. Iain, Mark and I then went for a cultural exchange in Surfers Paradise - aka a pub crawl which ended at four in the morning.



Friday 21st March



Got up early after a little sleep to go on a cruise of the broadwater. What a day! My favourite of so far! We sailed to South Stradbroke island to one of the hosts holiday house. We did a mini safari through swamps and bush to the far side of the island which was beautiful unspoilt pacific coast. We then headed back for a barbeque lunch then went jet skiiing and got pulled along in the doughnut. We also traipsed through the six star versace hotel with wet clothes and lots of bags. I'm sure we blended in!



Saturday 22nd March



Change of hosts today. We had lunch at greenmount surf club, then did a bit of sight seeing. Went for a wander around Murwillumbah then had an early night



Sunday 23rd March



Easter Sunday! Diagnosed by our medical colleague with laryngitis. Cant eat or drink anything - not even chocolate!. Iain managed to blag some antibiotics from the chemist. Went body boarding but it was really rough so I played in the baby waves with the body board. Had a barbeque at Anne and Jeffs where I did my best to join in but felt awful. Started to feel better though so have faith in Iains medical capabilities.

Mount Warning part 2 Jen's Blog

It's been rather difficult for the Mount Warning group to arrange any vocation visits as we're with them over the Easter break. But the visits that we've been on have been good fun.

I think we all enjoyed the opportunity to get together last night and be by ourselves - talk at our own pace and share some of our stories of Australia so far. We weren't out too late as it was Easter Sunday and the pub was closing early.

Monday we met up with the Middle East GSE Team and went to the Bush Tucker Garden. The guy told us about all his plants that he grows and how they are used in lots of different skin care products. I've bought some of his soap as I've developed a bit of a skin rash and am going to see if it can clear it up. We also had to hide from the rain in the barn as there was a rather sudden downpour. Don't be smug about us getting rained on though. The main difference with this and our usual state of dampness as this rain was warm.

That evening ourselves and the Middle East Team had to do a joint presentation to members from several different clubs of Murwillumbah. It was interesting to see another GSE presentation and see how they differed.

Mount Warning - Jen's Blog Part 2

Easter Sunday - first official "rest day" in fact it might be our only one the way the programme gets filled up.

Iain and Lorraine went body boarding
Ian and Mark went golfing
I went shopping :o)

That evening we all went for a meal and then to the pub The Imperial - it was painted pink so I guess that makes it a Pink Imperial - it was the first chance we'd had as a team to get together on our own so it was a lovely evening.

Mount Warning - Jen's Blog

Easter Saturday - team meeting means presentation tweak. We're getting better. It's a hard balance trying to make sure what we're saying has all the information in that we want and that we have enough time to speak clearly and slowly so everyone can understand us.

I don't think so far we've have a totally trouble free presentation on the IT side of things which always gets me a bit anxious. It's interesting to see the difference reactions from people to different parts of the video - we're going to put the video up here at some point but not until after all our presentations as we don't want to ruin the surprise.

Anyhoo, New hosts time. I wished farewell to Rod and Janette and met with Carol and Nigel from Mount Warning at Greenmount Surf Club. Whilst we were having lunch the club was over ran with loads of people wearing bright pink t-shirts. Being nosey I asked what there were up to and found out that they were on a fundraising pub crawl to raise funds for their local surf lifeguards - I happen to think this is a good fundraising plan and will be bringing it up at the next meeting that's looking for ideas. Mark and I both bought t-shirts and were dragged in for a team picture. So we are now honorary surfer dudes.

Mermaid Beach Part 2 - Jen's Blog

I know it's going to be a bit confusing with all our blogs piled in and also the fact that Mark, Iain and I all share a login but hopefully it is all making sense. I also want to apologise for the lack of pictures on the blog at the moment - I thought about bringing my connection to download from my camera but in the rush to remember everything that was one of the things that slipped my mind.

Anyway following the vocational visit we visited Cotty's Horse Farm which Cotty informed us was were the I'm A Celebrity people done their training the year Jordan and all that lot were in so we heard lots of tales about that. In the evening we were all taken to the Outback Spectacular show which had horse stunts, camel riding - I didn't realise that camels were used for farming in Australia! and some singing and dancing. It was very entertaining and the yellow hats and the red hats were played off against each other like in panto.

Good Friday - another day another boat cruise. It's going to be difficult I think for us to persuade people that we're having a hard time! We all had a chance to swim in the ocean and were taken a tour round the island on the back of a truck. It was on the truck that a huge spider landed on the roof - Rod (my host) flicked it away onto the ground and then told us it was a tarantula!

Ozopens its doors - Mark's Blog

First presentation goes OK although the boss is a bit concerned by time - we are running over - but nevertheless the film is well received!

Fantastic food from a BBQ a cuddle from a snake - hopefully the last one I will experience and John leads us on an evening walk around Springbrook Heritage area.

A fantastic opportunity to be led by some one so knowledgeable (no offence to Farmer Ian) and we see some fantastic sights - trapdoor spiders, Wait-a-whiles and the most spectacular sight of a cave lit by thousands of glow worms!

I am on the end of plenty of ribbing about being a "big feartie" for bugs and spiders and snakes and basically anything that crawls - what with that and my swimming my macho man image is taking a doin!


After a relatively restless night the morning starts with a trip organised by the Coomera River Midday Club to the Gold Coast City Marina.

Hugh (my host) has a boat in storage and there are some spectacular ones on display - the two most striking features are that the entire Marina complex did not exist 7 years ago and that one company Riviera offers 220 apprentice places to young people - one company offers more than the whole of East Renfrewshire combined.

The Marina is also very conscious of the environmental impact of its business and takes special measures to maximise the use of recycled water and minimise any damage caused by oil spills.

Debs takes us on a tour of the immediate area around the Marina and we drop in on some Rotarian colleagues for tea and biscuits (tim-tams I think they are called - a poor imitation of a penguin!)

The next stop is a brewery visit during which we are led by Peter who is a member of the Oz GSE team heading out to the middle east. A really knowledgeable and friendly guy and it is easy to see why he was picked. The trip finishes with the opportunity to pour our own pints! Despite not working in a pub for a fair few years the old magic is still there.

Pleased to say that Australian Fosters is nicer than the water they serve in Glasgow!

The brewery also provide a fantastic lunch and already I can see that food is going to feature heavily during this trip - just as well I lost all that weight before heading out!

Week One (first half)

Wow what a whirlwind week it has been. We have been kept out of mischief by some really busy schedules.

We arrived in Brisbane on Sunday morning to be whisked away to our hosts homes. I was staying with a young family called the Rebgetz's who had three young children. We were thrown in the deep end with our first (unknown to us) presentation which we delivered at Springbrook World Heritage Centre in the Numinbah Valley. Once we finished the presentation we were greeted by an 8ft carpet python which was dangled around our necks (i'd love to say it was wild but it was tame). They told us it was on a diet and hadn't eaten for six months which made us slightly apprehensive but I was shown up by a four year old and relented. We then visited a Natural Arch which was home to glow worms which light up the cave at night. A sight to behold and much more impressive than I expected.

Next day (still no jet lag!) we were taken to the Gold Coast City marina where were wowed by the size and variety of boats. We were then taken to the Yatala brewery (they know us so well) where we got to see some behind the scene (and bar action!)

On Tuesday we had a strenuous day cruising down the broadwater in a russian millionaires boat (no I'm not kidding!) It had more bedrooms than my house! The weather was lovely and the company was not bad either.

On wednesday we had a bit of a change in pace because we actually had some work to do. A breakfast meeting and presentation to give meant we were up before six. We then went to a Property development site where we were shown around the show homes. We were allowed inside one of them (they obviously didn't know of our reputations or the fact that between the five of us we couldn't afford one!) It cost $4.2 million and was pretty spectacular. We also bought tickets in a raffle to win one (fat chance).

I know we are a bit behind but it is so difficult to find time to sit at piece for five minutes because there is so much going on. I will update more asap (ok mum!) but other people need to use the computer. I promise I have actually done some school stuff (honest)

Mermaid Beach

first move of hosts, it's a bit of a pity that your only just getting relaxed and getting to know your hosts and you have to move on again.

We were given revised programmes by Mermaid Beach and the scheduled leisure time was now a visit to a radio station. They were going to interview us on air but the station manager wasn't sure if people could understand our accents. The station was quite chuffed as now apparently the Beatles are considered easy listening so they can be played. There's also apparently a big demand for Daniel O'Donnell songs

Thursday everyone went on their first vocational visit. I've really been looking forward to this bit. Mark, Ian and I all met with the Gold Coast City Council youth worker which was really interesting. There's herself and a part time staff member that work for the local council. It appeared to me that a large part of the face to face services are provided outwith the local authority. It was interesting to discuss the issues that young people face and also interesting to see that the large majority of these issues we similar for GC young people and young people from Inverclyde. the GCCC also run a youth council for local young people so maybe a wee exchange could be an option

days 3and 4

thankfully we appear to be being broken in gently. Today we had a cruise on an exceedingly fancy boat who's owner is the CEO of a Russian Oil Company. In the afternoon I also managed to meet up with my e-mail chum who I'd never met before so we had a nice chat, cuppa tea and my first taste of Tim Tams - the closest I can compare them too is Penguins the biccie not the black and white bird.

Hideously early start on day 4 as we have a presentation to a breakfast rotary club, fortunately the presentation has been going down well, although I still think there's probably some tweaking to do. A lady from Germany told me she struggled to understand what we were saying so we'll probably have to try and slow down a bit. Although we are also being told that we're a bit over with time.

Following the presentation and me getting the chance to admire a Bentley Continental that was parked in the car park we were taken to Sanctuary Cove where we saw our first live kangaroos and also had a good look round a $4.2 million house. It was very nice although we're more keen for one of us to win the prize home that Debbie took us too and we all bought tickets for.

Day 2 - By Jen

Following a not bad sleep although rather warm I awoke to the first full day of GSEing. Our first trip was to the Gold Coast city marina, where we received the first of what is turning out to be many hats. We were shown the large hanger that people can store their boats in and also we found out about their water recycling policy that means that any water used in the marina can be processed and used to irrigate the site.

We were due to have a team meeting at this point but it got rather lost. We were then taken on a tour of Yatala Brewery that was lead by Peter who is part of the GSE Team who will be going to the Middle East although they won't be allowed to attend the district conference out there as it is going to be held in Lebanon. Anyway we learned that all the yeast from that factory goes to make Vegemite - which I haven't tried yet and then we had a go at pulling our own pint, which if I can boast actually came out quite well and I actually drank it all which is an achievement - if that's the right word - as I don't like beer normally for those that are interested I had the Pure Blond

Marks Blog

Friday 14th March

6am arrival at Glasgow Airport and one of only two parts of the trip that I am not looking forward to (the flight out and the flight home) begins.

No dramas and we are off!

What was I saying about no dramas? Advised at Heathrow that we need visas to enter Australia despite Ian (Jimmy) being advised to the contrary. Panic sets in at the thought of turning back – but all’s well that ends well as we are able to buy them at the boarding desk but in doing so officially become the last people to board.

What’s a few minutes when you have 20 hours ahead?

Saturday 15th March
Flight was not as gruelling as I had anticipated – few films, few chapters of a book and a few sleeps and we arrive in Melbourne. Despite being midnight it is still hot – things are boding well on the weather front.

Chapter two of the drama begins as Iain (Doc) baggage fails to arrive! Airport staff can’t tell where or when it got lost!

Off to a motel for a few hours shut eye before catching the connection to Brisbane – hopefully Iain’s stuff will have turned up by then although I would not put my money on it.

At least he has been given a toilet bag (females) to get him through the night!

Sunday 16th
Another day - another flight! Unfortunately no bags but Iain is taking it well – well in the sense of better than me! I would have been slightly angrier!

After a short flight we receive a fantastic and warm reception including large banner from Rotarians including our host families at Brisbane airport.

The girls are presented with flowers and the boys with beer holders – hopefully a sign of things to come!!

Lorraine and I go with Hugh Dickson to our accommodation. Our bags barely touch the ground before we are on the move again to our first presentation.

We tour the Springbrook World Heritage Listed Area and see some fantastic waterfalls and my first Australian lizard – or something that counts as a lizard to a Glasgow city boy.

Within the Springbrook area there is the Numinbah Valley Environmental Education Centre. Young people can come for anything between a day and 4 days to learn about the local environment, plant and animal life. It is a fantastic set up which must provide a platform which can only serve to inspire young people to learn.

As well as school children, the centre also support s university students to do fieldwork and Jim (Rebgetz) our guide and Lorraine’s host informs that it has also been used for expedition type journeys for young people similar to the Duke of Edinburgh programme that I manage at home.

Day one and I already have a reason to come back!

Arriving

I'll probably write some more about the journey at some point but this entry is going to cover my time with our first host club of Coomera River. Our hosts and some representatives from District came to greet us as we disembarked from the Plane with flowers and banners and tinny holders or the boys. Slightly after us another group of GSE students were arriving from the Middle East so some of our welcome committee had to run off and meet their plane.

I was billeted with Deborah and Stewart who are the parents of the president of Coomera River Midday Zoe. Coomera River is the youngest club in Australia having only been set up in November and they also have the youngest president in Zoe who is 27.

One our arrival we had the chance to quickly dump our luggage and head off to the Nurminbah Valley where we were told we would have to give our presentation which we were expecting to do until the following day.

The presentation seemed to go down quite well, I couldn't see anyone yawning and we manged to show everything that we couldn't at the district meeting due to over running. I think the changes have helped but I feel like there's still some more polishing I could do.

After that we met a 6 foot python who hadn't been fed for 6 months and for some silly reason we all decided to pose with her round our necks! Luckily her owner was nearby and she didn't wrap herself too tightly round my neck.

That evening we decided to forgo the early night and go for a walk round the natural arch where we got to visit the glow worms, in their little cave it looked a bit like Santa's grotto.

The journey part 2

Hong Kong to Melbourne takes another 10 hours. I unfortunately had someone in the seat in front of me who pushed their seat so far back I could hardly move. They also got their wife to tell me off when I got up to the toilet as I woke them up - anyway. Again the flight continued in a blur of food and films and we disembarked at Melbourne airport.

As we wandered in there was a large vodafone advert about speaking the local language and had pictures of tinnies and thongs but the one that amused us the most was the guy in tight swimming trunks that are called budgie smugglers!

updating

I have lots more to write but not alot of time to do so. Also I have reminded the other members of the team that it's not just my blog so hopefully they'll add to it as well.

Made it!

We all gathered at "oh hell" o'clock on Friday morning and began our journey down under. I was rather smug to find that my suitcase was much lighter than the boys, although I may come to regret this at a later point.

Dr Iain, - we are now using Dr and Farmer to distinguish between the two when we're talking about them. I know that it's not really required in the blog as they are spelt differently but it will make more sense to the people we've met that are reading - anyway. Dr Iain spent some time tieing his kilt to his suitcase as to have 2 bags on the flight would have cost him an extra 75 pounds. I am typing up on my host family computer and have just realised that there's no pound sign.

Anyway eventually we were on our way. Glasgow to London passed uneventfully enough. Then it was the biggie a 10 hour flight to Hong Kong. I've managed to see more films on this trip that I have in the previous 6 months. Although with this comment I don't include the scary film festival I went to in the Glasgow Film Theatre as there were quite a few films on at that.

Also on these long haul flights they seem to try and take your mind off the time but constantly feeding you. 3 course meals, choc ices, mints, raisins, kit kats they all just kept coming.

At Hong Kong we had to leave the plane although we were travelling on to Melbourne on it. At this point we were beginning to wonder if we had left Glasgow at all or if it was all a strange hoax and they had just changed the signs. Anyway after the lady at the airport put a little tick on our boarding card we were allowed back on the plane

Nearly time

Well this time next week I shall be no doubt be checking my suitcase for the 49th time to ensure that I haven't forgotten anything. I would like to say that I'm organised however I fear that would be a lie.

I have a list - which always makes me feel better. Thanks to Lorraine I've been able to cross "get travel adaptor" off of it but other than that the only think I've been able to cross off is "make video" and "buy socks" my backside will have to get into action rather quickly I think.

My local Rotary invited me to lunch last week to speak to them about the trip and have also provided me with banners and postcards to present whilst we are there and it was at that point that how quickly everything has came around hit me. The Rotary also invited the local newspaper The Greenock Telegraph to come and interview me about the trip. When I was stocking up on my socks today the last that served me said " your going to Australia aren't you?" I was suprised that she could tell this from footwear but she pointed out that she had read about it in the paper. She hasn't been the only person to mention it and it's been really nice when people have stopped me to say that they read the story and wanted to wish me well. The only downside is that all the young peope of Inverclyde now know my true age and no amount of me insisiting it was a misprint will distract them from this fact.

We are doing a dry run of our presentation to the District Rotary meeting on Wednesday in Erskine and then on Firday at 7.30am the adventure begins ...

Biographies

To give you a bit more information about me here's the biography that I submitted to the GSE

Jennifer is 31 years old and currently works as Dialogue Youth Co-ordinator for Inverclyde, where she was born and brought up.

She achieved a BA (Hons) in Social Policy from Paisley University and then completed a PGCE in Youth and Community Work at Brunel University whilst she worked as the Youth Council Development Officer for the London Borough of Hillingdon.

On completing her Post-Grad she returned to Inverclyde to take up a post as a Youth Support Worker with Inverclyde Council Social Work Department.She has been involved in youth activities and volunteering from a young age being involved in the Guide Association as a young person and then later as a Rainbow Guider. During this time she also worked as a Care Assistant for the elderly and for adults with learning difficulties. Her work in setting up the ZODIAC youth information project led to her being invited to Hollyrood Palace in 2000 as a Young Scottish Achiever.

Her work gives her the opportunity to develop her interests in youth participation and involvement and she works with many local groups of young people to encourage them to get involved in the decision making process. In her spare time Jennifer enjoys attempting to learn how to play various instruments including guitar, accordion however her main talent unfortunately seems to be for the recorder. She has also recently joined a Bollywood dance class in the hope of improving her co-ordination. Jennifer also enjoys photography and is often seen at events and occasions with a camera close at hand, she finds this has an added benefit as it means she can avoid appearing in the photos. She also enjoys making videos some of which feature her own puppet creations.

Jennifer enjoys going to the theatre, concerts and comedy shows as well as visiting museums. She enjoys history particularly spooky stories about local areas and folk tales and has been know to conduct midnight ghost tours around Inverclyde.

She is close to her family and enjoys spending time with her 2 year old niece, who is a great reason to watch lots of musicals with, a particular favorite for them both being Annie.

A bit of background

Hi there,

Well, the blog is looking a bit plain at the moment so I guess the responsibility falls to me to change that.

I'm Jennifer and I'm sponsored to take part in this Group Study Exchange by the Greenock Rotary Club. The other 3 members of the team have been sponsored by their local Rotary Clubs and we're also being accompanied on the trip by Ian who is going as our team leader. We'll be flying out to Australia in March to represent Rotary Disctrict 1230 http://rotary.blackcase.com/

The Rotary Foundation’s Group Study Exchange (GSE) program is a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for business people and professionals between the ages of 25 and 40 who are in the early stages of their careers. The program provides travel grants for teams to exchange visits in paired areas of different countries. For four to six weeks, team members experience the host country's culture and institutions, observe how their vocations are practiced abroad, develop personal and professional relationships, and exchange ideas.

We'll be visiting Rotary District 9640 http://www.rotary9640.org/ which covers South East Queensland and North East New South Wales. Giving presentations and also visiting different projects and places related to our own particular areas of work. All really exciting stuff!

The plan of this blog is to keep everyone updated about what we're up to whilst we're out there and also give you a bit of background into the preparation we'll be doing as well.

We hope you will enjoy it.