Eight ambassadors from the Mount Gambier Friendship Force Club were recently hosted by the Brisbane Friendship Force Club for a week’s exchange.

On arrival they were shuttled from the airport to a member’s home for a welcome lunch.

The following day started with a visit to the Abbey church and museum where members inspected many beautiful stained glass windows some of which dated as far back as the 1400s having being transported from England.

The museum housed a priceless collection of antiquities and fine art from around the world.

Some of the ambassadors then took a short trip to Bribie Island.

The next day started at Brisbane’s Southbank where some members took a ride on the Wheel of Brisbane and others ventured to markets and visited the many museums in the area, while some also took the opportunity to ride on the City Cat by night under lights.

The visit continued as members visited Anzac Square and Memorial Galleries which gave a deep understanding of Queensland’s military history.

On the way to the next stop the group made a slight detour to the Cathedral of St Stephen where a wooden sculpture of Mary MacKillop was on display.

They also visited the Cross River Rail Experience Centre which focuses on showing in digital enhancement and a 270 degrees reality theatre the enormous project of building a 10.2km rail line which includes 5.9km of twin tunnels under the Brisbane River and the CBD.

A visit to the Summerland camel farm on a picturesque setting near Harrisville enabled the ambassadors to learn the history of the farm and its several income streaming ventures which include camel milk, feta cheese, a range of skin care products and several camel meat alternatives.

The farm has 500 camels on the property with select breeding stock and some used exclusively for camel rides.

The following and final day members wore their club shirts when they visited Government House.

They were given a comprehensive tour by local guides on the history, previous governors and the present Governor Jeannette Young who was given the role for her tireless work as chief medical officer for Queensland during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Indigiscapes at Capabala was the group’s final excursion, incorporating an environmental educational centre with nature trails, botanical gardens and a new discovery centre.

The group’s visit ended with a sit down dinner at the home of Diane and Mal Gill where thanks and farewells were given to complete what was a fantastic visit to the northern city.

The Mount Gambier Club is now preparing for journeys from the Sunshine Coast in the first week of October and also its first overseas incoming journey since the start of the pandemic from the San Francisco club in early November.