22 Wellington ambassadors arrived from their week in Melbourne via the Great Ocean Road at 4:30pm on 27th April 2008. This would be the start of a great week when new and lasting friendships were formed.

Monday 28th April: Although the weather was a little inclement, the exchange got off to a good start with a visit to the Blue Lake Aquifer Tours followed by a delicious welcome lunch at the Commercial Hotel. The group were very impressed with the Lady Nelson Visitor and Discovery Centre as they concluded the first day's activities.

Tuesday 29th April: Today began with an excursion to the limestone quarries where manager, Colin Cram, explained the origin of limestone in this area. Many shells and fossils were seen in some of the blocks on view. We then witnessed the cutting of the ashlars with the tungsten cutters. We then moved onto the "Claypit" to look at how local potter, Trevor, makes his wares. Local TV station, WIN, attended at this venue and Wellington ED, Miles and I, were interviewed for the nightly news broadcast. A pizza and fruit lunch was then enjoyed in Vansittart Park before everyone went off to enjoy a free afternoon.

Wednesday 30th April: Port MacDonnell area this day. First stop Port MacDonnell museum which gave a very informative insight into all the shipwrecks on our immediate coastline. Then onto the best kept secret in the South East, Ningana Eco bushwalk. All members enjoyed a picnic lunch before embarking on the short or long walk under the guidance of owner and passionate environmentalist, Lyn Jones. Local member, Leonie vande Gumster, was surprised with a birthday cake for her 75th birthday. Donald Feast's car collection was our last official visit. Chrysler Valiants were the order of the day with some very interesting side collections also on view.

Thursday 1st May: In what was to be a very busy exchange day we began with a visit to the small but impressive Tantanoola Caves with all it's beautiful formations. The Worm Works was next on the agenda where Terry Gay explained in detailed the workings of recycling (just about anything) and showed the group the value of worms in our environmentalist challenge of day. At the Limestone Coast Trout Farm we saw the farming operation, trout filleting and enjoyed a meal of fish 'n ' chips for lunch. Holla-Fresh proved to be an excellent lesson in hydroponics with the different ways of growing herbs and the value of using treated water and we were lucky enough to be given some fresh herb samples.

Mayor, Steve Perryman, and Wellington ED, Miles Maitland, planted the traditional rose (this year Mount Gambier Gold) at the mayoral reception. All ambassadors were presented with a gift bag from the City of Mount Gambier followed by a delicious scone afternoon tea.

Friday 2nd May: 38 Friendship Force members headed north on a bus with the first port of call to the historical town of Penola. After morning tea everyone was free to explore the town before departing for Bournes' Bird Museum. With over 300 Australian species to look at it certainly was an impressive display. After lunch Jack Bourne treated the group to the preparation and stuffing of a crow (not one of the Adelaide Crows!!!!!). After a short visit to Mini Jumbuk and Yulgilbar Redgum gallery it was onto the ever popular Rymills Winery for photos and wine tasting to complete another busy day.

Saturday 3rd May: Today was our free day with some ambassadors choosing to catch up on washing or lost sleep while others took the chance to go to the local market, shopping or visit more caves.

ED, Miles, took the opportunity to go tuna fishing with host Noel and was successful catching five tuna. In the evening the farewell dinner was held at the home of Julienne Feast where all present were treated to some of the delicious local cuisine and ED's, Miles from the Wellington club and Marg from the local club talked about the visit and thanked those concerned. Mount Gambier FF president, Glenys, also spoke congratulating the two ED's on a very successful exchange. Wellington group offered a reciprocal visit sometime in the future.

Sunday 4th May: 8:30am, after many thanks and sad farewells the group departed for the third leg of their exchanges via the scenic coastal route to Adelaide.

Some of the moments to be remembered.

Host Lis was making a banana pudding and just before serving wondered why it had not set (did not add flour).

Wellington ambassador Bob walked around all day with a name tag on (didn't realize that he had put his wife Judith's name on instead). Received the "Richard" award for this faux pas.

ED Miles was very impressed with the Woodlands Grove retirement village. He is considering moving there (because of the cheap liquor prices at the bar!!!!!).

During the visit two locals and two visitors celebrated birthdays and one from each group celebrated their wedding anniversary on the same day.

The only thing left to be said was that it was an extremely successful and memorable exchange.