Mount Gambier welcomed twenty four ambassadors from Lethbridge, Alberta on Sunday 2nd November 2008 after they had travelled by bus from Adelaide. New friendships started that night, certainly they did at Beth's who hosted a small dinner party that I (ED Neville) attended.

We had an early start on Monday with a visit to the limestone quarry then on to Port MacDonnell to see the Maritime Museum. Lunch in the bush retreat at Ningana Springs was most relaxed and we managed to dodge the weather with only a brief use of umbrellas.

All enjoyed the walk through the bush after lunch and our visitors were able to experience some of the flora and fauna unique to our district. The apple feeding of the possum in its tree home and the close-up encounter with a copperhead snake were highlights of the walk.

The day concluded with a visit to a lobster processor where we saw the size-graded lobsters in the holding tanks and learned how they are packed and shipped to China. The opportunity to buy fresh cooked lobster for dinner that night quickly saw the tub empty!

Tuesday being Melbourne Cup day was a free day. A number of hosts and ambassadors attended one of the lunches around the city while others took the opportunity to relax or visit local venues.

On Wednesday the ambassadors experienced the Lady Nelson Visitor Centre and the Blue Lake Pumping Station tour – always a highlight. With ideal weather we enjoyed a BBQ lunch at the Valley Lake after the late arrival of the meat (who forgot to pick it up – I'm guilty). Thanks to Roger and Robin for their help.

The rose planting and Mayoral reception, especially the Canadian theme in the afternoon tea, impressed our visitors. Our City Council certainly excels with these events.

That evening our members hosted small group dinners, which were a great success. At our home Charlie and Erika Hilz provided great entertainment with their lively repartee across the table. I think it ended with an invitation for Charlie to visit Lethbridge!

Thursday started with a forest visit at Compton where local forester, Lew Parsons, gave an extremely informative presentation on the history and practice of plantation forestry in our region. Even we locals learnt a lot.

The Tantanoola Cave experience was enjoyed by the ambassadors. After a drive by the wind farms we arrived at the Limestone Coast Trout Farm in Millicent where had a tour of the facility followed by a fish lunch. The last visit of the day was to the Holla-Fresh herb farm where we were able to walk through the growing houses and ended up with samples of fresh picked basil and coriander. The fully automated growing facility was most impressive.

On Friday we continued with the timber industry theme with a visit to see clear felling of a pine plantation. Once again our guide was Lew Parsons who had arranged for hard hats and safety vests so we could get up close to the tree harvester. For many this was the highlight of the day, including a group of kangaroos casually passing through.

We had a tea and coffee break in the park at Penola in rather blustery weather followed by a walk of the shops. The antique/bric-a-brac store was popular and saw a few purchases to go back to Canada. With the weather deteriorating we journeyed on to Bourne's Bird Museum at Bool Lagoon where we enjoyed lunch and a tour of the unique collection of some of the 550 specimens, which Jack Bourne has preserved.

A visit to Rymill's Winery on our way home gave our ambassadors the opportunity to have a "Coonawarra wine experience". Back in Mount Gambier after a quick scrub up we had dinner and a fellowship night at Woodlands. A great night – thanks Moira for organizing this. A fitting end to the week's activities.

We said farewell at an informal dinner on Saturday night where we had a young singer, Saon Phelan (12 year old), perform the Canadian and Australian anthems. The other highlight of the evening was Annette's tuition of the didgeridoo song and her yarn spinning. A great night had by all.

On cue the team from Lethbridge left at 8.30am Sunday morning by bus for their journey to Melbourne and then on to Howick N.Z.

Thanks to all our members for their support and participation in what has been a most enjoyable journey (alias exchange).