Four members of our club flew to Brisbane (February 2008) and arrived in a tropical downpour which saw us bumper to bumper travel from Brisbane airport to Redcliffe at 40km/hr. Not a good start! Everything improved after that stressful beginning – the weather was great during the days of the conference and the social interaction was just as good.

The Conference had a total of 218 members present and Perth is hoping for an equally good number next year when they are hosting.

A novel innovation the Australian conference was the inclusion of a Rock (with a name on it) in each persons' conference information bag. The Rock name was to become a 'rock friend' and it was up to us all to find that person, introduce ourselves and discover something about each other. I was fortunate to have a great lady of long standing Friendship Force membership, have me as her Rock friend – here's to more meetings between us, Gloria. My own Rock friend was the delightful Kay from Tamworth – hope to meet up again at the 2010 Conference.

On Thursday the Council was addressed by George Brown. There were various reports and the notices of motion were discussed.

The motion concerning a proposed formal program for domestic exchanges was carried.

The motion re exchanges to parts of the world when there is a DAFT warning was carried with amendments.

The domestic fees motion was carried and a recommendation will go to FFI.

Although the motion concerning humanitarian aid failed, Tweed Valley club actions in their efforts to build a school in Tanzania was wholeheartedly endorsed by all.

The guest speakers were interesting and relevant. The keynote speaker, Dr. Neil Flanagan, spoke about attitudes to life and ageing. His book "Blink" is a great read!

A point discussed by George Brown was the idea of 'theme' exchanges which includes special interest groups such as quilters, teachers, gardeners etc. George also made a point of the fact that you don't invite potential members to a meeting – invite them to a social function as their introduction to Friendship Force.

The entertainment provided during the Conference was first rate. The Redcliffe High school singers and band were exceptional – especially the lead singer. The younger Sharon Alback Junior Dancers were very talented also.

Highlight of the entertainment was Neil Stallard, a well-known bush poet, who had us all rolling around the floor with laughter at the final dinner. "Waltzing Matilda" will never be the same to any of us, I am sure – we will all remember the Japanese version.

If you have not made the effort or been unable to attend an Australian Conference before, I highly recommend that you seriously consider attending the Perth (Freemantle) conference in 2009 and also Tamworth in 2010.