FAREWELL FROM BAIRNSDALE

Rotarians John Nelson and Ted Lowe and the support team, Rotarian Terry White and Lois White, were farewelled by President, Bruce Quennell, District 9820 DG Ray Martin and East Gippsland Shire Council's Group Manager-Council and Community Services, John Websdale at a ceremony held at the Rotunda in Main Street in Bairnsdale on Wednesday 26th May 2004.

President of Rc Of Mitchell River ,Bruce Quennell,
farewelling John and Ted.
DG Ray Martin is in the background and MC John Butler.

The support vehicle team left for Darwin immediately with the bicycles and tour riders departed on 2nd June and were welcomed by Rotarian Frank Mill, formerly of Bairnsdale and a member of Rotary Clubs of Mitchell River and Bairnsdale Sunrise.

Lois White, John Nelson, Ted Lowe and Terry White

Terry and Lois stopped at Katherine for the morning to discuss the Ride with Merrayln Stopp and the incoming President Kerry of Rotary Club of Katherine.
Before leaving Bairnsdale, John was interviewed by WIN -TV and by Red Symons on ABC Radio - Melbourne.
After arriving in Darwin John and Ted were travelling 60 km per day in 32C heat as they prepared for the Australia West Coast Bike Ride. They attended Dinner Meetings of the Rotary Clubs of Darwin North and Darwin South.

THE TEAM HAS COMMENCED THE RIDE TO "HELP THE CHILDREN HEAR"

Today, Sunday 14th June the team were invited to attend a Greek Festival in Darwin and were given a spot to promote the ride. This resulted in over $400.00 being donated to the Bionic Ear Institute and many pamphlets being given out.
John was interviewed by WIN -TV.

Finally the team was farewelled by the Mayor of Darwin and they finally made camp 40km down the road and plan to be up early to try and make up a little time. They did plan to be in Adelaide River but the invitation was too good to refuse.

The Rotary Club of Mitchell River says a BIG thank you to past member Frank Mills for his support in Darwin. Frank was the organiser of the previous ride before his transfer to Darwin.

Team can be contacted on : 0429 855 017 or tl_white@dodo.com.au
Contact the Club's web page : www.mrrc.org.au/bikeride

A Rotary Club on route who has not indicated their support for the project can contact John Butler - ajejbutler@ozemail.com.

Yours in Rotary,

John Butler
Secretary
Rotary Club of Mitchell River (Bairnsdale),
P.O. Box 566, Bairnsdale, Victoria 3875.