GSE 9680 New Jersey 2008

News update from Evan

2010-06-12T18:11:00.002+10:00

Hello Rotarians of New Jersey as well as few Down Under.

Just to give you all an update

I became a Paul Harris Fellow last October and just last week I was made a Honorary Rotarian of St Ives Rotary Club. I am still in St Ives Rotaract and will be the incoming DRR "Rotaract DG" for 2010-2011

My wife Barbara will also be inducted into Rotary at the end of this month at Turramaurra Rotary.

Hope you are all well.

And if there is any of you going to the International Convention in Montreal I will see you there

Cheers Big Evan
GSE 2008 D9680 Sydney, Australia

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T09:20:00.001+11:00

Merry Christmas from Santa (Evan) and Barbara Burrell we hope that you enjoy the festive season and have a great 2010

Evan on TV part 3

2009-11-28T20:10:00.000+11:00

Me on TV part 3 check it out

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WM4koI-agXI

Evan on TV part 2

2009-11-28T20:08:00.003+11:00

Here is part 2 of me on TV please click my youtube video enjoy!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUxZGICRdkQ

Evan's on TV!!!

2009-11-21T10:50:00.003+11:00

Hello Everyone

Just a update. Looks like Hans and Otto led to my new TV career. I appeared on a Survivor type show called Island Wars filmed in the Cook Islands, click the YouTube link and enjoy my best bits from the show

Cheers Evan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofsFfkm7s9g

Good news from the land down under

2008-11-10T21:32:00.002+11:00

To My New Jersey friends I thought I would just share some good news from the land down under. My wife and I are expecting our first child in May next year so I think the 6 weeks away and the run up the Philly steps may of done the trick thanks New Jersey!!!!!

Cheers Evan

Hello to all our friends in New Jersey

2008-09-18T18:38:00.002+10:00

Hello to everybody in District 7500. The team have been busy getting on with life in the hustle and bustle of Sydney. We have presented to many Rotary clubs in District 9680 over the last few months about our exchange and the people we met and the fun things we experienced. Our presentations have all been very well received particularly the "Han's and Otto" commentary (look out for the Han's and Otto Australian tour coming soon)
Again thank you to all the people we met and the experiences we shared.

ps if I gave my business cards out to anyone?? my email address was wrong it said "bigbond" instead of "bigpond" so if you would like to contact me please email eburrell@bigpond.net.au

Cheers Evan

Farewell Night Pics

2008-05-08T18:31:00.005+10:00

Hey well we are all back home safely and again thank you so much district 7500. Here are a few pics from the farewell night enjoy!!.

Hans and Otto's farewell

2008-04-24T03:18:00.003+10:00

Well the team is living it up in New York and we had such a great time in NJ but it has come to an end so i will leave it up to Hans, Otto and Uncle Fritz to say good bye. please click link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyVp-MaPy-w check back in a few weeks and I will upload more pictures of our adventures on flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/34424343@N00/

Atlantic City

2008-04-19T12:59:00.000+10:00

Well Michael and Evan went for a day trip down to the casinos at Atlantic city and played the high rollers room at Ceasers we also had the world famous chicken wings at Hooters restaurant where the wings were spicy and the Hooters girls even spicier

Thank You District 7500!!!

2008-04-18T20:43:00.000+10:00

The team would like to thank all the Rotarian's of 7500 for hosting us, and organising us and for putting up with all of our shenanigans. It was a great farewell dinner last night and it was great to see all our friends. PS keep an eye on my flickr account because I will be updating some more photos from our adventure.

Relaxing at Brendan's

2008-04-18T16:00:00.001+10:00

As the GSE adventure comes to a conclusion, some team members took advantage of nature's best in Toms River and relaxed on Pine Lake on a sunny Friday afternoon. Thanks Brendan!

Bad Boys, Bad Boys Watcha Gonna Do When They Come For You

2008-04-18T10:38:00.001+10:00

Evan and Lou had a tour of the Manchester Police station by Officer Dan where we learned all about crime and the battle against it in the county. We also got arrested and spent a few hours in the slammer

Pictures from the GSE trip

2008-04-17T15:28:00.002+10:00

Hey there I have posted many pictures of our GSE adventures on my (Evan's) flickr account. If you are interested please click the link and check them out. http://flickr.com/photos/34424343@N00/

The American Ashes

2008-04-16T18:49:00.001+10:00

Today Bill and Christina Fox hosted a party for the GSE Team where the first test match between Australia and the USA took place. The game ended in a draw due to bad light stopping play.

Longwood Gardens

2008-04-16T08:28:00.000+10:00

I had an amazing trip to Longwood Gardens in Delaware but pictures tell more than words enjoy!

You Scream I Scream we all Scream for Icecream

2008-04-15T21:09:00.000+10:00

Well dont ask and dont judge!!!. Thank you Rotarian Bill owner and operator of Holiday Icecream when I asked for a "large" icecream that was it "Only in America" oh and Lou gushed over her chocolate icecream aswell. Bugger the diet I say.

A Visit to the USS New Jersey

2008-04-15T14:09:00.000+10:00

The team had a Village People moment you know "In the Navy" by visiting the USS New Jersey. What an amazing place so rich in history, the New Jersey is notable for having earned the most battle stars for her combat actions. The battleship was huge but the bunk beds im afraid were not as huge.

The Sound of Philadelphia

2008-04-14T15:09:00.000+10:00

The team got in touch with their soul side by visiting Philadelphia International Records the birth place of the "Sound of Philly". The PIR was set up by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff as a rival to Motown as the place for new urban artists to emerge and develop the soul and R & B sounds. With artists like the O'Jays and Patti Labelle the PIR has a extensive songbook

You may know some of these songs produced and written by Gamble and Huff. The O'Jays "For The Love of Money" and Billy Paul "Me And Mrs. Jones". The 70's throwback shag carpet floor's and walls were amazing and Red just loved belting out a tune.

The Kimmel Centre

2008-04-14T12:09:00.000+10:00

The Kimmel Centre for the Performing Arts is a large performing arts venue located on Broad St in Philadelphia along the stretch known as the "Avenue of the Arts". The centre is very impressive and we all took some impressive shots.

Philly Zoo and welcome to Willingboro

2008-04-14T11:09:00.000+10:00

We had a WILD!! time at the Philadelphia Zoo, America's oldest zoo. The team had a tour with Sue Isackson who works in the zoo's hospital we also had a behind the scenes tour of some of the exhibits which was very interesting. The team has also joined up with the Rotarian's of Willingboro club.

Hershey Highlights

2008-04-13T08:38:00.001+10:00

Well the team has had a wonderful time in Hershey PA at the 7500 Rotary Conference. The team lived up to the Aussie way of partying hard and getting acquainted with the American amber liquid. We also had a few up days (I don't envy my pallbearer). The team would like to thank all our new friends that we met and we enjoyed the time getting to know everybody at the conference. PS we also learnt about shagging in North Carolina ( Its a dance)

Blood on the Ice!!!

2008-04-12T20:38:00.000+10:00

The GSE team went to a marvelous fight and a Ice Hockey match broke out!!!!. With thanks to Tom from Hershey Rotary, the team was treated to box seat tickets to watch the Hershey Bears play the Philly Phantoms in a play off match. It was amazing and exciting, thrills spills and chills. The bears came up from behind a 2, 0 first period to win the game 5 to 2. B E A R S! Bears Bears GO BEARS!!!!!! Please check out the videos http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kF0whUgg8DE and the FIGHT!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JA6MzrC9z_w

Gettysburg

2008-04-12T10:18:00.000+10:00

Four score and several hours ago the GSE team visited Gettysburg the most famous battleground and turning point of the American Civil War. The town is amazing and we were treated to a superb bus tour all around the town and and fields of battle. It was a truly historical and humble experience.

The Snozzberries taste like Snozzberries

2008-04-11T15:27:00.001+10:00

Oompa loompa doopadoo Well the team had a great trip to Hershey's Chocolate World and we didnt need a golden ticket to get in either, we saw how all the chocolate is made and we had fun on the little Chococoaster (There's no earthly way of knowing, Which direction we are going Is it raining? Is it snowing? Is a hurricane a-blowing?) sorry an obscure Willy Wonka reference there.

A Hershey Welcome

2008-04-11T12:56:00.001+10:00

Well the team has arrived in Hershey and we have been made so welcome by DG "Boots" and the Rotarians of the district, we also were entertained by the local public school's rendition of "Waltzing Matilda " Please check out the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B67nVJiSq7A

Baseball

2008-04-09T21:26:00.000+10:00

Hey we had a great night at the Baseball. Go the Blue Claws!!

Monmouth University

2008-04-09T13:04:00.004+10:00

Today Matthew, Evan and Daniel visited the Dean of Business at Monmouth University and discussed Australia's Free Trade Agreement, the U.S Export Market, Australia's involvement in environmental solutions and the "green" movement as well as a Health Fund investment strategy. We also toured around the Woodrow Wilson Building and checked out their opulent toilets.

Hello Brick Rotary

2008-04-08T21:16:00.000+10:00

We had a wonderful dinner and introduction to the Rotarian's of Brick Rotary club, the view was amazing over looking the water and I must say I loved Rotarian Tina's Cooking, that Italian sausage and peppers wow!!!. We must also thank our gracious home host Arlene for putting up the the 4 rowdy boys.

Evan doin a "Tony Soprano"

2008-04-08T15:31:00.000+10:00

Check it out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnzF_Z7knUQ

Centre for Vocational Rehabilitation (CVR) visit

2008-04-08T11:36:00.000+10:00

The team visited with Russell Anderson the Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Vocational Rehabilitation (CVR) in Monmouth County. This centre specialises in vocational training and job placement for people with disabilities. The (CVR) program facilitates personal growth and helps bring dignity and respect to the people it serves through a variety of vocational and partial care rehabilitation programs. It was a fantastic place to visit and the team met some truly inspirational people.

Rotary Presentation's

2008-04-08T00:53:00.000+10:00

Well we have given a few Rotary club presentations so far and they have all been fantastic and very well received. The team has been given key's to the city by the Mayor of Brick and we gave out some Surf Life Saving material to the Mayor of Redbank so I think the team is getting used to all his hobnobbing. We have our BIG presentation this weekend at the Rotary Conference

Evan's Central Park Vocational Tour

2008-04-07T15:48:00.002+10:00

Evan had a vocational tour of Central Park by Foreman Joe and his team from the Central Park Woodland division. They Informed Evan about the horticultural practices conducted at the park and the work team and management structure .

GSE team on the Central Park Carousel

2008-04-07T13:39:00.000+10:00

Hello agian the GSE team had a ride of the horses on the Central Park Carousel + a quick update by those wacky Germans Hans and Otto. Please check the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crf00W3J-CA

Times Square Visit

2008-04-07T13:37:00.001+10:00

WOW!!!! What can I say Times Square is amazing, we even saw a giant M&M climbing the Empire State Building ( I wonder if it would still melt in your mouth and not in your hand) check out the photos and video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-xzkO9yUSo

Grand Central Station

2008-04-07T11:59:00.002+10:00

The team had a fantastic tour of New York today led by Russell and Jack. This post is about our tour of Grand Central Station and what a beautiful place it is, we also had a fantastic lunch at the Oyster Bar ( No not the BLUE!! Oyster bar of Police Academy fame) Please click the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZ2pDxxmU2g

Tour of the U.N Building

2008-04-07T10:20:00.000+10:00

The team Visited the United Nations Building on 42nd Street and we engaged in some subtle diplomacy in achieving our goal of getting some lunch!! after the tour. It was a fantastic site to behold and we all know that an Australian will be the next Secretary-General, maybe even Michael???

Tinton Falls

2008-04-06T01:02:00.001+11:00

Hello, the team is having a great time here at Tinton Falls we all have become quite sporty. We have enjoyed the Rotarian's company throughly and we are off to New York tomorrow to visit the UN building and Central Park.

Statue of Liberty

2008-04-05T11:00:00.002+11:00

Saturday delivered a magnificent day to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. One should take a week to explore Ellis Island and reflect on the millions of immigrants who helped shape America's future from 1890s and the challenges they faced. On the other hand, Lady Liberty and the Manhattan skyline are so engrossing up close and wonderful ...... followed by lunch in Jersey City. Thanks Jack for a great day!

Please view the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkKAJqAePbE

Han's and Otto's adventures on Ellis Island

2008-04-05T00:52:00.000+11:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dt0tp0-Dq6w

Harriet by the Sea

2008-04-03T20:00:00.003+11:00

Thursday evening concluded with a wonderful GSE dinner at the home of President Elect, Harriet Primack in Sea Bright on the Atlantic Ocean. Louise and Sophie wandered the beach in search of lucky stones and a good time was had by all! Unfortunately, little Steve was no match for the "Big Fella". Thank you Harriett, dinner was absolutely fabulous!

Visit to Smith Barney

2008-04-03T10:00:00.000+11:00

Matthew & Michael continued their relentless search for answers with a visit to Chuck Watson at Citi Smith Barney in fashionable Red Bank. Situated in the heart of Red Bank's financial district, competition is fierce with adjoining offices of Wachovia, Merrill Lynch and others in close proximity.

Hans and Otto in the Tunnels of Sandy Hook

2008-04-02T13:29:00.000+11:00

Please check the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uz3LRb5gkPc

NYSE Visit

2008-04-02T10:30:00.006+11:00

Today we were privilaged to be visitors of Chuck Watson from Citi Smith Barney and Red Bank Rotary Club as we toured the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABO4fWdVx0M

Hello Red Bank!!

2008-04-01T20:00:00.002+11:00

The team has not stopped, we left our friends at Freehold and are now in the loving care of Chuck and Rotary Club of Red Bank. We had a great welcome dinner at Salt Creek Grille in Rumson NJ and Chuck even threw in the sunset as well. Tomorrow we are off to New York and a visit to floor of the NYSE.

Freehold Highlights

2008-04-01T14:07:00.003+11:00

Well we have had a very busy few days in Freehold. The team visited Freehold Intermediate School with principal Nelson Ribon and all the kids were in awe of the "Ozzy" giants. The team also visited the County Court and met with the Judge. Red was nearly run down by the "Family Truckster" but survived to tell the tale. The team would like to thank all our home hosts and friends in Freehold Rotary with a big thanks to Marv. Now its off to Red Bank.

Please view the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DY5HXnQf2YI

Mid Atlantic visit

2008-03-31T14:30:00.001+11:00

The afternoon concluded with Red & Michael visiting Scott Salinas & his partners at Mid Atlantic Resource Group in Neptune NJ. MARG run a vertically integrated financial services business with Securian, Minnesota Mutual and several other businesses to provide the investment expertise, insurance solutions and financial services required of a large organisation. A very big thank you to Larry Buccheri and William Bladel and Scott Salinas for their most generous time (and coffee with cookies).

Visit to Merrill Lynch

2008-03-31T11:00:00.001+11:00

Thank you to Patrick Preston and the team at Merrill Lynch in Freehold who provided us with a tour of their firm's offices and explained their "global wealth management" business to us in a most informative manner.

Vocational Visits in Freehold

2008-03-31T09:00:00.002+11:00

Michael and Red met with Bill Haluska at Amboy Bank in Freehold to discuss commercial banking. Bill provided an excellent tour of his branch before taking us to Head Office in Old Bridge where we were fortunate to meet with George Scharpf, Chairman, President & CEO who generously entertained us in his boardroom and explained the bank's history.

Freehold Vocational

2008-03-31T00:57:00.003+11:00

Today Daniel visited a Mercedes dealership in Freehold. Evan, Matthew and Michael visited Rutgers Agriculture Experimental Station where Dr Joe guided Evan through the production of disease free fruit trees. Matthew and Michael where informed of the budget cuts and how this will impact the financial situation of the station.

Freehold Music Centre Store

2008-03-30T14:07:00.007+11:00

After lunch the team were fortunate to be escorted through Michael's music store where Evan played a solo on the piano thanks Syril. Sophie got shown the intimate art of piano repairs and Ev & Red had a impromptu jam session. please click the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vl1g5puN9Sw

Barber Shop Quartet

2008-03-30T13:58:00.000+11:00

On the way back from Princeton Lou, Soph, Evan and Dan sang the barbers shop song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usWczhgCMJ0

Freehold Vist

2008-03-30T13:46:00.006+11:00

Today we were met buy the Rotarians of Freehold club led by the

GSE organiser "Marvelous Marv". Matthew and Evan were given an escort in the club car of Rotarian Michael's Blueberry farm as the rest of the team ventured to there home hosts. This was followed by lunch and a visit to the Metz Bicycle Museum, where not all bikes have two wheels. Please click he link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYhs9QNBnfw

Native Wildlife

2008-03-30T13:30:00.000+11:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rpAIQC8Y9Y

Princeton University

2008-03-30T12:24:00.000+11:00

This afternoon we visited Princeton University and were fortunate enough to be given a guided tour by Amy a first year engineering student.

Sculpture Gardens in Hamilton

2008-03-29T11:57:00.000+11:00

On Saturday the GSE Team explored our artistic side by visting the Sculpture Gardens in Hamilton.

Dinner Delight

2008-03-28T20:05:00.000+11:00

Michael tucked into a small serve of smokey style baby backed ribs."Yee Ha"

Moorestown Farewell

2008-03-28T14:50:00.000+11:00

Today we farewelled Moorestown where we had a very well received presentation. Our thanks go out to all from Moorestown Rotary especially our hosts drivers and Babara whom all excelled in their hospitality and making our visit a great success.

Moorestown Vocational Visits

2008-03-28T13:05:00.000+11:00

Today was the begining of our vocational visits. Matthew travelled into Philadelphia and met the Business Manager at The American Friends Service which is the primary interface with investment managers for the endowment fund. This was followed by a vist to Wachovia Securities meeting a committee member of the FriendsFiduciary Corporation that overseas the portfolio managers with a socially responsible investment mandate.

Sophie & Louise met a gentleman from Stratus Communications and Danial met with the General Manager of Cherry Hill Lexus .

Evan met with Kay Stuckey an Rotarian Horticulturalist and was taken on a grand tour of the estately homes and gardens tour of Moorestown and some gardens suppliers.

Tour of Philly and that's Gold!!!!!!

2008-03-27T23:43:00.007+11:00

Well yesterday we had a great tour of Philadelphia. We enjoyed a trolley tour of the area, seeing lots of great historical things. We tried to patch up the crack in the Liberty Bell but no success.

We also came to see a live broadcast of the NBC 10! show at 2pm in the NBC10 studios, where Evan gave the show an intro "Gday USA" from the Rotary GSE Team from Australia. Please check out the link http://www.nbc10.com/slideshow/15693316/detail.htmlindex.html?currentSlide=11&taf=phi

President George sets Moorestown alight

2008-03-26T20:00:00.005+11:00

Wednesday night was spent enjoying a cookout with family & friends of Rotary Club of Moorestown at the home of Pam & Tom Parkinson in Mt Laurel. After a sumptuous dinner we enjoyed a glass of wine around the bonfire ..... fortunately, we did not need to call the Mt Laurel Fire Brigade. Louise Duff made a new friend when she told Greg Collier, the local fire chief who inspected and approved the bonfire that her brother in Sydney was a Firefighter .... Greg immediately offered to provide a Fireman's shirt to take home and swap. President George was last seen enjoying a cold beer in front of our wonderful bonfire.

Yo Adrian!!!!!! We Did It!!

2008-03-26T17:43:00.002+11:00

Today, Ladies and Gentlemen we have had the privilege of witnessing the greatest exhibition of guts and stamina in the history of the running of the steps!. Evan, Michael, Daniel and Matt ran and followed Rocky Balboa up the famous steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art (You can watch the video. Please click the link) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkjuilwwXt0

why did we run.?? Cause all we wanna do is go the distance!!!

What a blast the team has had today. More updates soon!

WE MADE IT!!!!!

2008-03-25T20:00:00.000+11:00

Well after 25 hours of flying and landing and flying we have made it.

Sydney to LA- Trip 14hrs, it was great. Louise and Evan had plenty of leg room but no sleep at all!!!

LA to Newark 6hrs not so good.We had an emergency stop at Denver, Colorado due to a sick passenger. The team was tight and tired but it we were ok in the end.

We have just had dinner with the Moorestown Rotary members and a few of our home hosts, (They are super nice fantastic people.) We also met the outgoing GSE music team to Sydney. Dan and Matt have given some good Aussie advice about schooners of VB (we have assured the team that the phrase "hittin the piss" is not a rude phrase in Australia.

It is 10pm and time for bed. Look out for a few highlights comming soon such as Evan running up the famous stairs of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the ones that Rocky Balboa ran up.

So Long, Farewell, Auf wiedersehen,Goodnight

2008-03-24T08:02:00.003+11:00

Well today is the day, we fly out this afternoon.

The GSE team would like to thank all of our supporters and friends who have helped us all get this far.

In 24 hours we will be living it up in "New Joiesy" so please keep an eye on the blog to see our updates.

Adieu

GSE Team meet NSW Opposition Leader

2008-03-17T09:00:00.004+11:00

Only one more week before we take off for New Jersey on our GSE program. Some of the team met with Mr Barry O'Farrell MP, Leader of Opposition today who presented us with the state flag of New South Wales plus some state history and memorabilia.

Farewell Dinner for the 6310 Michigan Team

2008-03-13T20:00:00.000+11:00

Last night Barbara, Michael and I joined the outgoing Michigan team for a farewell to the Inbound Michigan team, they are heading back to the US today. We all shared great stories and great food and drink at the Castle Hill RSL. It was a great night but a little sad to see them go, I wish we all could have got to know them for longer than a few weeks.

Let's Get Racy

2008-03-08T20:00:00.001+11:00

Saturday night and a few hundred Rotarians in fancy dress. After our big night before, our GSE Team chose to be an understated Pit Crew. But as you'll see, many Clubs went to great links to impress the judges .... such as RAY Charles and many REVs and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Saturday in Bathurst

2008-03-08T17:00:00.013+11:00

After a big night and an early start to the District Conference, where we met one of the Vocational Excellence Awardees, Nicholas Cowdrey QC, some of the GSE teams enjoyed the tastes and sights of the region. A hot lap around Mt Panorama was a real thrill before a dash out to Orange Mountain Winery to enjoy a private tasting at the Cellar Door, courtesy of the owners Terry and Julie, friends of Evan & Barbara. Lunch was beckoning when Louise & Greg suggested we catch the NSW Country Rugby Championships in Orange (after all our GSE Team is sponsored by NSW Waratahs). A steak sandwich and a cold beer was the cost of admission as we watched Central West defeat Central Coast in a torrid battle (some late biffo saw two sendoffs and a sin bin) before we headed home for the evening's festivities.

District Conference in Bathurst

2008-03-07T19:45:00.005+11:00

7.45pm Friday night and our big GSE presentation in Bathurst. Over 850 delegates gathered in St Stanislaus Function Centre and suddenly we were on. Wow! We weren't the main act but we were up first and I think it went really well. We managed to introduce ourselves without a hitch, to thank our sponsoring clubs and make ourselves better known to the District as the outbound New Jersey Team. The two Michigan Teams followed with Jeff Leipprandt providing a terrific insight into his team, their home and their vocations. The evening concluded with Bathurst legend, Dick Johnson as he regaled everyone about some of his motor racing exploits over three decades, making him one of the most successful V8 supercar drivers in Australian history.

Zone Presidents Dinner and 20 more sleeps

2008-03-04T20:00:00.003+11:00

Tuesday night provided an opportunity for some of our outbound GSE Team members to meet the inbound GSE Team from Michigan at the Zone Presidents dinner. Following a perfect Sydney day, over 150 Rotarians and Guests including several GSE Alumni and many PDGs were formally introduced by DG Monica Saville to Jeff Leipprandt and his Michigan Team. Formalities aside, Jeff provided an amusing presentation about the GSE Team, their family and businesses and their home state of Michigan. Both Michael and Ian took the opportunity to briefly introduce their outbound teams and update everyone with their planning. Our MC Richard did a terrific job to manage a busy program and keep everyone to time with an impromptu update on the Cricket final between Australia and India (and little did we know of the raw excitement seen on TV until we read the morning papers). See you in Bathurst!

A SPECIAL WELCOME TO YOU!!

2008-03-04T10:30:00.007+11:00

Greetings from the Western portion of D7500, where we root for the Eagles, the Phillys, the Flyers, the 76ers and a yet to be named new soccer franchise. Philly is the home of the Mummers, the Philly Cheesesteak from Pats or Ginos in South Philly, The Rocky Statute, Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the first Zoo in the US and the Ben Franklin Bridge.

Now, about the Ben Franklin Bridge, those of us from the GREAT STATE of New Jersey have an ongoing argument with our neighbors across the Delaware. They charge a bridge toll to enter Philadelphia and the kind and generous residents of The GREAT STATE of New Jersey allow free entrance to the Camden waterfront, which hosts the NJ Aquarium and the Battleship USS New Jersey. Then we allow them to visit the Jersey Shore, Las Vegas East, (we call it Atlantic City), Cape May with its Victorian Architecture and the Pine Barrens for free except if they take the expressway. We are also the agricultural mecca of the state, generating a major portion of the blueberries and cranberries grown in the United States.

Oh and when you arrive in Historic Burlington on the morning of April 17th, please be respectful for you will be in the first capital of THE GREAT STATE of New Jersey.

Well enough of that. Be it Known that Gina, Brandon, Brian, Jonathan and Dick are looking foward to meeting our new friends, Michael, Matthew, Louise, Sophie, Evan and Daniel from Down Under on the evening of the 25th of March at the home of our DGN Kathy.

And finally, here are two websites for you: http://www.philly.com/ and http://www.phillyzoo.com/

See you in little over three weeks

Riccardo

Only four weeks to go

2008-02-25T15:58:00.003+11:00

Sydney celebrated the arrival of Cunard's QE2 and departure of Cunard's Queen Victoria on Sydney Harbour yesterday with a magnificant summer's day. Unfortunately, our GSE Team was not aboard but we'll be in New York before them! Only 28 more sleeps .....

Club visit to Gosford

2008-02-21T18:15:00.006+11:00

The team of Michael, Louise, Evan and Sophie performed like seasoned professionals again at our last Sponsoring Club visit in Gosford. After all, we did have our District GSE practise session the night before. It was a busy program featuring the Science and Engineering Challenge with PP Bob Nelson encouraging 8 teams of Rotarians and guests to build a "catapult" and shoot a rubber golf ball throught a hoop as a demonstration of our engineering skills (or lack thereof). Many tried but none succeeded. This was followed by an excellent presentation on the Challenge program by Dr Sue Gould, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Services) from The University of Newcastle. What a wonderful program to generate increased awareness of the sciences in our high school kids. Thank you to President Cliff and the Rotary Club of Gosford.

Only five weeks to go

2008-02-18T09:15:00.002+11:00

Sydney's weather cleared over the weekend as the D6310 GSE Team from Michigan arrived in Australia and enjoyed the weekend in Darling Harbour as they overcame 28 hours of jetlag. The team comprises Jeff Leipprandt as Team Leader (Agricultural sales), Yvonne Brantley (State Trooper), Rusty Laurenz (Agricultural fertilizers), Megan McHenry (Marketing)and Craig Windt (School Teacher). D9680 will host and entertain them in Sydney until 14th March and we wish them a wonderful time. You can follow their blog at www.6310gse.blogspot.com

The outbound GSE Team to New Jersey departs Sydney on Easter Monday and therefore, has just five weeks to finalise their planning.

Our Australian Flag

2008-02-15T17:11:00.000+11:00

We were most honoured this afternoon to receive an Australian Flag, presented to us by the Leader of the Opposition, The Hon Dr Brendan Nelson MP, Federal Member for Bradfield. Dr Nelson generously met with some of the GSE Team (Evan, Louise and Michael) at his electorate office and formally presented the flag, wishing us well on our GSE journey and telling us how proud he is of Rotary and the work we do.

It was a busy week in Australian polictics with the Prime Minister Kevin Rudd offering a formal apology to the Aboriginal people, seeking to heal the hurt caused by many decades of state-sponsored ill-treatment of all indigenous Australians. Refer link: http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/the-nation-apologises/2008/02/12/1202760301358.html

St Ives Rotary visit

2008-02-14T20:30:00.000+11:00

On Wednesday the 13th of February the GSE team were invited to speak at St Ives Rotary (Evan’s sponsor club).
At a very lively meeting the Rotarians took great interest in the finer details of our upcoming New Jersey exchange, particularly when speaking about our goals and aspirations, including a little bit of “Joisey” humour at the end.

We were very warmly welcomed and thanked by President Margaret Dean and the GSE team looks forward to seeing them on our return.

Visit to Wahroonga Rotary

2008-02-07T10:43:00.000+11:00

After Tuesday's presentation at Northbridge, the New Jersey team backed up for breakfast at Wahroonga (Matthew's sponsoring club) with apologies from Louise & Evan on work committments). We were joined by Ian Faulks - GSE Team Leader to Michigan (http://www.9680gse.blogspot.com/) for a joint presentation.

Wahroonga is the GSE nerve centre for D9680, boasting members such as John Cameron DGN and GSE Chair, Ian Cameron is Host Co-ordinator for the inbound D6310 team from Michigan and Janet Grundy is Host Co-ordinator for the inbound D7500 team from New Jersey.

President Bob Howe welcomed our New Jersey team and our presentation was warmly received. The meeting concluded with John Cameron presenting each GSE team member with the The Rotary Foundation lapel pin for GSE Alumni.

GSE talk at Northbridge Rotary

2008-02-05T21:21:00.000+11:00

Well tonight we had our official Rotary talk with Northbridge Rotary, Sophie's sponsoring club.
Our talk was very informative, very humourous and with a faux pas or two thrown in for good measure it was very well received.

President Barry and the members of Northbridge Rotary wished us all the best for the exchange, and for that we give them thanks and will see them on our return.

D9680 GSE Team to New Jersey

2008-01-28T13:09:00.000+11:00

The first blog to introduce you to the Rotary International Group Study Exchange Team from Rotary District 9680 in northern Sydney and the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia, travelling to Rotary District 7500 in New Jersey, USA in late March 2008. The GSE Team comprises Michael MacQuillan as the team leader with Louise Duff, Matthew Moore, Daniel Odman, Sophie Stephen and Evan Burrell as team members. It is only two months to departure and the organisation of our study tour is well underway. A comprehensive list containing biographies, background information, current interests and requests for vocational, cultural and social experiences has been compiled for each team member and forwarded to the District 7500 GSE Committee. We are now working on a range of presentations to reflect District 9680, our sponsoring Rotary clubs, and our personal and vocational achievements, as well as the more mundane (but equally important) tasks of choosing our uniform, designing and producing a team booklet, sourcing some gifts and liaising with our sponsoring Rotary Clubs prior to departure. We are all looking forward to a most exciting and action packed vocational & cultural experience with our Rotary hosts in New Jersey.