My thanks to the Rotary Club of Nhill for developing an interesting program for our visit on 25th and 26th November.
As previously advised, we will depart in a car convoy from Kooyong at 8.00 a.m.
After a short stopover for coffee at Beaufort we will arrive in Nhill at 12.45 for lunch
During the afternoon we will have the opportunity to visit several interesting nostalgic displays which provide insight into the history of Nhill and early days in the Wimmera.
On Saturday night from 6.00 p.m., we will attend a dinner and entertainment organised by the Karen community.
The cost of $35.00 per head includes a fundraising component for the supply of another SkyHydrant for the Karen Refugees who have been forced out of Myanamr are currently living in camps in Thailand near the Myanmar border.
Sunday 8.00 a.m Breakfast by the Lake
9.30 Visit to the Karen Garden
10.30 Visit to Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre 9 (Subject to minimum number)
12.00 Paw Po
The Karen community will open their craft shop for our benefit. This will provide an excellent opportunity to purchase Christmas Gifts.
How did Paw Po Begin?
Having arrived in Nhill with little or no English, the Karen women worked closely with the Nhill Learning Centre to expand their language and lifestyle skills. Sewing classes were included in a job-ready program, which led to the women, aged between 18 and 70, working with their own traditional fabrics.
Although most in the group had never sewn before, the women steadily gained confidence and competency with the expert help of the Program’s Co-ordinator and a core group of dedicated volunteer seamstresses. Each participant worked with a volunteer on a one-to-one basis to develop their proficiency and underwent testing to be issued with a certificate for completion of basic machine skills.
The Karen women began by sourcing their fabric from refugee camps on the Thai Myanmar border, but are now weaving more and more of their own textiles using traditional looms.
Aware of the potentially limited market for purely conventional products, the women have been keen to create a range that recognises the fusion of traditional and contemporary culture.
As the business develops, so do the Karen women. Learning to relate to people, monitor finances, implement pricing, and advertise effectively is central to their day-to-day lives.
The Federal Government and the Nhill Learning Centre each contributed $10,000 to the Paw Po shop to turn the dream of creating a business into reality.
The Karen women bring their Burmese culture and talents to the Wimmera for you to experience and enjoy. Each with their own story to share, we invite you to discover their passion for Paw Po.
Please reserve your accommodation at the Zero Inn Motel Tele 03 5391 1622
There are some members who may like to have an additional day to play golf or see other districts.
Please advise me if that is the case and I will make enquiries.
I look forward to sharing this special Rotary Club of Hawthorn weekend away with you but ask that you confirm your interest as soon as possible to assist with planning.
Regards,
Noel Halford, Event Organiser