In 2019 your Rotary Club enjoyed a weekend away to the Wimmera town of Nhill where we were hosted by the Rotary Club of Nhill and had the opportunity of meeting the Karen people who have made a long and arduous journey to the town they now call home.
The Karen community is a wonderful immigration success story and all who went on the previous club visit felt inspired by the journey the Karen people had undertaken after being forced out of Myanmar and having to endure refugee camps in Thailand before making the journey to Australia.
Following the previous visit, the Rotary Club of Hawthorn financed a SkyHydrant water filter for the camps and also supported a young student who is now studying medicine in Melbourne.
Contrary to its name, this is a town with many inspiring people both refugee or long time time citizens who, through hard work and understanding of each other’s needs, have created a community spirit envied by many.
Your Rotary Club is proud to organise a return visit on 25th November.
We will be travelling by car but if any member feels unable to undertake the journey we will operate a “car pooling” system so no one will miss out on this special opportunity.
At this stage The Rotary Club of Nhill is finalising details but there will be a visit to a number of sites in and around Nhill some of which were not included in our previous itinerary.
A feature of the weekend will be a special Karen Cuisine Dinner on the Saturday night.
On the 25th November we will meet at Kooyong for an 8.30 a.m departure and have a coffee break at the Pyrenees Café in Beaufort before arriving in Nhill for lunch around 1.00 p.m.
There is a range of accommodation options but we have reserved 20 rooms at the Zero Inn on the 25th however we are sure there will be options to extend should members wish to stay an extra night. Telephone 03 5391 1622 and say you are with the Rotary Club of Hawthorn.
This is a unique club event providing us all with an opportunity to appreciate country life, enjoy Rotary fellowship and appreciate the Karen’s role in sustaining the town of Nhill.
We are enthusiastic about this club visit and we know you will be as well.