On-to-Conference: The Tradition Continues Tuesday 12 February to Friday 15 February, 2019
Reg has conveyed the following: "Many members have also been asking about the 2019 On-to-Conference tour. Plans are at an advanced stage, and the following is a summary of what to expect.
What will be the key themes?
The 2019 OTC Tour is about renewable energy, water supply, provenance and local communities bound together with the common threads of OTC friendship and fun;
Where will we visit?
As this year’s Multi-district Conference is in Melbourne, we will be exploring South West Gippsland and the Yarra Valley; within 130 km of Melbourne CBD. We will spend nearly 4 days together, and the summary below gives an outline of the program as it currently stands:
Day 1 - Tuesday, 12 February - South Gippsland
- Lunch at the Korumburra Golf Club where we are hoping to meet Rotary representatives from the surrounding region, to learn about their work in the South Gippsland Community; followed by a presentation from Burra Foods, an innovative exporter of processed dairy good, particularly to Japan and China;
- Secret Cinema, presented by Hugh Bucknall
- Dinner, and guest speaker: Adrian Kloeden, RCM Member and Chair of Aquasure, the operators of the Victorian De-sal Plant
- Stay overnight at the RACV Inverloch Resort
Day 2 - Wednesday 13 February - South Gippsland
- Stroll through the Victorian Desal Plant Ecological Reserve (Wonthaggi) and observe the world class 225 hectare restored vegetation project
- Briefing and viewing of the Victorian Desal Plant
- Lunch at the Wonthaggi Hotel
- Briefing and viewing of the Bald Hills Wind Farm at Tarwin Lower
- Drinks (sampling of local wines), Dinner and overnight at the RACV Inverloch Resort
Day 3 - Thursday 14 February - Yarra Valley
- Visit and explore the garden of Coombe - The Melba Estate and enjoy an indulgent Devonshire Tea
- Enjoy lunch followed by wine tasting at Rochford Wines
- On the drive to Healesville, those with a sweet tooth might consider calling in at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery in Yarra Glen
- Relax at Healesville's local attractions such as the TarraWarra Museum of Art and Healesville Candy Emporium
- Dinner and overnight at the RACV Country Club, Healesville
Day 4 - Friday 15 February - Yarra Valley
(Note: Some participants may wish to spend the day attending the Rotary Peace Summit, at the Melbourne Convention Centre)
- A relaxed morning is in store offering multiple choices:
- For the golf lovers, tackle the RACV Country Club course
- Check out the Healesville Sanctuary, which is probably very different to when you were last there
- Take a brisk bush walk in the Yarra Ranges National Park
- Indulge (if you need more) at the Four Pillars Distillery - a former timber yard transformed into a fully functioning gin distillery
- Enjoy the views at the Maroondah Reservoir Park
- Informal lunch at the Giant Steps Winery
- Afternoon - return to Melbourne.
- Late afternoon: President’s Drinks as guests of Past President, Clive Weeks and Helen, following which we will move to the Multi-District Conference, Opening Function
- Friday Evening: Club dinner, at a venue TBA
What Next:
- Make sure you register for the Multi-district conference to access the Early Bird discount.
- Secure your place in the On-to-Conference Tour by completing the attached brief expression of interest form, and paying the applicable deposit. We will follow up 6 to 8 weeks prior to the OTC journey to confirm program options and to give you the opportunity to provide your preferences for specific planned activities. Rotary_OTC_2019_EoI_[Your_Name].pdf
- Our preliminary estimate of the fee per person for this 4-day OTC experience is $1,060. You will notice we are staying at two RACV resorts. Member discounts are available on room bookings, so please lets us know in the reservation form your Club or Service membership number so this discount may be claimed. In the spirit of OTC, we equalise the per person cost of room occupancy to ensure single participants are able to join the experience at similar cost to couples.
- Don’t hesitate to call me if you have any questions or suggestions"
With sincere best wishes
Reg Smith
2019 On-to-Conference Chair
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