March 26, 2011. Changeover: Blacktown to Springwood. The GSE Team met at the Parklea Market at around 9:30 am to buy some souvenirs. Oh! another few kilos were added to our luggage. At around 1:00 p.m., the Team left for Springwood courtesy of Daniel Kellie again, who graciously drove us from Blacktown to the house of PDG Paul Erickson.
Each team member was then fetched by their respective host families. Bob and Janet took Lorna to a Chinese restaurant; Ben and Chris were brought by Richard to nearby Blue Mountains National Park; Team Leader Arleen went out for pizzas and salads with Rtn. Paul and Sue and their daughter Ruth and grandson Leo, and friends Don and Ross; Rucel was taken by her host Rtn. Marilyn to Penrith Plaza and had BBQ for dinner . Lovely dinner with respective host families. (Lorna)
March 27, 2011. A Holyday Holiday this Sunday. It was a crisp and chilly morning in Springwood and we had a full schedule ahead of us. The Team heard mass at The Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy at Penrose Park in Berrima.
After the mass, Rtns. Richard, Norma and Cheryl took us to a trip within the church grounds, walking to different chapels of the different saints from across the world. Our first saint, San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila also have a chapel in his honor. There was also a quick tour of Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto and a replica of Jesus’ tomb in a hill near the monastery.
We then had a lunch at of meat pies and sausage rolls in one of the local pubs in the town centre of Berrima. The place is of a historical significance like the Berrima Correctional Centre completed on 1839 (and still functions as a jail to this day), and the Berrima Courthouse established on 1838 (now serves as a Museum/Book Shop).
Next on the agenda was a trip to the Nan Tien Temple in Port Kembla. A serene atmosphere flooding impressive architecture, majestic landscapes, endearing works of art, and wonderful pieces of wisdom written in beautiful calligraphy on every corner is enough to instill a certain kind of peace in oneself. The day was concluded by a sumptuous meal in Hubertos (a German Restaurant) along with our excellent hosts for the week. (Chris)
March 28, 2011. VOCATIONAL DAY AND MEETING WITH RC SPRINGWOOD. Team Leader Arleen and Chris were brought by Rtn. Ivan Feror to Wes Pac Bank in Richmond. In there, they got to exchange ideas on bank systems, products, HR, client handling, etc. with the Branch Manager Garth Lazaro, Adam Zarb and Jessie Anag (a Filipino), both Personal Managers.
Meanwhile, it was likewise an interesting day for both l and Lorna who were brought to 3 different offices in Penrith, by PDG Paul Erickson. First stop was at the Penrith City Council where the ladies met with Jill and Marnie who are both working in said council. There was an exchange of ideas especially on the workings of the local council. Next stop was at the Study Industry Partnership where Rtn. Cheryl Kitto works. It was really an exceptional experience for both the ladies as they were introduced to a unique system of placement of students to apprenticeships and industries, for opportunities for employment. The ladies then had their lunch at a Thai restaurant with PDG Paul Erickson, Cheryl and some of her co-employees.
After lunch, PDG Paul ushered the ladies to the Interyouth office which provides students, who have difficulty in school, the necessary education equivalent to Year 10, guidance and counseling and one-on-one sessions. At about 3:30 in the afternoon, the ladies were brought back to their host families’ home.
With Ben, he was brought to the National Foods lab by RC Springwood President David Rayner, who happens to be the site manager of the plant. National Foods manufactures milk products like yogurt, cream, etc. He was taken into a tour of the plant the entire day and was able to meet 2 Filipino workers.
6:30 pm – RC Springwood meets at Springwood Sports Club.
We ended our presentation with the Malong Dance, a special request from the members. (Rucel)
March 29, 20011. Bridging Communities: Springwood’s Way. In our four-day stay in Springwood, club members impressed us on how they live with the Rotary’s theme this year “Bridging Communities.” Aside from the warm welcome and accommodation, the club brought us not only to significant places in their locality but also to other spots in Sydney.
On Tuesday, Rotarians Pat, Linda and Peter ushered us to Manly. It was indeed a long way of connecting travel which took us to the place from home through car, 1 & 3 quarters of an hour in train, and about half an hour in boat. I should say the place was fantastic. Our smiles and amusement just couldn’t be hidden as we enjoyed taking photos with the clean, natural white sand beach right at the town side, THE CORSO.
After taking a quick lunch, we headed back to Circular Quay Station at the city and took another ferry for about an hour trip around Sydney Harbor. We had a chance for a closer view of the Bridge right below it as we sailed across. We also had a glance of the lovely Darling Harbor from our boat. At around 5:30pm the group made our way back to springwood with our hearts filled with appreciation of how Springwood Rotarians made our day special. (Ben)
