Professional Development Exchanges (formerly Group Study Exchanges) have been reintroduced in our Rotary District 9980. A team of 5 professional 'southeners' have just returned from Tasmania and a team of 5 Tasmanian's arrived in Queenstown on Monday 15 April for a 4 week visit.  Their focus is on agriculture and tourism.

During their 4 days in Queenstown the team visited Camp Glenorchy , Walter Peak, Shotover Jet, Skyline, and the Kiwi and Birdlife Park. Colin Macnicol also arranged a deer farm visit for the agriculture focused visitors. The team shared combined  evenings and meals with hosts Bulman's, McGrouther's, McIntosh's, and Dunlop's. They displayed a real hunger for knowledge around their professional occupations and interests in Tasmania – how we operate in the south of New Zealand.  They will be influential on their return home.

The team presented at Rotary on the Tuesday where they displayed a real enthusiasm and pride in their state and its development.  We learned much about Tasmania’s history as well as its politics and economy including agriculture and tourism.

 

The team left us on Saturday morning for the host Cromwell and Alexandra Clubs followed by Wanaka and beyond. They presented at the District Conference on Oamaru on 26-28 April.

 

The team (below) is (L - R)

Graham Freeman (Engagement Specialist Tourism Tasmania) 
Ellen Freeman (Wildlife Management Officer)
Laura Curtain (Business Development Manager)
Margot Kelly ( Rural Reporter - ABC Radio and Television)
Annie Ford (Marine Scientist and Expedition Sailor)
George Austin (Team Manager)