Ten aircraft flew in to the sub-tropical city of Bundaberg. Maps and rulers had to be produced to see who travelled furthest. It was a toss between the crews from Tasmania and South Australia. We were honoured to have join us on this fly-in, World IFFR President Brian Souter and his lovely wife, Jeanette. Bundaberg city is located in the Wide Bay Area and sits on the southern side of the Burnett River. The approaches to Bundaberg, from all directions, are dominated by fields of green crops for miles around. This greenery is a rare sight across most of the rest of our country.
On arrival we were greeted by members of the Bundaberg East Rotary Club, and Jeannie from that Club had prepared for us a big batch of fresh pikelets with jam and cream. After this fine replenishment, we were transported to our motels to settle in for the weekend.
On Friday afternoon, we took the opportunity to explore the CBD, some un-believably green parks, the zoo or the one kilometre "river walk" where every 100 metres or so, we are asked by signs painted on the walkway, "Have you done your 10,000 steps today?". Some ladies took the time to check out the local fashion houses and came away with purchases that are impossible to find at home(?).
Our coach arrived on time to transport us to the Sugarland Tavern, a glitzy establishment no doubt financed by the big bank of poker machines. Here we were treated to a fine dinner and spent the evening in catching up with friends not seen for some time. This excellent time of fellowship was missed by the crew from Sydney who got their Sugarland and Sugarcountry mixed up and had a lonely dinner at another establishment. They were fined appropriately at the Rotary meeting the next evening.
Next morning, the coach, piloted by Dave, was on time again at 8:15 to collect us from our motels to start the day's activities of sightseeing and visiting the Bundaberg tourist traps. First stop was to be the Ginger Barrel, but due to our eagerness to get going, it wasn't realised that this facility opens at 9:30 on Saturday. Never mind, Dave knew lots of places we could visit. First stop was on top of the only high ground within cooee of Bundaberg, an extinct volcanic plateau called The Hummock. Many locals favour this hill-top and it's sides to build their homes, mainly for the views, but I suspect some do for re-assurance against the inevitable in-undation due to global warming
After the photo opportunity here, it was off to the Ginger Barrel. This factory, owned by Cliff from the Bundaberg East Rotary Club, brews the well known products branded as Bundaberg Ginger Beer and a variety of drinks made from suitable combinations of ginger and fruits. An interesting display highlights the history of brewing, first in Europe and then in our own country. It also explained what ingredients were used, how they were mixed and stored. One picture reminded me of my childood when my father's attempts to home brew created havoc under the house when bottles exploded at the most unexpected times. After sampling the products, many members where tempted to buy cartons of the products. The most popular were the six-packs where the customer is invited to make their own selection. Bulk purchases were limited to those who came by car, for obvious reasons.
A short drive took us the the icon of Bundaberg, the Bundaberg Rum Distillery. On the way, driver Dave advised that due to regulations, we would not be able to wear jewellry, watches, wallets, coins, keys, belts, hearing aids, telephones, cameras. etc. to the tour of the factory. Suitably stripped to bare essentials, and some holding on to their pants, we arrived at the tour office only to find that Dave had over-stated the safety requirements. Objects banned from the visit included any electrical items capable of generating sparks in the highly volatile environment of the factory. A somewhat denuded group made the 11:00 tour more interesting than usual. In fact the girls conducting the tour said we were the best 11:00 tour all day! After further sampling, members stretched their weight and balance limits a little more.
On to the bus again for the drive to the coastal town of Bargara. The aqua blue of the Pacific was resplendent from the balconies of the Bargara Golf Club, our lunchtime venue. To our surprise we were greeted by Stow and Jill Kentish, who, due to aircraft maintenance timing (or mis-timing) chose to drive all the way from Toowoomba. Lunch was either a chicken fillet or a fish fillet. Those that scored the chicken discovered that Bundaberg grows very large chooks. After lunch, the route back to town took us past green fields of sugar cane, tomatoes, rockmelons, watermelons and a variety of horticultural crops. It is these crops and the labour required to tend them that attracts the many international backpackers that live in Bundaberg.
Our next stop was the Bundaberg Botanical Gardens, in particular, the Rose Garden. Set into this garden is the re-located house which once belonged to the famous aviator, Bert Hinkler. A project of the Bundaberg East Rotary Club in 1983, this house, situated in Southampton, England, was dismantled brick by brick, tile by tile and brought to Bundaberg to be re-built as a tourist facility. Bert and his wife Nance, lived in this house while Bert worked as test pilot at the A.V. Roe Aircraft factory. Mon Repos, the name of Bert's family home now serves as a museum with a great collection of artifacts concerning aviation and Bert Hinkler's feats. The house is set up to display different parts of Bert's life and exploits in differnt rooms.
At the Bundaberg airport we were greeted by Rodney Stiff, the managing director of the Jabiru Aircraft facility. Rodney showed us some of the different models available and explained the building process. About 30 Jabiru a month are sent out of the factory in either completed or kit form. Jabiru also produce their own engines and these are sought after for fitting into many types of aircraft. The factory delivers 150 engines per month. These go to every part of the world. A truly global business. It was interesting to see stacks of wings, props, fuselages etc. scattered all about the factory floor.
Our evening Rotary meeting with combined Bundaberg Clubs was held at the Eastern Suburbs Sports Club. This venue, we were told, was chosen because it is home to the Bundaberg Magpies. A pleasant meeting was held with members of all the Bundaberg clubs. President Trevor welcomed all to the meeting with a special welcome to World IFFR President Brian. Brian responded by telling us how much he and Jeanette liked to join IFFR fly-ins all over the world. Guest speaker was the CEO of the Bundaberg International Air Show. This lady gave us the details of this the third air show to be held in August, 2007. Banners were exchanged and a geat night of fellowship was had by all. Sergeants from the Rotary Clubs and IFFR extracted money to boost the coffers of the local Rotary Clubs. Fines ranged from attending wrong restaurants, headaches, missed SAR times, shopping extravagances, attendances by car etc.
Sunday morning saw the usual IFFR Meeting take place. Here the items on the agenda included future fly-ins, reports on previous fly-ins, etc. John Berends was elected as President Elect for 2010-2012. A complete list of minutes will appear in the Rotate Newsletter.
After the meeting Dave drove us out to the airport where the ladies and fellows of the Bundaberg East Rotary Club and the Bundaberg Aero Club feted us with a wonderful lunch. As there were thunderstorms forecast for south of Bundaberg, most crews left after lunch to avoid the weather. Thanks to Mal Hunter, President Trevor Steel, Jeannie and all members of the Bundaberg East Roatry Club for a memorable fly-in to your city.
