We were met by our hosts at the Lincoln Municipal Airport and taken to their homes to settle in. Later in the afternoon we gathered at St. Patrick's Church to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a meal of corn beef and cabbage.

The exchange planning committee organized a busy interesting program which involved a three day tour of Nebraska.

Highlights of the exchange were:

• Tour of the Nebraska Historical Society with commentary by Richard
• The welcome dinner with a quiz chaired by ‘Crocodile Dundee’ John
• Tour of the Capitol and recognition of our presence in the gallery by the Speaker
• Listening to the debate on capital punishment
• Lunch at the Governor's Residence
• Visit to Morrill Hall at the University of Nebraska to see the mammoth fossil remains
• THREE DAY TOUR OF NEBRASKA
  • Visit to a feedlot near Bancroft. It was very cold at this stop.
  • Visit to the Elkhorn Valley Museum and Research Centre at Norfolk. Welcome by the mayor, lunch followed by a tour of the museum.
  • Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park
  • Overnight at Calamus Outfitters operated by the Switzer family. The pre-dinner Australian merlot wine, the venue, the entertainment, dinner and roasting marshmallows over a fire outdoors in the cold made for a memorable night.
  • Waiting in the predawn darkness in a school bus in a paddock to observe the mating behaviour of the prairie chicken.
  • Tour of Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park. A military fort established in 1871.
  • Bison prairie stew at the Country Neighbour restaurant near Fort Hartsuff.
  • Viewing the Sandhill Cranes from an outdoor viewing blind on the edge of the Platte River in the predawn light.
  • Visit to Cabela's Outfitters in Kearney. This is a large store devoted to hunting, fishing and camping. It was interesting to see all the handguns on display and observe a young woman purchase a handgun.
  • Trace the history of the westward movement of the settlers at the Trails and Rails Museum. Welcome by the mayor and lunch served in an old church.
  • Visit the interactive museum that is a tribute to the pioneers at The Great Platte River Road Archway Monument.

The three-day tour was a great success. Great credit goes to the ‘Trail Boss’ Kay for her management of the tour.

At a lunch in the Governor's Mansion, Chief of Staff, International Relations Co-ordinator Shelley Harrold presented Joan, Roy, Don and Sandra with Honorary Nebraska Citizenship Certificates.

Exchange Director Peter presented her with a letter from Gold Coast Mayor Ron Clarke on behalf of the visiting ambassadors.

Lunch - Governor's Mansion


Outside Governor's Mansion, Lincoln, Nebraska


Visit to a Farm in Nebraska
It was VERY Cold...!


Getting the Feel of a Pioneer Embarking on a Journey West
Great Platte Road Archway Monument

The farewell function was innovative. We assembled at an Italian restaurant at 4pm and had our meal and concluded the usual formal farewells. We sang “Waltzing Matilda” to Nebraska appropriate lyrics written by Peter.