The House of Friendship was the first port of call and was alive with laughter and chatter as friendships were renewed. Members were warmly welcomed as they registered and collected their lovely conference bags, and delegates received their voting papers.

Wally Cooper and son Kevin

The conference welcome began with a mini fourcourse degustation meal in the Memorial Hall ofthe brand new Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre, officially opened only a month earlier. The meal was beautifully presented with wine tastings, gourmet cheeses, mustards, olives, relishes and chocolates – all produce from the local region.  A special 'Welcome to Country' was given by Aboriginal Elder, Wally Cooper and his son, Kevin, and 2007 Bush Poet of the Year, Don McQueen, entertained us with rousing renditions of well known and much loved Australian poems such as The Man from Snowy River and Clancy of the Overflow. 

Throughout the conference the call to order was the beautiful and very effective theme music from “The Man from Snowy River”.

The Opening Ceremony - an official welcome was given by Councillor Ron Webb, Mayor of the Rural City of Wangaratta, followed by Ken Jasper, MLA, Member for Murray Valley.

Parade of Banners and introduction of District Chairmen was accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation, encouraging moments of great pride sprinkled with humorous interludes enjoyed by everyone.  The Northern Rivers Academy of Music, presented the delightful talents of five young female vocalists ranging in ages from 11 to 18. 

	The Inner Wheel Australia Executive and Partners receive a warm welcome	District Chairman, Helen Donaldson presents the A54 banner to President Lorraine	IWA President Lorraine Hyde receives the A56 banner from District Chairman, Jeannette Norton

The Forum focused on Membership Extension 

With the recent formation of three new clubs, Hamilton (A60), The Hawkesbury (A53) and Warrnambool (A60), IWA Secretary, Margaret Lamb and Past District Chairman, Lyn Ward spoke of the work, enthusiasm and persistence entailed in driving the instigation of new clubs.

Assistant Conference Coordinator, Nola Sharpe gave a repeat performance of her award-winning “Nigella Lawson” presentation given at a recent Rotary Conference in Hobart.  This was a dazzling, hilarious cake-making demonstration highlighting the ingredients needed to create the cake of preference – “The Inner Wheel Cake”.

Judy Reppen, District Chairman of A50 also gave an excellent presentation on how to promote Inner Wheel and, supported by A50 members, unveiled two banners of different designs which could be ordered for promotional purposes by other districts and clubs.

Finally, President Lorraine announced an exciting initiative consisting of a badge for every member which says “Ask me about Inner Wheel”. She suggested that they be worn in public once a week and to Rotary partners’ nights and Probus.  These go hand in hand with a small extension card to be used to record club details and a contact for anyone who asks “What is Inner Wheel?” 

The Inner Wheel Club of Wyong already has their new pull-up banner	Every member will receive one of these new badges to promote membership	IIW President Anne Fryer donned an Akubra to plant a tree in her honour

International Inner Wheel President Anne Fryer was asked to plant a tree in her honour at Rotary Park.  Rotarian Arthur Clarke conducted the ceremony and President Anne said she hopes to return to see how her tree is growing.

Civic Reception and Combined Rotary Dinner - In the evening, many guests attended a Civic Reception, and almost 200 attended the Combined Clubs Rotary Dinner, where they heard two speakers, Justin Henney and Doctor Paddy Dewan.  Dr Dewan is a paediatrician specialist in 'children's plumbing' operating and teaching young doctors in third world countries where many children's lives are changed through his work. 

The IWA Council meeting was held all day on Friday, while many others took the opportunity to enjoy one of the well organised tours to Beechworth and the Milawa region, Yarrawonga, King Valley Wineries, Glenrowan and Eldorado region, the Milawa Gourmet food region, do some factory outlet shopping or simply relax.

The Conference "Springtime Gala Dinner" was arranged by the Inner Wheel Club of Boronia, and the room was transformed to reflect the promise of spring with large, colourful paper flowers and candelabra standing elegantly on the tables.  Paris Zachariou, a talented, energetic young entertainer delivered a lively performance and captured the audience with an engaging singing style and a repertoire of songs that were appreciated by all. 

The Inner Wheel Club of Boronia arranged the 'Springtime Gala Dinner' and made the decorations	IWA President Lorraine Hyde with the 2009-2010 IWA Governing Body

The Business Session on Saturday commenced at 8 am with Inner Wheel protocol, welcome, introductions, apologies, greetings and roll call, followed by an adjournment for the 41st Annual General Meeting.  At the reconvening of the meeting, the executive committee and district chairmen presented their annual reports, followed by the voting on proposals and general motions.

After a boxed luncheon, Anne McGill gave her report on the National Project in aid of Cord Blood Research, and President Lorraine had the pleasure of presenting Dr Michael Doran with his research grant of $65 000. Dr Doran responded with an illuminating presentation on his proposed research.

IIW President Anne Fryer then gave her official address to members.

“Leeton is the trend in 2010” - on a lighthearted note, the Inner Wheel Club of Leeton, A54 gave an entertaining invitation to the 2010 conference with their presentation, followed by several ‘nuns’ from District A40 with “Come on sisters, join us in Perth – 2011 will be the best show on earth”.  There were some appropriately ‘divined’ and hilarious interventions which brought the house down!

Banners were returned to District Chairman by IWA President Lorraine Hyde at conclusion of the Business Session

Member at Large, Telka Williams of Alice Springs withTed Johns from Cottesloe, WA

The Conference statistics were of interest with 90 first time attendees, 584 registrations, 346 at the Welcome Dinner, 33 for the Chairmen’s Breakfast, 470 for the Opening Ceremony, 377 for the Business Session, 527 for the Gala Dinner, 513 for the Friendship Dinner and 268 for the Farewell Breakfast.  Of special note was the attendance of Member at Large from Alice Springs, Telka Williams.  What a wonderful event a conference is for a member not attached to a club!

The 'Jammin On' Jazz Band played great dance music

Musical balloons filled the air

“Friendship and all that Jazz” Dinner - Now it was time for everyone to relax and dance the night away.  It was a black and white spectacle in the foyer as guests gathered to listen again to the young talented Northern Rivers Music Academy musicians and singers.  The Williamstown club carried the black and white theme into the dining room using a myriad of black and white helium balloons printed with musical notes and attached to the tables on black hats.  The atmosphere was festive and the “Jammin On” seven piece jazz band, including a talented female vocalist, soon had everyone on their feet and asking for more.  Had it not been for the clock, the band and the dancing would have continued into the wee hours! The raffle realised a wonderful amount of approximately $4 500 for Cooroonya Domestic Violence.

Service of Faith and Farewell Breakfast.  In the morning, with tired legs and sore feet, many gathered together for the Service of Faith and Farewell Breakfast. 

It was time to say ‘goodbye’ – ‘until we meet again’. 

Congratulations to the Conference Committee
and all the members of A61 clubs
on a highly successful and memorable conference.

The 2009 Conference Committee pictured with IIW President Anne Fryer

For more photos check out the 2009 IWA Conference Photo Gallery

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