Participants conversing with a sugar cane farmer about the problems sugar cane farmers are facing. L-R: Mayor James Forscutt of Katherine, Northern Territory with Steve Zelinski and Gerry Campbell. Trisha Kempkes with children at Mt. Tyson School. Shelley Smith and her daughter, Nungeena Aboriginal Corporation for Women’s Business Observing the flooded waters of the Yellow River, Kakadu National Park

Group X (2002 - 2004)

International Seminar to Australia, March 25-April 8, 2004

Group X’s international seminar to Australia was conducted by Seminar Chair’s Alan Anderson, Director of the Center for Community Economic Development, UW Extension, and Gary Lake , Professor in the School of Agriculture and Life Sciences and School of Education , UW-Madison. Nine extra travelers joined the group for their journey into the Land Down Under: Gerald Campbell, Bill Flease, Mark Gunn, Beverly Hoege, George Johnson, Leo Johnson, Al Tank, Nodji Van Wychen, and Yolanda Voigt.

After traveling for more than 40 hours, the group finally arrived in Brisbane , but quickly departed via bus to the Bundaberg area. After much needed rest, they headed out to Lady Musgrave Island on the Great Barrier Reef . In spite of the rough boat ride, taking an up close and personal look at one of the natural wonders in the world was astounding. It provided an opportunity to look at this unique ecosystem and later discuss how sugar cane farming and tourism affect it.

“Illuminating and amazing experience to witness the diversity in the water and on the land, and to see firsthand something of the ecological efforts happening there.”
Abett Icks, Group X

The next day was spent visiting with local sugar cane farmers and discussing the problems this industry is facing, a rum distillery to see how the sugar cane by products are being used, and the Royal Flying Doctor Service, where a nurse and doctor fly via helicopter to remote areas of Australia. The evening was spent listening to a speaker from the Queensland Rural Women’s Network about different support opportunities for rural women, and the Rural Industries Development on rural development in the area.

Still traveling via bus in the Queensland area, on Day six the group visited the Buderim Ginger Factory. This was started 100 years ago by five farmers and is now a very successful business. They have diversified into many value-added products. We also met with speakers from the Maroochy Shire Council who shared their successful model of community vision. Next stop, Mary Cairncross Park where the group had a chance to walk in the rainforest.The afternoon was spent with a representative from the Nungeena Aboriginal Corporation for Women’s Business, a place where aboriginal women seek assistance. That evening the group stayed at a farm stay near Toowoomba--Adora Downs. This was a perfect example of how a farmer, who was no longer profitable, converted his farm into lodging facilities and provides a “farm stay” atmosphere. This relaxing stay was most welcome by the group, including a bush dance or what we would call a hoe down.

The next day’s agenda included a visit with a farmer and local landcare coordinator. Landcare (similar to land use planning) in Australia has been prevalent for quite some time, as this country struggles with droughts and the harsh terrain. The group contrasted Australia ’s educational system by visiting a small county school in the private sector, and a private boarding school for boys. The tour around the Queensland area ended back in Brisbane and the group readied for a late night flight to Darwin , in the far Northern Territory.

In Darwin the group visited a local museum showcasing Aboriginal art and were welcomed by local members of Parliament at Parliament House. The group arrived in Katherine for the evening and listened to speakers about indigenous issues and the impact of international events on tourism in the region. Traveling by bus for miles and miles gave everyone a chance to experience the Outback. There were few signs of any community for miles, until you came across a small store, filling station, and café, otherwise known as a roadhouse.

The next day, everyone was on the road again to Pine Creek, a small, but once active gold mining town of about 400 people. All enjoyed a discussion with a local community leader about regeneration, mining and current tourism projects. On the way to Jabiru, the group drove by an active uranium mine and discovered that in the last week the fresh water supply was contaminated by wash water from the mines. A representative of the Gundjehmi Aboriginal Corporation shared his thoughts about mining, environmental and Aboriginal issues. Before departing the Northern Territory , the group visited Nouilangie Rock, anAboriginal Rock Art site.

Next stop, Canberra , the national capitol city. Group participants met their home stay hosts and off they went with their designated families.Alumni and staff from the Australian Rural Leadership Program helped organized these stays. Although it was only one night, homestays were a big success and global networks were etched in stone.

“Home stay was one of the most incredible experiences I have had in the past 2 years. Through a lucky chance I got a host that is an incredible mentor- figure for me. Learned a ton about leadership development, especially in harsh circumstances. Great conversations!”
Dennis Deery, Group X

The following day was packed with amazing speakers focusing on Australian agricultural outlook, managing Australia ’s natural resources, appreciating challenges facing Indigenous Australians, and meeting with staff of the US Ambassador about political, economic, agricultural, and science and technology issues. In addition, the group traveled to Parliament House and learned how Australian government works.

Day 13 found the group at the Royal Easter Show in Sydney , equivalent to our State Fair but larger as it represents the entire country. It was a great opportunity to see what other parts of vast Australia have to offer in agricultural products. Participants met with finalists of the Rural Achievers Competition, a youth program emphasizing leadership in agriculture.

Group X Participants traveled the populated eastern shores to the very remote areas in the Northern Territory . Because of the “tyranny of distance”, this made travel a bit more grueling. But true to form, WRLP participants persevered.

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