Kiwi Rotarians in sister city visit to Ballina
Eleven Rotarians from New Zealand this week visited Ballina as part of a sister city link. Group s
pokesman Richard Metcalfe said the men and women from Matamata, on New Zealand’s North Island, had had a wonderful time.
Their visit included checking out local agricultural industries, a visit to Summerland House With No Steps and Riding for the Disabled.
Ballina left the impression of being a prosperous and tidy centre, Mr Metcalfe said.
The group, pictured with Ballina council and Rotary representatives, was hosted by the Rotary Club of Ballina and the Rotary Club of Ballina on Richmond.
Keith Smith, of Ballina on Richmond, and Tony Ellis, of Ballina Rotary, were among the local Rotarians to receive the visitors.
Mr Metcalfe said the group was looking forward to hosting a return visit by Ballina Rotarians.
Matamata is a town of about 6000 people. It is in Rotary District 9930. The town is in a region which has dairy, racehorse and horticulture industries.
Ballina mayor Phillip Silver, general manager John Christopherson, deputy mayor John Felsch and Cr Sharon Cadwallader, plus local Rotarians, hosted the visitors at a morning tea at the Ballina Shire chambers on Monday.
