Norfolk Island – the ever-surprising conference destination

Norfolk Island – the ever-surprising conference destination

April 3, 2013 – Between 20 and 28 April, around 270 Rotary delegates from New Zealand, Australia, the South Pacific and beyond will converge on Norfolk Island for the Rotary District 9910 2013 Annual Conference. The gathering promises, according to the conference website, to be a busy week of fun and leisure activities, “with just a tad of conference-like activity thrown in.”

For Rotary District Governor 2012-2013, Lindsay Ford, the choice of the “amazing” Pacific Island as the venue for the 2013 conference didn’t simply come down to the fact that it forms part, along with New Caledonia, Vanuatu and the North Island of New Zealand, of Rotary District 9910. Nor to the fact that the island’s close proximity – just 90 minutes by air from Auckland and just over two hours from the east coast of Australia – puts it within very easy reach.

As a former resident of Norfolk, Lindsay was also sold on its attractions, and on the unique and special experiences that the “jaw-droppingly beautiful, historic and ever-so-slightly-quirky” destination will offer to the Rotary delegates.

As well as attending a welcoming reception at the island’s elegant, Georgian-era Government House, gala dinners, a beach fête, a Games Day and a celebration with street stalls, events and dinner on the main street of the island’s principal settlement of Burnt Pine, the delegates will focus on Rotary’s commitment to ‘Service Above Self’ and in particular, the work of the Rotary Foundation. A range of inspiring guest speakers will talk about their involvement with Rotary International’s humanitarian programmes in less-developed countries and their experiences in delivering them.

The locals will of course take the week of conference activities in practised stride, offering the signature friendliness that has makes Norfolk hospitality famous around the world. With more than 60 properties ranging from luxury self-contained cottages to hotels, resorts, apartments, villas and holiday homes, the island has a wealth of high quality accommodation that makes it a perfect destination for conferences, meetings and corporate retreats.

The ever-surprising island is also recognised throughout the region as a special interest destination for pursuits as various as wearable art, grand opera, jazz, theatre, country music, t’ai chi , ballroom dancing, line dancing, quilting, archery, tennis, rugby, golf, pistol shooting, clay target shooting, squash, FMX racing and bowls. A year-round programme of festivals and events also celebrates Norfolk’s rich and unique history and culture.

ENDS

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