BIG4 Bendigo meets San Diego Metro KOA

In 2008, BIG4 Bendigo, along with a couple of other park operators,  volunteered to assist the BIG4  organsation with a joint project it was working on with Kampgrounds of America (KOA).  The nature of the actual project is really irrelevant in the context of this blog, but an auxiliary benefit for the participants was the development of a special bond.  As the product of our efforts is now being rolled out through the organisation(s) and becomes mainstream in operations, we, the early adopters,  have had a few ‘remember when’ moments that only we can share.  Here in our business in Bendigo, Ray and I worked very closely with Josh Bell from San Diego Metro KOA and share a similar passion for excellence in all that we do.  We have got to know Josh and his family quite well over the past three years and it has always been our intention to visit the San Diego park at the first opportunity.  We like to consider the San Diego KOA  as a sister park to BIG4 Bendigo and, as we take a personal interest in all their developments, we  thank Clint Bell for taking the time to talk to us about the features of this particular KOA.  Both Josh and Clint  have visited BIG4 Bendigo during our product development project work and  the opportunity to see the reciprocal operation first hand has given us a great perspective and we can now share our views and ideas on an equal footing.   http://koa.com/campgrounds/san-diego

 

The two other highlights of our visit to San Diego were the historic Gaslamp District, where we enjoyed the food, ambience and the nightlife and San Diego Sea World which was both educational and entertaining.  We also had our first real experience of cultural difference.  Our accent IS, as was apparent in a number of service situations, difficult to understand by Americans.  They are not as exposed to our accent as we are of theirs via TV, movies etc. The tipping was also an anomaly to us, but being aware of the custom beforehand made it easier to negotiate.  A number of minor things, for example, prices don’t include tax so when I thought I had the correct change, I didn’t!  The currency was also confusing to start with, but again, we do have the advantage of knowing a lot more about America than they know about us, so we knew what to expect.

The San Diego weather was sensational – warm and perfect for just wandering around without a plan!  For any one that knows me well, they will understand the significance of this statement.  I don’t often do things spontaneously and if I don’t  have an actual written down plan I at least have an inkling of an idea of where, when and why!  Quite liberating actually, though I wasn’t confident the feeling would last for three weeks.

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LAX to San Diego via Universal Studios and Disneyland

Trip got of to a good start with a phone call from the bank to say our cards had been cancelled due to unusual activity – we were in the boarding lounge at the time!  A bit of a drama but sorted as we had a contingency plan!  My travel mantra started early – “Don’t stress, just go with the flow…….”  Actually worked quite well over the time away.

Uneventful flight, highlight was watching Red Dog the movie again.  Landed in Los Angeles on time at around around 7.30am on the same day we left home.  I love that – happy anniversary AGAIN!   We headed for the hire car offices and the waiting in lines continued.  After a 14 hour flight and little sleep it probably wasn’t our best decision to hit the LA freeway system and head for Universal Studios.

Universal Studios

However, we only got a little bit lost…  “Don’t stress, just go with the flow…….” and arrived in time for the gates to open.  How lucky was that, and we had the best theme park ride EVER, called  ‘LA freeway before proper coffee’ before we even got to a theme park!

I was actually quite ambivalent about doing a studio tour, but ‘in for a penny in for a pound’ as the saying goes. We did the super-duper, super-sized behind the scenes VIP tour, which took in the wardrobe and props departments, indoor sets as well as the outdoor sets.  Best call for the day so far, choosing the VIP option.   How good would it be to work there with all the costumes and so much ‘stuff!  Awesome for someone who likes ‘making things’ and collecting old bits and pieces.

My over-riding memory of Universal will not be the movies, TV shows and characters or the rides, but will be the smell of and the first taste of USA takeaway food.  The smell was quite unique and all pervasive around the park, we’re still not sure which product it was.

Into the car (yes I got back in – I’m a slow learner) and off to Anaheim for the night.  We only got a little bit lost…  “Don’t stress, just go with the flow…….” and arrived in time for dinner.  How lucky was that, and we had the second best theme park ride EVER, called  ‘LA freeway before a proper sleep’.

Disneyland Carousel

As with Universal Studios, Disneyland has never been a priority for me, but as we were going past anyway, what the heck, a bit of fantasia never hurt anyone, did it?  So let’s have a look.  My inner child was spectacularly fast emerging from some hidden depth and I was immersed in the experience straight away.  That smell again – though we did avoid actually eating the food.  I HAD to go on the carousel, I HAD to go on the tea cup ride  and I HAD to line up to get a hug from Mickey Mouse….. well, yes Ray, I HAD to.

Ray made me get in the car again and we were headed South to San Diego for a couple of nights stay at the San Diego KOA (Kampground of America) at Chula Vista.  We only got a little bit lost…  “Don’t stress, just go with the flow…….” and again, arrived in time for dinner.  How lucky was that AND we now know which way is south!

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BIG4 BENDIGO – MEL – LAX – JFK – LAS – SFO – LAX – MEL

Feeling the wind at top of the Empire State Building

“Start spreading the news, I’m leaving today….”

As an eighteen year old visiting Greece, the country of my father’s birth, for the first time, we visited the Parthenon – you know it – the old heap of pillars at the top of the Acropolis!  We wandered the  around the ruins for a while and I remember saying to my dad that I could feel the history of this site embrace me and had an overwhelming sense  of having come home.  Returning to Greece as a twenty-four year old I spent two months in my father’s village alone with relatives I barely knew.   I did not need a map to get around as I never felt lost, I didn’t need language as I felt understood, I never felt alone as I was with family, I didn’t have ‘things’ because I never needed anything and I never felt uncomfortable because I was home.

Thus, I like to travel.  Not for the destination, necessarily, it’s more about the journey.  I love the ride, the anticipation, the awakening of the senses, the serendipitous moments – the destination is really just an excuse for the going!

That stated, for me travelling is no longer an adventure to  discover the unknown, but to see places and experience things that I have seen hundreds of times in various forms over a number of years.  I  didn’t need to spend 14 uncomfortable hours on an airplane (no disrespect intended to the Qantas flight crew) to Los Angeles and another five hours on a plane to New York City, plus all the waiting around airports, the security checks, taxis, hotels, waiting in line with hundreds of other visitors, more security checks, more waiting….. to see the view from the top of the Empire State Building,  an image which I have seen countless times before in movies, photographs and documentaries.  I knew exactly what that cityscape looked like before I ever left home.

So why the hankering to go? As with the Parthenon so many years ago,  I was very familiar with what I wanted to SEE in the United States but this visual aspect is only one of the senses.  To a degree, I also had a good idea of what sounds I would HEAR so that covers off sense number two.  I know from previous experience what it FEELS like to be on top of a skyscraper looking to the horizon – sense number three, done.  What about SMELL and TASTE and that indescribable sixth sense though, that intangible, cerebral, internalization of our experiences?  These are the reasons I  want to travel.

This travelogue will endeavour to be about the senses, not facts and information about places and attractions.  I will include links to these if you are interested in knowing more.

“…. I want to be a part of it – New York, New York.”

Homage to the Humble Triangle

Homage to the Humble Triangle

I love triangles.  I love the versatility they give when creating visual effects.  Every other shape can be created using triangles – including a circle (think pie cut into triangular wedges).  Perspective wouldn’t be nearly as interesting without all the triangular shapes created (including the negative spaces in between).  Tetrahedron are therefore even more spectacular in their innate nature of being three-dimensional triangular shapes.  I love the idea of threes and patterns involving threes  and multiples of threes - it’s probably from being the middle of three children that I have an ongoing fascination with the tentative balance of three, with one usually being different to the others.

I also love rainbows.  This piece of work started as a rainbow of pure hues on the canvas.  There are about six layers of triangles in different permutations before this final image emerged.  All the positive and negative shapes were triangular and connected.  By using the opaque beige to block out the negative shapes, the 3D triangles became really obvious.  Every layer of the painting is visible in some area of the image.

This was a real pleasure to create.  I had no idea what the outcome would be, except I wanted to highlight triangles and rainbows. I mentioned in an earlier blog that I have never really painted just for pleasure as I’ve always believed it to be a bit of a waste of time if you didn’t have an end purpose / result in mind.  Discovering the pure joy of simply creating has been a long time coming and therefore I will embrace and enjoy the experience.

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Woman.i.s.e Bendigo 3x4x5

Woman.i.s.e

September 21st 2011, the night after my 51st birthday, I attended the Woman.i.s.e 3 x 4 x 5 event. This was the fourth such event I have attended including the inaugural dinner in 2010. I now find more faces look familiar and the networking is getting easier, but what continues to amaze me is the stories women have to tell.

http://www.bendigobusinesscouncil.com.au/WomenISE/

What struck me last night was the magnitude of the contribution women make across a broad range of activities in the community, whether it is business, parenting, sport, public service or pursuing creative passions. I am not only referring to the women that presented their stories but include all the 160 or so women in the room.  Age, socio-economic background and education can be barriers to overcome and this group of women prove that with the right support and committment positive things can be achieved.

I am a visual artist, not a writer. I will not, therefore try to encapsulate the stories of the
evening in a few lame paragraphs, but what I will do is encourage you to attend a Woman.i.s.e event and experience the stories yourself. Nothing I can write can replace the individual passion, enthusiasm, determination and irrepressible down to earth pragmatism displayed by these amazing women. In a nutshell – you had to be there!

For me the beauty of these women shone through, not in what they were wearing or their hair dos etc, but in their sense of humour and inner strength. They were genuinely humbled at being in the spotlight and to be able to laugh at yourself and the situations you find yourself in, as they have done and probably continue to do, is a most engaging personality trait. Women seem to be able to “get on with it” when everyone around is saying it can’t be done.  I’m learning this now – it’s never too late to learn!

In reference to being 51 – my 50th year has been awesome. My son turned 21, my daughter turned 18 and 1 year on I will celebrate my 25th wedding anniversary in a few weeks time. So many milestones, so many challenges! The kids have both moved to Adelaide for university (thankfully in college residency so they still come home in the holidays) so my empty nest experience comes and goes!  Business is chugging along nicely as I subtly exit
by the back door, ensuring I don’t let the door bang after I leave…..

For me it has been both an exciting and scary twelve months. As someone who is 50′ish
there is a definite case of “energy envy” when watching people half my age buzzing around doing their thing. To be able to capture that energy and mix it with the experience of others would be unstoppable! Step into the Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program and this is what happens. What an opportunity to share energy and experience! Nearing the end of the program I can say that I have learned so much and hopefully given something in return to the other participants. I will embrace all the learnings and put the skills to use in my current roles as business owner, Tourism Board member and artist and my role as a future community leader (hopefully community arts leader!)

I hope Woman.i.s.e continues to grow and inspire, support and encourage woman in the region. At some point I hope to make a contribution to the community that will make a difference and I hope to do it with the same good grace, humour and humility as the women who spoke last night. Thank you ladies for generously sharing with us.

LMCLP - Newstead 19/09/11

 

LMCLP – Cultural Diversity & Change

Maldon – LMCLP 2011

Casting my mind back to Kerang in February when this group was first introduced and welcomed to the Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program, I have reflected on some of the conversations that were had over the two days together.  Organisers talked of opportunities and network building, presenters assured us there would be personal development and a better  understanding of others, whilst past participants regaled us with stories of life changing program days.

So the program begins and I readily accepted the organisers and presenters prophecies but was quite closed-minded to the life changing aspect and have quite smugly patted myself on the back a number of times, enjoying the program days, but I was right  – it’s hardly life changing!  Move forward 19 program days with only 3 left to go and I have had my epiphany.

I love that moment when you “get it”, the exact moment the light come on in your mind and the weight on your shoulders is gone.  For that one moment you are at one with yourself and the world.  There is peace, contentment and happiness. I was sitting with the other participants, having dinner in Dig Cafe in Newstead,  talking and listening to the group interacting amongst themselves and with some of the locals when I thought, “I could live here.  This is what community is. The feeling was one of acceptance, tolerance, interest, respect, openness and generosity of spirit.  The people of  Newstead welcomed us, shared their passion and their insights and they were genuine, with us and with each other.”  Thank you to these people.  From now on I will describe the true sense of community as ‘the generosity of spirit.’

Catlemaine and Maldon in the Mount Alexander Shire hosted the LMCLP Cultural Diversity and Change program days.  Antoinette Danaher,  Managing Director at Uncommon Solutions  had the group nice and relaxed for their three minute project presentations ‘to a camera’.  The idea was to present our topic of interest within the three minute time frame and then to give feedback on each individual talk.  Later we will have an opportunity to review our own performance on a DVD to see how we look to the audience.  I thought that everyone did exceptionally well.

After lunch Donna Petrusma, Project Manager at Office of Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship – Department of Premier and Cabinet, gave us an insight into understanding cultural differences and how we are all the sum of our own cultural upbringing.  Being of Greek / Australian heritage I have always had an interest in how, why  and where we fit in our communities.

Governance – An Overview, by Nigel McGuckian from RM Consulting Group http://www.rmcg.com.au enlightened the group with a couple of common sense, practical  tips to make meetings and committees more functional and productive.  Sitting at the board table I will now be more confident having listened to Nigel’s presentation.

Bringing a fun end to the days sessions was uncovering the Other Side of Leadership.  The whole group realised we are capable of much more than we thought as we spun plates on sticks (only plastic – but no less awesome), played with rainbow ribbons, juggled and jigged our way through an hour or so of laughter.

Into our cars and off to Newstead http://newstead.vic.au  and the Community Garden with Gen Barlow. http://newsteadgarden.wordpress.com  It was a perfect spring evening to be admiring what has been achieved in a relatively short time.  We then walked along the levee bank of the Loddon River, in awe of how far the water rose during the floods earlier in the year, to the community playground.

The irony of the children’s request for pirate boat play equipment was not lost on the group, some who have suffered the drought and then the floods!  The community stuck together to get exactly what the kids wanted, not a plastic boat but a good solid wooden ship.

The evening culminated with a quick drink and address from local community leaders at the pub and dinner at the Dig Cafe.  As I mentioned in my opening paragraph – awesome people.  Ordinary people doing extraordinary things. I thank you for sharing.

Day two commenced with a light breakfast at the Maldon Caravan Park camp kitchen.  We were greeted at the Athenaum Library and were welcomed by Mayor Janet Cropley.  We were given an overview of Janet’s leadership journey, her role in local government and the challenges a small community faces.  Ron Snep from the Maldon and District Community Bank www.bendigobank.com.au/public/community_bank/community_bank.asp?name=maldon  spoke briefly about the issues of developing their new site in the town and we then walked to the park and had both views of the debate, the bank’s and the historical committee’s.  http://maldonmuseum.wordpress.com/2010/04/11/maldon-bank-controversy/  It was good to see, in practice, how two people on opposing sides can still be civil and respectful whilst addressing ‘the issue’ and not the other person.  A walk up the hill to the Blue Light  youth camp http://bluelightcamp.com warmed us up and we were given an overview of the Blue Light organisation and it’s importance to the Maldon community, both socially and economically.

Off to Castlemaine for the rest of the program day.  Music and the Community with Jane Thomson and James Rigby www.makingmusic.com.au  took us out of our comfort zone for the second time in two days.  I can understand the physiological and mental benefits of singing and making music as a community, but I still not sure about Jane & James’ view that anyone can sing or be taught to sing again.  Really – they seriously have not heard me!  Robyn Spicer, who had joined us for the singing shared her story about her involvement in the Mount Alexander Shire Accommodation and  Respite Group www.masarg.org.au   the reason it needs to succeed in its endeavours and her determination that the respite facility be actualized.

David Leatham, Manager Economic Development and Tourism and Michelle Coillet, Marketing Manager of the Castlemaine State Festival www.castlemainefestival.com.au   addressed the group on the work they do with events management and outlined some of the joys and challenges involved with planning, developing and eventually running large events.

The day ended  with Chan Nyok from the Eastern Africa Community of Castlemaine , Glen Menner, Manager Community Development from Mt Alexander Shire Offices www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/Page/Page.asp?Page_Id=1012 and Tim Watson, Program Manager - Community Capacity Building Unit, St Luke’s Anglicare www.stlukes.org.au (former project co-ordinator of the Castlemaine African Community).  The presentation centred on the challenges faced by the newcomers in relation to services, accommodation and work.  Interestingly, apart from language it was some of the smaller things that we take for granted, having a family member to teach you drive was an example, that proved to be biggest hurdles.

The program days offer so much information, interaction and participation that at the conclusion of the day we are all mentally exhausted!

Thankyou so much to the sponsors for the two days:  Mount Alexander Shire Council www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au and RM Consulting Group www.rmcg.com.au

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Get on Board – Bendigo Tourism 2011 -2012

Get on Board with Bendigo Tourism

An AGM is never the most anticipated event on an organisation’s yearly calendar.  The Bendigo Tourism Board acknowledge this and endeavour to make the meeting informative and enjoyable; with formalities dealt with efficiently, followed up with networking and a dinner presentation.  As well as hearing about new developments the get together is also an opportunity to reflect on the past year and to see how much we have actually achieved.

The All Seasons Bendigo hosted this year’s event with board member Paul Henderson  acting as MC for the evening. Paul got the ball rolling with the introduction of board chair Geoff Michell who gave a brief report.  Tourism Unit Executive Officer, Kathryn Mackenzie followed with some insightful research data and an acknowledgement of the  value of the input of the volunteers for both the  information centre and the city in general.  Focus then moved to Steve Musgrove who delivered the Treasurer’s report.   After the announcement of the election result which saw Sharon Carlson from Cafe 22 and myself re-appointed for 2 year terms and Anthony Gurry, owner of Langley Hall B&B taking a vacant position, all attention was on the media prize draw.  Members who confirm membership by the AGM have the opportunity to win a fabulous package including photography by Richard Gibbs ( www.richardgibbsphotography.com.au ), Bart’n'Print and Design ( www.bartnprint.com.au ), full page ad in the visitor guide and Focus Magazine.  Mick Kimpton, who, by the way has the best fresh fish and cooked fish & chips in Bendigo  ( www.bendigotourism.com/…/micks-ocean-fresh-fish-and-takeaway ), pulled out the winning business name- 63 on Lucan!

Dinner was served and was followed by an insight into social media marketing by Natalie Giddings, Queen Bee of  Pollen Marketing ( http://pollenmarketing.com.au/ ).

I could try to tell you all the fabulous information Natalie gave us and I could try and share all the tips she gave us but, well…..  you really had to be there….!  That, in a nutshell,  is the benefit of attending these events – I can’t even begin to do justice to the presentation Natalie gave – you get fantastic ROI by turning up on the night!

Bendigo Tourism will be running some workshops on Social Media Marketing in October / November 2011, so if you were unable to attend this presentation there will be another opportunity to be involved.