During the Americans’ week-long Macleay Valley stay they enjoyed tours of the Akubra hat factory, DNAAG Aboriginal Art Gallery, Trial Bay Gaol and Smoky Cape Lighthouse.

The tourists were fascinated by the native animals at the Billabong Zoo and appreciated a wander around the Macleay Valley Coast’s spectacular beaches, as well as a trip to Taylors Arm to sample bush tucker and see the ‘Pub with no beer’.

Their time in Australia culminated in a farewell dinner at the old cheese factory in Frederickton, (Droghers Restaurant).

The night doubled as a celebration of Friendship Force International’s 40^th Anniversary.

Colin Payne entertained the crowd with a recital of The Man From Snowy River, and the guests presented a slide show on Southern Oregon.

Another highlight of the trip saw the locals take their guests to visit Kempsey State Emergency Service (SES)..

“SES workers were very welcoming and pleased that we were interested in the services they provide – they are keen for the public to know what they do,” Friendship Force Kempsey member Kathleen Butler said.

“They gave us a very informative overview of their work.

“Our visitors were surprised at the number of unpaid volunteers – especially their level of expertise in so many areas.”

The SES workers enthralled spectators by demonstrating how to cut someone out of a crushed car and the use of a heavy duty air bag to lift a vehicle off somebody.

Kempsey SES local coordinator May Gill said the SES is a volunteer organization which assists the community in times of flood, storms and road rescue.

Typically, the SES issues local warnings after the Bureau of Meteorology does.

Kempsey SES have 70 members and the Emergency Centre Compound is located on the corner of North St and River St, with the entrance off North St.

On Monday nights at 7pm they practise for rescue, and on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday nights at 6pm, they prepare for Operations.

The SES welcomes those aged 16 years and over to train for either of these teams. 

Rescue teams assist with evacuations, storm damage, and road crashes, and any requests for assistance from the public.

Operations teams are for those who prefer not to go out on Rescue teams but want to ‘man’ the phones, or computers, and assist in the centre – even making sure the workers have a coffee break and food while they are on duty!  

You can also just register your name and details as a casual volunteer, to be called upon in times of need, without training.

All training and uniforms are supplied free of charge. 

www.ses.nsw.gov.au  has a volunteer page where you can sign up online or contact May Gill, the local Kempsey coordinator on  0429-456-958. 

For more information on joining Kempsey Friendship Force please contact Denise Payne on (02) 6562-8727.