Mar 3. The Victoria Legislature

It was a fairly easy start to the day in Melbourne. The team gathered with our Australian friends and travelled by train into the city, getting off at the Victoria Parliament buildings.

We had a wonderful tour of the buildings including the lower and upper chambers as well as the Secrets room which turned out to be where ministers meet. We had tea with the speaker of the house Hon. Colin Brooks MP who happens to be the member from the riding where the Bundoora club is located.

There was very interesting discussion on the history and system of government in Australia. It's interesting to compare to ours

The building is very ornate and much larger that the NS legislature. Some of the political stories are similar.

Gathering on the steps

Sitting in the chamber

Tea with the speaker

We went out the back door of the Parliament building and into the St Patrick's Cathedral. Lovely high building. 

We then walked up to the shopping district and went through what they call arcades. They are  narrow passages with lots of shops. One we went into gave us a great explanation of opal mining and jewellery creation. Interesting. Some purchases were made.

After a late lunch we went back to Andrew and Jan's home to get ready for a party. Members of the Bubdoora club arrived and we shared stores of Rotary and learned more about each other's country.

We also had a birthday party for Rod

 I traded Rotary Club banners 

It was a late night but lots of fun.