Visit by Japanese RotariansPrint Page

The Japanese maple tree was planted to commemorate the visit of three Rotarians from Takasago Seisho Rotary Club, Japan.
 

Mr. Tokura, Mr. Kinishi and Mr. Shoji, together with their translator from the Latrobe Valley, Aki Sakaki, participated in the tree planting ceremony, which symbolised the close links the local club has with Japan.

The visit was coordinated by PP Dr Peter Kingsbury, who visited Japan in April and invited the international Rotarians to attend a meeting in Moe. Peter presided over the ceremony and spoke of how planting the maple tree symbolised the Rotary Club of Moe’s links with Japan and hoped the tree would ‘grow as big and strong as our relationship grows strong with Japan’.

The club has a close history with Japan through the Rotary Youth Exchange program. The club’s first inbound exchange student was from Japan and since then, it has become customary to plant a tree in the garden to remember each inbound exchange student the club has hosted. There are now many trees and that part of the garden is informally referred to by local Rotarians as the ‘international’ garden.

DG Don Ripper and his wife, Judith were special guests as Don has held the position of Youth Exchange Director for Japan and Judith’s special project during Don’s year as District Governor is to encourage all Rotarians and friends to plant trees.

During the Rotary Club meeting, Rotarians received small gifts from the international visitors and speeches were translated by Aki Sakaki. A special pin was presented to each of the Japanese Rotarians by District Governor Ripper.

At the end of Don’s presentation, President Maureen Bishop wished him well during his year as District Governor and then presented Judith with a spade tied with green ribbon.
Rotary Club, Moe 2017. 

 

 

Location

Address:	Botanic Drive, Moe Botanical Gardens , Newborough, 3825
State:	VIC
Area:	AUS
GPS Coordinates:	Lat: -38.177991 Long: 146.271971 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate.

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Details

Monument Type:	Tree
Monument Theme:	Culture
Sub-Theme:	Community

Dedication

Approx. Monument Dedication Date:	August-2017

Source: MA