Prince William is greeted by Recovery Committee Chair John Burgess as he arrives in Flowerdale
The Prince won everyone over with his humility, genuine interest in the people and willingness to participate and mix with us all. He was more than happy to meet the hundreds of requests for photos and seemed almost embarrassed when people thanked him for coming, saying it was his privilege to be invited.
Prince William gets the local kids together for a photo
Everyone who met him commented on his down to earth manner, his friendly smile and in typical Aussie fashion they said he was a great bloke. There have been many dignitaries and celebrities visit Flowerdale since Black Saturday but none have matched the inspiration provided by Prince William. I suppose the best way to describe it is that he brought joy to the people of Flowerdale.
The day started with the broadcast of the Sunrise breakfast show from the Flowerdale Primary School. As the visit was supposed to be "secret" the show just said they were broadcasting from the bushfire areas although a resident who will go unnamed and was interviewed let it slip that it was happening in Flowerdale. There will also be extensive coverage on Channel 9 Today Show, tomorrow morning.
After Sunrise there was a cricket clinic at the Rec Reserve where Cricket Victoria had organised for Matthew Hayden, Brett Lee, Brad Hodge and Callum Ferguson to play with the local kids. The cricketers also mixed with the locals and spent a lot of time learning about what happened on Black Saturday and how things are rebuilding.
Prince William and Brett Lee talk bowling tactics
A huge international media pack came into town in buses and they also mixed with locals listening to the stories of Black Saturday. Articles have already appeared in The Guardian, Daily Telegraph, New York Times talking about the Royal visit. Many of the media commented on the positive attitude and community spirit they encountered when talking to people.
Bill Shorten, who has been a tireless supporter of bushfire affected communities and a very regular visitor to Flowerdale, was also on hand early and as always was talking to community members about where things were at. He also donned an apron and cooked the barbeque. A special thanks goes to Bill for his support and willingness to help make things happen.
Prince William and Bill Shorten have a chat while cooking the barbie
Christine Nixon, Ben Hubbard and many VBRRA staff also attended, the fact that they now know so many locals is a testament to the work they have been doing.
When Prince William arrived he had a briefing from the Flowerdale Recovery Committee and was presented with a Flowerdale TShirt. John Burgess was asked to show Prince William around and he recounted the details of how the recovery and rebuilding was taking place.
Prince William planted a gum tree with Erin and Skylah from the Primary School, and there is a memorial plaque to commerorate the tree planting and visit.
It was a real honour and privilege to have Prince William visit and for all who attended it was an unforgettable day. Many people took photos and videos so if you have some you would like to share please send them to me petfwill@gmail.com and I will put them on the blog and the photo site.
This was the most fantastic event ever to happen in Flowerdale. Can't beat this one. The town haven't stopped talking about Prince William & the cricketers coming to our town.
ReplyDeleteTo see the joy on people faces young & old was just fantastic.
The kids even enjoyed meeting the Prince & of course all the cricketers who spent time with them.
We were so Privileged to have the Prince come to our town that it will now become a part of the Flowerdale History Story for generations to come. The planting of tree & plague was such a great idea for future generations.
Thanks also to Molly's Kitchen our local caterers for such a great feed on the day its a credit to them. Including all the helpers on the day which I can't remember who they all were.
As Pete as asked any photos or videos send to him to be placed on flickr & blog or alternative send them through to me also jbateman@y7mail.com between us we will get them up there for the world to see.