Gidday from Pink Pete

Wow. It's hard to believe that Abreast in Australia has been in the planning for 2 years and now there are less than 2 months until everyone arrives in Caloundra. I am just putting the finishing touches to the Souvenir Program. It has been very exciting reading each team's story and seeing your photos and soon I'll be seeing you all in the flesh. I was lucky enough to be able to attend the 10 Year Abreast in a Boat celebrations in Vancouver in 2005 so I know how excited you must all be feeling right now. I have to go because I suspect Special Agent Shush is getting close to locating my secret hide-out and that would never do.
Paddles up
Pink Pete

Visas

You've probably read our Frequently Asked Questions on our website in which we inform you about visas. The good news is that from 1 July 2007, citizens of the EU no longer have to pay the visa application charge for visits of under 3 months. This applies to online visas only. Prior to this, a visa for Australia was A$75. Hope you've all got your visa!
See you very soon,
Jan

Hello from the Brisbane Contingent of the OC...

I have just spent the weekend in Caloundra with Adrianna (food stall queen) and the excitement is building up at the Sunshine Coast. We met up with the local Dragons Abreast Team - TittyTitty BangBang along with visiting team from Redcliffe, the Pink Snap Dragons. It was great to have a chance to give them an update on the events that will be happening over the two days, as well as during the week of AIA. Keep in touch as there is going to be more and more to tell you between now and September. Did you know there is less than two months until that weekend in September? I can't wait to see you all, Jo.

news from Canberra part of Org Com

It's pretty cold down here at this time of the year, unlike lovely Caloundra, which is perfect all year round! (at least, that's what the Queenslanders tell us). I heard an interesting snippet this morning concerning a certain little gift we have planned for each of the teams - something rumoured to make you all return to Australia!

Michelle's description of the Dragon Walk of History sounds exciting - I can't wait to see 33 metres of dragon, giving the almost 10 year history of Dragons Abreast Australia. I've seen only 1 metre of it, but with input from all the teams, it is going to be an incredible work of art!

Jan

DRAGON WALK OF HISTORY

This is looking SENSATIONAL! I have just spent a couple of hours with the girls from Dragons Abreast NT looking at the discs which make up this amazing exhibit. In case you are wondering it is the centrepiece of our Expo Marquee and it is a stunner. Not quite finished but amazing all the same. I am not going to tell you any more at the moment - cos I don't want to spoil the surprize!

Mark this one on your calendar as a 'must visit' during the spare time you have between races on Saturday and Sunday. You'll see a few familiar faces looking out at you and some familiar landmarks - wherever you are from!

Compilation of the composite teams is coming together very well! If you have not already heard which team you are in - don't stress - it is all happening!

We are doing our best to accommodate everyone and allocated to cater for their preferences - it is no easy task - so thanks for all your patience!

I am off again tomorrow to Caloundra - more details of what I get up to on my trip in the blogs.
Michelle

My week of rest and relaxation at EcoPoint Myall Shores Resort was most enjoyable and this is where our clever webmaster - Jan - came to me with the idea for the blog. I am new to this- so bear with me as I learn - but I am sure you will all enjoying hearing the latest on our progress - pretty much as it happens.

I am very excited that 2 members from Dragons Abreast Hong Kong will come to AIA - it was a last minute decision and we are fortunate that there were substitutions available - so HK can be represented.
Michelle

Abreast in Australia 2007

We, the Organising Committee, are at full pelt now, organising the best event the Southern Hemisphere has ever seen!

Can't wait to welcome you all to Caloundra in September 2007 - see you there!