The Sunshine Coast Friendship Force Club met at the Mapleton Men’s Shed on Australia Day to share Aussie food and fun.

“A celebration of our nation’s relaxed lifestyle and sporting enthusiasm is the always the theme of the club’s first meeting of the year in January,” said Club Publicity Officer, Merrilyn Rundle.

Thirty two members gathered at the iconic Australian indoor/outdoor facility to share Iced Vovos, vegemite on crackers and hamburgers with pineapple and beetroot amongst other Aussie delicacies.

“This year the stakes were high for the inaugural thong throwing competition, with a gold, silver or bronze medal awarded to the final three competitors, ” she said.

The triumphant trio stood on the podium to receive their medals, along with an Australian flag on a stick and a stuffed koala, while accompanied by an enthusiastic rendition of the national anthem by club members.

“The knowledge of our own history was challenged by Jim Catt’s trivia competition, and questions included: ‘what year was the republic referendum?’ and ‘what year did Advance Australia Fair become the national anthem?’

“Jean Ledwidge honoured our first nations with her recitation of a poem by Indigenous poet, Kath Walker,” Merrilyn said.

“The club’s general business was not ignored, and details of the forthcoming journey to Africa in April, and the visit of international clubs in June and September were discussed. “Upcoming meetings and social events were set down including a gathering to celebrate Harmony Week at Buderim Park on March 21.”

The Friendship Force of the Sunshine Coast is part of Friendship Force International, a cross cultural hosting organisation promoting friendship and peace world wide.

For more information see the club’s website www.friendshipforcesunshinecoast.org.au