Yesterday's destination is today's starting point. Good morning Roma, the Peace Run continues. We have transitioned from the warmer tropical temperatures of NT and QLD to the colder southern weather. Luckily, the sun is still greets and warms us up a little during the day.
This morning, we had a wonderful meeting with Mayor Wendy Taylor of the Maranoa Council. She had tremendous enthusiasm for the Peace Run and its goals, but it was her love of Roma that was most apparent.
She gave us a lovely tour of the “Big Rig”, a very well put-together museum recognising the important contribution to the town from its past oil riggers and their hard work.
It was a fascinating view into a world many of us knew nothing about.
We presented our certificate of appreciation to Mayor Wendy Taylor and the town of Roma for their enthusiastic participation in the Peace Run.
Towards the end of the meeting she brought our attention to the current art installation of incredible sculptures from many local artists a few hundred metres away from the Big Rig.
The sculptures were mind-blowing! See for yourself: Roma’s love of art and culture really shone!
Back on the road, the peace runners take the Torch onwards from Roma to Miles.
The Peace Run has arrived
After running our fair share of miles, we reached Miles...
We received a very warm welcome from Kerry Mulholand, the chair of the management committee of the historical association of Miles.
He appreciated our positive energy and described us as a metaphor for humanity, all nations working together harmoniously for humanity.
Amanda Ahern, tourist officer of the Western Downs Council, coordinated our visit and came to meet us at the Miles sign, where the team had fun taking unique photos.
Rachel from the Chamber of Commerce greeted us and showed great curiosity, asking questions about the run. She said that The Peace Run is a “ worthy endeavour, one we could all aspire to”. She and the council generously provided us with catered trays of fruit and sandwiches.
Kerry Mulholand is a wealth of information and knowledge about the history of Miles. He shared that they are partnering with The First Nations People to include a display a more complete history of the area. The Imans, an aboriginal people have a 60,000 year history in this area and much wisdom about sustaining the land that can be of benefit to all.
Nicole from Western Downs Regional Council (3rd from front right) came down on her day off to meet us! She was very supportive and kind. Shirley (holding the Torch) is the event director for the Mikes Park Run which we will be attending bright and early tomorrow morning.
And now, time for tea and coffee.
We are deeply appreciative of the Miles Outback Motel for providing accommodation for our male runners this evening. Although we love camping, it is nice to use a bed from time to time.
We also extend our gratitude to The Starline Motor Inn for providing accommodation for our girls' team this evening.
We also offer our heartfelt thank you to the Golden West Motor Inn for providing accommodation to the second boys' team this evening.
Good night Miles. See you bright and early tomorrow...
