ustralian Air Holidays
Mary MacKillop 2010
ustralian Air Holidays Later this year we will be operating 2 and 3 day weekend trips from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide flying to Mt Gambier, then a short distance by coach to Penola, where Mary MacKillop spent many years, in association with her canonisation on October. Our 2010 – 2011 Tasmanian program ranges from one day to six days in Tasmania, King and Flinders Islands.
In 2004, flying in a restored DC3, we commenced a series of holidays to various parts of Australia using the name DC3 Australian Air Holidays. Since then we have flown DC3 tours to most states, including two “Around Australia” holidays lasting almost one month as we explore our great country at a leisurely pace, including locations not usually included in air holidays.
In 2009 we changed our name to Australian Air Holidays and broadened both the range of holidays we offer and aircraft used. These twin engine planes now include 10-passenger Chieftain, 12-passenger Titan and Kingair, 26-passenger DC3 and 52-passenger Fokker 50’s. In 2009 we made many trips to Lake Eyre, carrying approximately 800 passengers to view this spectacular “inland sea”. We were thrilled by the overwhelmingly high level of satisfaction expressed by passengers concerning all aspects of this program. We also flew several trips to Tasmania, again with great passenger comments. In 2010 with Lake Eyre again partially filling as a result of continuing rain over 1,200 passengers have already booked on our weekend Lake Eyre flights.
Earlier this year we operated weekend holidays from Melbourne to view Masterpieces from Paris at the Australian National Gallery in Canberra. These were a hit with art lovers who appreciated an organised “no fuss” visit to a unique event. “Pack your bag, we’ll do the rest” was an appreciated theme of the event. Australian Air Holidays is part of the Reed Holidays group, a privately-owned family company which also operates Young at Heart Holidays and Seniors Coach Tours, both best known in the “60 +over” market. Australian Air Holidays embraces a wider age group, and we welcome all those who enjoy great “value for money holidays with a difference. We value our reputation highly and you can be assured that we will do everything in our power to provide you with an air holiday that, if it is your first holiday with us, will certainly not be your last. Happy flying. Owner
Spacious DC3 Cabin
Fokker 50 Lake Eyre Group
ustralian Air Holidays Phone: (03) 9875 1422 Interstate Callers: 1800 815 906
www.australianairholidays.com Email: holidays@australianairholidays.com J A Reed Pty Ltd ACN 075 188 144 trading as Australian Air Holidays - TAL 32076 TRAVEL COMPENSATION FUND PARTICIPANT www.tcf.org.au
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afta
AUSTRALIAN FEDERATION OF TRAVEL AGENTS
Australian Air Holidays – Mary MacKillop 2010
The Mary MacKillop Story Australia’s 1st saint
Australian Air Holidays invites you to be part of the Australian celebrations of the canonisation of Mary MacKillop at Penola, where her dream first became a reality. “Never see a need without doing something about it” was her catch cry in 1871 and today remains the focus of Sisters of St Joseph.
A custom designed and built stone school was commissioned by Fr Woods before he left Penola for a larger educational role, the cost of two hundred and ninety pounds financed by The National Bank of Australasia with five parishioners as guarantors, Mary being one of the original teachers.
On Sunday October 17, 2010 Mary MacKillop will become a Australia’s first saint saint in a ceremony in St Peter’s Square in Rome conducted by Pope Benedict XVI. Significantly, the Canonisation Vigil Liturgy for Australia’s first saint held in Rome the day prior will commence with the playing of the didgeridoo by representatives of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
In 1866 Mary and her sisters discarded their secular garments and dressed as religious postulants. Bishop Sheil approved the formation of the Order of Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart. Mary became the first sister and Mother Superior and, within months, ten other sisters had joined. Poverty and no ownership of personal belongings were two requirements of members of the Order.
This ceremony is the realisation of a dream dating back to 1926 when the process for recognition as a saint commenced, a process postponed in 1931 and recommenced in 1951, almost sixty years ago. In 1995 Mary was beatified by Pope John Paul II on acceptance by the Vatican of a miracle attributed to Mary. The last significant hurdle was overcome on December 19, 2009 when at 11:00 p.m. (Penola, South Australian time) around 100 people gathered for the occasion, heard the announcement from Rome that a second miracle (needed for canonisation) had been accepted. Church bells from the Mary MacKillop Penola Centre were rung to wake the town and announce this important event. The Mary MacKillop story commenced in the family home in Brunswick Street, Fitzroy in 1842 when Mary was born to Alexander and Flora MacKillop, both immigrants of Catholic families from the Highlands of Scotland, who married soon after their arrival in Australia in 1840. Mary was the oldest of a family of eight children and, at an early age, became a major contributor to the family income as the family struggled through many financial misfortunes and losses. Aged fourteen, Mary began four years of work as a clerk in a Melbourne stationery store, followed by a position as governess to her aunt and uncle in Penola, living on the prosperous Cameron Estate. At Penola she met Fr Julian Woods, a young priest who became her Spiritual Director and who shared Mary’s deep passion to better serve the educational and spiritual needs of the poor in the growing number of towns in country South Australia. Fr Woods invited Mary, now a qualified and salaried teacher in Portland, and two of her sisters to Penola for the opening of St Joseph’s School, Penola in a disused stable. At age twenty four, Mary was now able to give her life to God in the way she most wished, the education of the poor.
Australian Air Holidays – Mary MacKillop 2010
St Joseph’s school population was representative of the Penola District of the time – Catholics, Protestants, Aboriginals, Scottish, Irish, English and Australians. Mary introduced a timetabled program of learning with excellent results. Through Mary’s wisdom, determination and energy the Order of the Sisters of St Joseph withstood attacks from within the church hierarchy and, by 1871, over one hundred and twenty women had taken vows. Being sent to any part of the Australian colonies that needed their services, the Sisters had to be tough and resilient, and tough and resilient they certainly were. A church Commission threatened the basis of the Order, and Mary was excommunicated by Bishop Sheil, an act renounced five months later as the bishop was approaching death. Mary took her cause to Rome to seek formal approval for her Order. When Mary returned from Europe, the first General Chapter of the Order met in March 1875. Mary was elected the first Superior General. The responsibility of a fast growing Order, the huge amount of travel within Australia and overseas and the deaths of Fr Julian Woods and her mother all affected her health. However she was re-elected Superior General in 1898. Always a keen participant in the community well being, in 1903 she wrote to all Sisters stressing her view that they should all exercise the responsibility given by new laws giving women the right to vote. In 1905, despite failing health, Mary was again elected Superior General of the Sisters of St Joseph and, with some administrative assistance, she held this position of honour until her death on August 8, 1909. Few, if any, Australian women, especially during our early history, have influenced our nation for good to a greater extent than Mary MacKillop.
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Canonisation Celebrations at Penola Sunday October 17 2010
ustralian Air Holidays
Australian Air Holidays invites you to Penola to celebrate on Sunday Oct 17, the day Mary MacKillop will become a saint in a ceremony in Rome, led by Pope Benedict XVI. On the same day in Penola, a morning liturgy including the Mary MacKillop story plus an afternoon Concelebrated Mass, led by Emeritus Archbishop of Adelaide Leonard Faulkner, are the main local events, for both of which we have reserved seats..
Young at Heart
HOLIDAYS
Departing Sunday October 17, a 7 day relaxing small group all inclusive fly/drive Mary MacKillop holiday, flying to Mt Gambier and Penola to take part in the celebrations on Sun Oct 17. Your Young at Heart coach awaits you when we land at Mt Gambier. Reserved seats for the two main events of the day at Penola. Three nights at Chardonnay Lodge at Coonawarra, two nights at the Quality Inn Presidential Mt Gambier and overnight at Warrnambool, concluding in Melbourne. Metropolitan home pick up and return is included.
Flights are by 50 passenger comfort-plus Fokker high wing aircraft, taking the direct route from Melbourne to Mt Gambier – a journey of around 60 minutes. Metropolitan home pick up and return applies to all Australian Air Holidays Melbourne departures.
1 and 2 days flying both ways Departing Sunday October 17, the day of canonisation.
3 day weekends, flying both ways Departing Friday October 8, 22 and 29, our 3 day weekends offer more time to explore the Limestone coast as well as including a day in Penola exploring the Mary MacKillop story with a celebratory Mass (optional).
RESERVED SEATS AT PENOLA MAIN EVENTS
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Departs Saturday October 16. Our 5 day large coach tour travels from Melbourne to the beautiful Grampians, with an overnight stop at Hamilton. To Penola to join the celebrations on the day Mary MacKillop becomes Australia’s first saint. Reserved seats at both main events of the day. Two nights in Mt Gambier at the Mt Gambier Quality Inn International Motel and an overnight stay at Warrnambool.
Australian Air Holidays – Mary MacKillop 2010
Canonisation Celebrations at Penola Sunday October 17 2010
One day celebration – Sun Oct 17 Day 1 (L,D) Following metropolitan home pick up, we depart at 9:00 a.m. from Essendon Airport, flying by 50 passenger Fokker 50 chartered aircraft to Mt Gambier, a journey of around 60 minutes. On arrival we transfer by coach to Penola, where Mary MacKillop started her first school in 1867. We join the morning celebrations in St Joseph’s Church which includes presentations by choral groups and an outline of the history of the Penola site and also a short presentation on the life of a Josephite today. Enjoy an excellent lunch at the Poplars Winery in nearby Coonawarra. During the afternoon join the Concelebrated Mass held on the school oval. We have reserved seats for both these events. Some free time follows to explore Penola or the Mary MacKillop Interpretative Centre. Following dinner at Mt Gambier our return flight arrives back in Essendon at approximately 8:30 p.m. Metropolitan home transfers completes a most memorable day. All inclusive fares: $1,145 per person Deduct $80 if you do not require metropolitan home pick up. There is ample free parking at Essendon Airport.
Two day celebration – Sun Oct 17 Day 1 (L,D) Today’s program is the same as the one day program until dinner, following which we stay overnight at Mt Gambier Quality Inn Presidential or Mt Gambier Quality Inn International Motel. An opportunity to watch the Canonisation Ceremony direct from Rome. Day 2 (B,L) A tour of Mt Gambier before returning to Penola to visit the Mary MacKillop Interpretative Centre and the School House. Learn a little of the role Fr Julian Wood played in the accomplishment of Mary’s dream. We visit the sculpture park named in his honour. Following lunch we visit Yallum Park, said to be the best preserved Victorian House in Australia, built by John Riddoch in 1878. Original William Morris wallpapers, acid etched and stained glass windows and antique furniture are all part of this historic home. Our return flight is along the scenic coastline including flying “low and slow” over Cape Otway and the Twelve Apostles. Afternoon tea and refreshments from the bar as we fly, arriving at Essendon at approximately 6:00 p.m. Home transfers complete a memorable and enjoyable celebration. All inclusive fares: $1,695 p.p.t.s. $50 s.s. Deduct $80 if you do not require metropolitan home pick up. There is ample free parking at Essendon Airport.
Naracoorte Robe
VICTORIA
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Penola Millicent
Mt Gambier
Australian Air Holidays – Mary MacKillop 2010
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Mary MacKillop and the Limestone Coast 7 day celebration – Oct 17 Day 1 (L,D) Following metropolitan home pick up, we depart at 9:00 a.m. from Essendon Airport flying by 50 passenger Fokker 50 chartered aircraft to Mt Gambier, a journey of approximately 60 minutes. On arrival we transfer by coach to Penola, where Mary MacKillop started her first school in 1867. We join the morning celebrations in St Joseph’s Church which includes presentations by choral groups and an outline of the history of the Penola site and also a short presentation on the life of a Josephite today. Enjoy an excellent lunch at the Poplars Winery in nearby Coonawarra. During the afternoon join the Concelebrated Mass held on the school oval. We have reserved seats for both of these events. Some free time follows to explore Penola. Our home for three nights is the 4 star Chardonnay Lodge, at Coonawarra.
Day 2 (B,L,D) A day visiting Fr Woods sculpture parl on route to Naracoorte Caves, some of the most beautiful limestone caves in the world, and world heritage fossil site. Visit the town of Naracoorte, the Sheep’s Back Museum. Call at Bool Lagoon, home of over 150 species of birds.
Young at Heart
HOLIDAYS
Day 5 (B,L,D) Enjoy some of the highlights of Mt Gambier, the Blue Lake and Cave garden. Visit Port MacDonnell, Cape Northumberland and “Dingley Dell”, home of Adam Lindsay Gordon. Day 6 (B,L,D) Today we travel via Nelson to Portland, first settlement in Victoria, Port Fairy and Warrnambool. Overnight at Country Comfort Warrnambool. Day 7 (B,L) One of the most stunningly scenic drives today as we travel along the Great Ocean Road to Apollo Bay and Lorne, then inland to join the Princes Highway to Geelong and Melbourne. Home transfers completes a most enjoyable and memorable extended Mary MacKillop celebration. All inclusive fares: $2,645 p.p.t.s. $255 s.s.
Day 3 (B,L,D) A leisurely and enjoyable day as we explore Penola, visit Mary MacKillop Interpretative Centre, the School House & Yallum Park, a beautiful heritage Victorian mansion. In this renowned wine area, a visit to one of the local wineries is another feature of the day. Day 4 (B,L,D) Today we visit the coast and the picturesque towns of Robe and Beachport, and then to Millicent, with its award winning living history museum. Time to stroll among parts of the extensive exhibition at your leisure. Enjoy the Wagyu beef tasting experience. Home for two nights is the Mt Gambier Quality Inn Presidential Motel.
Naracoorte Coonawarra
Robe Millicent Mt Gambier
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Penola
2 Portland 1 Warrnambool
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MELBOURNE Geelong Lorne
Australian Air Holidays – Mary MacKillop 2010
Mary MacKillop and the South East Coast Day 1 (D) We depart from Forest Hill Chase Shopping Centre and Southern Cross Station and, joining the Western Freeway, travel to Ballan, our morning cuppa destination. On to Ararat and Stawell with lunch at Halls Gap. During the afternoon enjoy the grandeur of the Grampians as we visit Baroka and Reid’s lookout. View Lake Bellfield as we travel to Dunkeld, at the foot of Mt Sturgeon. Afternoon cuppa prior to the short final leg of our journey to Hamilton. Home tonight is the Bandicoot Motor Inn.
Day 3 (B,L) A tour of Mt Gambier before returning to Penola to visit Yallum Park, said to be the best preserved Victorian House in Australia, built by John Riddoch in 1878. Original William Morris wallpapers, acid etched and stained glass windows and antique furniture are all part of this historic home. Visit the Mary MacKillop Interpretative Centre and the School House. Learn a little of the role Fr Julian Wood played in the accomplishment of Mary’s dream. During the afternoon visit nearby Millicent with its award-winning “living history” museum. Another highlight as we visit Tantanoola Caves, a large beautiful limestone cave. Easy access with no steps in the cave. Day 4 (B,D) Today we return to Victoria as we travel via Nelson to Portland, first settlement in Victorian, once a seal and whaling station and now renowned for its deep water harbour, now used for wood chip and live sheep export. Visit the Botanic Gardens, commenced in 1857, and St Stephens bluestone church. During the afternoon we continue to Port Fairy and enjoy a tour of the town with over 50 National Trust classified buildings. Home tonight is the Comfort Inn Central Court at Warrnambool. Day 5 (B,L) We travel along the Princes Highway to Terang and Camperdown, enjoying 360 degree views from Red Rock and a morning cuppa in Colac. Pub lunch in Geelong prior to returning to Melbourne, having completed an enjoyable 5 day holiday including the Mary MacKillop canonisation celebrations at Penola, where her dream became a reality.
Day 2 (B,L,D) This morning we travel via Coleraine and Casterton, then morning cuppa at Coonawarra prior to arriving at Penola, where Mary MacKillop started her first school in 1867. We join the morning celebrations in St Joseph’s Church which includes presentations by choral groups, an outline of the history of the Penola site and a short presentation on the life of a Josephite today. Enjoy an excellent lunch at the Poplars Winery in nearby Coonawarra. During the afternoon join the Concelebrated Mass held on the school oval. We have reserved seats for both these events. Home for two nights is the Quality Inn International Mt Gambier.
All inclusive fares: $1,095 p.p.t.s. $155 s.s.
Penola Mt Gambier
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Hamilton
Portland
Australian Air Holidays – Mary MacKillop 2010
Halls Gap Stawell
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MELBOURNE Geelong
Warrnambool
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Limestone Coast, Penola and Mary MacKillop 3 day weekend celebration Fly to and from Mt Gambier by charter aircraft
Departs Oct 8, 22 and 29 Day 1 (L,D) Following metropolitan home pick up we join our Fokker 50 fifty passenger aircraft to fly from Essendon along the coast, flying “low and slow” over the Twelve Apostles and Cape Otway on route to Mt Gambier. Travel by coach to the beautiful limestone caves at Naracoorte. Following lunch inspect these stunning and magnificent caves. Visit the town of Naracoorte and later in the afternoon return to Mt Gambier for two nights at the Mt Gambier Quality Inn Presidential or Mt Gambier Quality Inn International Motel. Dinner together completes our day.
Day 2 (B,L,D) Following breakfast we enjoy a day in Penola, where in 1867 “a dream became a reality”. Visit the Mary MacKillop Interpretive Centre and School House and learn a little of her story. Lunch at Poplar’s Winery at Coonawarra followed by a visit to Fr Julian Woods memorial sculpture park. Later in the day visit historic Yallum Park, one of the best preserved Victorian mansions in Australia. Original William Morris wallpapers, gasoliers, acid etched and stained glass windows and antique furniture all add to the attraction of this mansion. The day includes a Mary MacKillop commemorative Mass (optional).
Day 3 (B,L) A tour of Mt Gambier, including the mysterious Blue Lake, on route to nearby Millicent with its awardwinning “living museum”. Enjoy a Wagyu beef tasting experience. On to the beautiful coastal views from Cape Northumberland prior to lunch at Port MacDonnell. Returning to Mt Gambier we board our charter flight which departs at 3:30 p.m. arriving at Essendon around 5:00 p.m. Metropolitan home transfers complete a most enjoyable Mary MacKillop commemorative weekend.
All inclusive fares: $1,895 p.p.t.s. $150 s.s Deduct $80 if you do not require metropolitan home pick up. There is ample free parking at Essendon Airport.
Other Australian Air Holidays Destinations Phone (03) 9875 1422 (Interstate Callers phone 1800 815 906) for a brochure.
Lake Eyre
Bass Strait Islands
A rare opportunity to see Lake Eyre with water
King and Flinders Islands: well worth a visit
More than a 1,000 people have travelled with us already this year to see this wonder.
Three days. One night each on Flinders and King Island enjoying the peace and quiet, idyllic scenery and fine food for which these islands are known. Plus “fly low and slow” over the Twelve Apostles and Wilsons Promontory.
One, two and three day holidays available. Departures from Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Brisbane. Fly over Lake Eyre, Warbuton Groove and Goyder Lagoon.
Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide departures.
Nature Plus
Tasmanian Scenic Beauty
Mungo National Park, the Coorong, Little Desert and the Grampians
Unsurpassed wilderness, water and island scenery
Explore Mungo National Park with a local guide, cruise the Coorong, join Wimpey’s 4WD Drive through Victoria’s Little Desert, spend an evening spotlighting, and view the stunning Grampians from the air. Five days to explore four of our best natural attractions.
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Six days. Visit Flinders (1 night) and King Islands (1 night), fly over Cradle Mountain to Strahan (2 nights). Ride the Abt West Coast Wilderness train (Premium Carriage) and cruise the Gordon River and Macquarie Harbour (Captain’s Premium seating) on board the Lady Jane Franklin II. A very special experience.
Australian Air Holidays – Mary MacKillop 2010