Arriving in Australia

Following some visa delays, Camille arrived in Australia on Monday 18 August 2025 with a beaming smile and looking remarkably fresh. This was especially impressive for a 16-year-old who had travelled alone from Paris via Singapore, cleared customs in Sydney, transferred to the domestic terminal and continued her journey to Adelaide.

She was welcomed at the airport by an excited group of host families and Rotarians. Camille’s lovely smile, warmth and friendly nature remained with her throughout her time in Australia.

Within two days of arriving, Camille commenced Year 10 at Roma Mitchell Secondary College. She quickly adapted to a schooling structure that was very different from the one she had experienced throughout her life in France. This included wearing a school uniform for the first time and studying elective subjects such as Food Technology.

Roma Mitchell Secondary College has an established international student program and generously included Camille in excursions to places such as Cleland Wildlife Park and Gorge Wildlife Park. She was delighted to cuddle a koala, feed kangaroos and experience some of Australia’s unique wildlife.

Camille quickly made friends, enjoying sleepovers and outings with them throughout the year. Three of her school friends were also at the airport to farewell her.

Discovering Australia

In October, Camille travelled to Waikerie, where she met the two other incoming Rotary Youth Exchange students hosted by clubs in Mildura. She and Ester from Sweden quickly became firm friends.

Camille was initially excited to experience her first warm Australian day, with temperatures reaching the mid-30s. The excitement soon faded as she experienced her first heatwave and hot Australian Christmas. She quickly understood why she was continually reminded to wear a hat, drink plenty of water and apply sunscreen.

Camille was also able to experience many parts of Australia during her exchange.

Thank you to the Club members who arranged day trips to Mannum and Hahndorf with Jenni Thompson, and Victor Harbor with Rosalind Njoroge.

Jenny and David Wood travelled with Camille to Sydney and Perth, while the Palmer family took her on memorable holidays through South Australia’s South East, along the Great Ocean Road and to Melbourne.

Camille also participated in an optional Rotary Australia Safari for exchange students. The four-week adventure through Western Australia included sleeping under clear skies, experiencing the red dirt, heat and flies, and swimming in the ocean and natural rock pools alongside marine wildlife.

Becoming Part of the Family

A huge thank you goes to Camille’s three host families:

• Shanelle, James, Natalie and Thomas Palmer
• Jenny and David Wood, along with Alex and Sarah
• Kristianne and Martin Foreman

Together, they generously welcomed Camille into their homes and families. They took her on memorable holidays, transported her to and from school, sport and social activities, and provided a caring and supportive ear whenever it was needed.

Camille quickly expressed her love of meat pies and lamingtons, as well as her disappointment with Australian bread.

She enjoyed cooking for and alongside her host families. Members of the Rotary Sewing Circle also benefited from her excellent quiches. During her exchange, Camille mastered the art of making scones while continuing to share traditional French recipes with those around her.

A Familiar Face at Rotary

Camille became a familiar and valued part of the Rotary Club of Salisbury family. She easily mingled with members and enthusiastically helped at Monday night Rotary meetings and numerous activities, including:

• Rotary Corner working bees and tree planting
• The Rotary Sewing Circle
• Clean Up Australia Day
• AllSorts Op Shop rosters
• Community barbecues
• Club events and service activities

Her willingness to become involved, lend a hand and connect with others made her a much-loved member of our Rotary family.

A Special Farewell

On Monday 22 June, the Club farewelled Camille during a special Rotary meeting.

Camille shared reflections on her time in Australia, while members watched a video showcasing the many experiences and memories she had collected throughout her exchange year.

Members and guests also created badges featuring personalised messages and photographs, which were pinned to Camille’s Rotary Youth Exchange blazer as lasting reminders of the people she met and the relationships she formed.

Thank you to Rotarians Richard, Mary, Emmanuel and Keith, who presented Camille with special mementos. Thank you also to President Damien for organising the evening and to Toni for assisting with the badge-making activity.