Regional Victoria treated us to a fantastic day, after spending three days in Melbourne and Geelong visiting schools it was very refreshing to get out on the open road and fresh country air. The early morning frost on the grass brought back a feeling of “home” and we were blessed throughout the entire day with clear blue sky and perfect running weather.

After a quick stop at Pastry King and a chance for Belinda to hold the torch, we arrived bright and early at Newstead Primary School. We were warmly greeted by the staff and students who then thoroughly enjoyed the DVD presentation about the run. All staff and students were invited to hold the flaming World Harmony Run torch. As each child held the torch they were encouraged to hold a wish for world harmony in their hearts. You can see many of them concentrating very hard on their wishes.

At Guildford Primary School, a small school with 13 students we found ourselves completely surrounded by a natural bush setting. Gary Fry, the principal of this sweet school told us that they are constantly making efforts to create and maintain harmony within their school. The small numbers of students, he explained, makes any disharmony between its members very apparent and harmony a priority. Following the presentation each child experienced the joy of running whilst holding the harmony torch.

Next we visited Campbell’s Creek Primary School. This school was the school that Melinda, a member of the World Harmony Run team, attended as a child. As part of the presentation at this school the World Harmony Run theme song was played over the loud speaker to the entire school. The children and teachers gathered outside in a huge circle and the torch was passed from person to person, each planting a seed of hope for World Harmony.

The entire school gathered together to take part in the World Harmony Run at Winters Flat Primary School. The children actively contributed to the discussion on the meaning of World Harmony and then presented us with a beautiful painted banner (pictured). The hall was filled with a warm feeling of friendship as each child and teacher held the torch. After the ceremony had ended a class of students sang to us a most beautiful song “We follow our dreams and vision with love in our hearts”. The song was accompanied by actions and a sweet smile on each of their faces.

Team B started the day with passing the Harmony Torch to hundreds of enthusiastic children from Buningyong Primary School. After passing some of the local cows, horses and sheep we made a stop at one of the local schools.

On the road into Ballarat we were stopped by many locals who asked to have their photo taken with the torch. We ran on to Ballarat meeting some people on the road, who wanted to hold the torch. One of the nice things about the torch is that it always brings a smile to peoples' faces.

In Ballarat we arrived at Pleasant Street Primary School during the morning recess and much to the delight of the students.

While passing the torch amongst the students we were met by Councilor Herman Ruyg from the Ballarat City Council. Herman very graciously introduced us to the staff and students on behalf of the City and set the scene for a very fulfilling and joyous ceremony. A professional photographer for over 40 years, he had a wealth of tips to assist us with our photographic skills for this site.

After singing the World Harmony Song the children joined the runners with endless laps of the school following the harmony torch. Our whole experience at Pleasant Street Primary was more than pleasant; it was a delight for us all.

We then took to the road running in warm afternoon sun through Creswick before we joined Team A for an official welcome to the Mt Alexander Shire by Mayor David Gittus in Maldon.

Before retiring for the evening we headed to Mount Tarrengower for a beautiful view of the setting sun across the plains of Central Victoria. Looking forward to another inspiring day of running and meetings tomorrow.

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