The first day of the Victorian leg of this year's World Harmony Run on Monday 14 May consisted of a very peaceful country run from Geelong to Werribee. We had no visits planned and were enjoying ourselves so much we forgot to take photos! We ran on the Old Geelong Road as the highway would have been too busy, so our companions were mostly farm animals with just the occasional vehicle.

The next day, Tuesday 15th May, we started on the outskirts of Werribee, jogging into Werribee Primary School at 10am. We were met by the head students and escorted into the courtyard, where about 400 students had assembled carrying colourful balloons. We were very lucky that Julia Gillard, Deputy Opposition Leader was in her electorate that day, and agreed to meet with us at the school. After a brief introduction about the run, Ms Gillard addressed the assembly, remarking on how fortunate the children were to have friends at their school from all across the world enabling them to practice harmony in their own school.

The children excitedly answered questions about how they could make their school more harmonious with one girl suggesting that instead of fighting with others, you could cuddle your teddy instead. Ms Gillard commented that this could be a useful tip for the Parliamentarians!

During the ceremony students presented the runners with many beautiful art works they had created on the theme of world harmony. Some of these paintings will be sent to New York for an International exhibition later this year. After the runners sang the World Harmony Run song, the students sang 'We Are Australian' and then it was time for a big surprise: a small white box had been placed on the ground in front of Ms Gillard during the singing and when it was over she gently lifted the lid and much to our joy a small flock of white doves took flight.

Our gratitude goes to Ms Gillard for making the time to join us at Werribee Primary School, and also to the staff and students of the school and John and Audrey Hurley from Doves of Peace for making the day so memorable.

You can see the press clippings covering this meeting from The Age, the Werribee Starand the Werribee Times.

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