In January, a group of Leadership Kentucky alumni and guests enjoyed the experience of a lifetime – a multiple city, three weeklong adventure in Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji! The Land Down Under offered a mix of stunningly beautiful landscapes, vibrant cities, unique wildlife, and rich cultural experiences and the LKY group soaked it all in.
Flying into Australia, the LKY travelers were awe-struck by the expanse of the country. The group spent 11 spectacular days in Australia, visiting Sydney, Cairns, Uluru, and Melbourne, before flying over to New Zealand. The pristine landscape and picturesque views of Mt. Cook and Queenstown will stay with them forever. From there, some of the LKY travelers returned home while a lucky few hopped over to Fiji to finish the tour. The “Bula Bula” spirit of the islands was ever present and made them feel relaxed and exhilarated at the same time.
When Leadership Kentucky presented this opportunity to alumni, it was described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It certainly held true to its billing! Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji were more than just destinations—they offered an adventure filled with natural beauty, culture, friendships, and unforgettable moments. The opportunity to share this experience with members of the LKY family made it even more worthwhile and meaningful.
We want to offer a special thanks to Gina Winchester, 2025 LKY Board Chair. Gina was part of the LKY Class of 2011 and one of the lucky travelers on this trip. Ms. Winchester gathered the thoughts and impressions of each city from members of the group and shared those with the LKY team upon their return. Those buzzwords are bold and italicized throughout the article.