About two years ago the reciprocal relations subcommittee in the Arava came up with the idea to establish a place in the Arava which would serve as a physical representation of the ties between the two communities, and a focus for groups and individuals coming to the region from Australia. Since Partnership 2000 funding is not typically used to fund structures, but rather programs and plans, the committee thought that it would be appropriate to have a place to gather when visitors from the partner community visit the Arava.

The Australian ALG liked the idea, so following approval by the Steering Committee, local artists were asked to come up with ideas. Two Arava sculptors presented a plan for an area of about 250 sq m, just at the entrance to Park Sapir, adjoining the Sculpture Garden. The Partnership Hill area is bounded by about 500 m of metal tubing which traces the shape of the Australian continent. Sculptures of kangaroos and koalas greet visitors, and signs in the shape of Israel and Australia conjoined, each with the name of one of last year's student and family delegations from Melbourne and Sydney, have been put up. 

The work is a joint effort by two artists from Moshav Ein Yahav. Chacha Porat is the widow of Chagi Porat, one of the two original settlers of the Arava, who helped found Moshav Ein Yahav in 1959. Chacha joined him in 1960 and together they brought up four sons on Ein Yahav, two of whom live there today. Az Ephroni is also from Ein Yahav, and came to the Arava after marrying a daughter of one of the moshav's veteran families. He and his wife Sharon have spent recent years in London, but moved back to the Arava with their three children last August.

All future delegations will be taken to our little bit of Australia in the Arava - we hope to see you all there!