InterNations Down Under: Sun, Sand & Sea
As we are celebrating ten years of crossing borders, bridging cultures and connecting global minds, we want to showcase the amazing work our Consuls do around the globe. Meet Kimberley Lynch, Consul of the always adventurous Sunshine Coast Group.
Originally from New York City, Kimberley Lynch moved to Australia in 2001. It was only when she returned to the US for a three-year stint in San Diego that Kimberley joined InterNations. Despite not being an expat at the time, she enjoyed connecting with people from many different countries and backgrounds which reminded her of her own experiences abroad.
Kimberley was keen to stay involved with InterNations and continue meeting other expats and interacting with other cultures when she returned to Australia in 2013. Being over an hour drive from the nearest InterNations Community in Brisbane, she found it difficult as a busy single mum to really get involved in the InterNations scene. After doing some research into the number of expatriates on the Sunshine Coast where she lived, Kimberley realized the huge potential in her new home town. It was then that she decided to open her very own group and share with other Sunshine Coast expats her profound passion for nature and the great outdoors.
Kimberley started her Sunshine Coast Group in June 2016, and since then has shared many amazing experiences with the members of her group. Always the highlight of Kimberley’s month is getting together with her newfound InterNations friends, enjoying the perpetual warm weather while exploring the landscapes, flora and fauna unique to the land down under.
Originally intended to bring together expats who live in the area, Kimberley’s adventurous activities are so exciting that some members come from as far as the Gold Coast, a two-hour drive, to take part! In March this year, the group took a road trip north of the Sunshine Coast to Baragara. Equipped with flashlights, they set up camp on the beach and watched the tiny baby turtles emerge from their nests and clumsily sprint towards the sea. Decked out in wetsuits and snorkels, July saw the group leaving dry land to swim with the humungous Humpbacks, migrating north for the winter. No matter the activity, it is safe to say that the Sunshine Coast Group always enjoy a whale of a time!
For their InterNations 10th Birthday Celebration, Kimberly will be bringing the group together by the beach, to celebrate the final tide of InterNations first decade. Each member will bring both a delicious dish and a birthday tradition from their own culture, marking this momentous occasion by crossing borders and celebrating diversity, true to the spirit of InterNations!
Advertisement
About Lisa Stelling
Lisa Stelling works in the Community Management team here at InterNations. After growing up in faraway Australia, Lisa has come to Munich to be with her German boyfriend and immerse herself in the land of Dirndls, Lederhosen, and Bier!
Article topics
Related articles
Teaching English with the InterNations Changemakers
Since joining the Jakarta Changemakers, Astari Sutjiningtyas has built a remarkable partnership with a local NGO and encouraged other members to teach English to underprivileged children. Here, she describes her experience with the Changemakers and gives advice for anyone wishing to get involved.
Socializing despite Social Distancing: How to Connect in Times of Crisis
Social distancing and self-isolation can take quite a toll on your mental health, especially among expats, who are often far from home. Here are some great ways to connect with other global minds, even in times of crises.
InterNations Turns Ten
Our 10th anniversary is nearly here, and we’re really excited about celebrating this milestone with all of you! We have come a long way together in just ten years, so let’s see out the first decade in style and give InterNations a warm welcome to the double-digits club!
The Ukraine Crisis: How Our Communities Help People in Need
Millions of people have been affected by the conflict in Ukraine. Many of our members in our communities around the world have reached out and donated their time and money to help people in need. Find out what our members have done so far and how you can get involved yourself!
Bike Tours and Picnics in the Park — Reintroducing In-Person Events
With a few safety measures in place and the weather getting warmer in the Northern Hemisphere, some InterNations Communities have resumed in-person events, giving our members the opportunity to finally meet in real life again. These are some of the highlights!