IOI | IOI President visits Austrian city of Graz and the province of Southern Styria

Following the IOI World Board meeting in Vienna, IOI President Chris Field had the pleasure of visiting Graz and a number of parts of Southern Styria at the very kind invitation of the Minister for Education, Human Resources, European and International Affairs, Mr Werner Amon MBA.

Graz is the first European human rights city, multicultural and rich in history and art. The visit included a private guided tour of the truly stunning Schloss Eggenberg; attending the opening night of Il Cappelo di paglia di Firenze in the Baroque masterpiece that is the Graz Opera House; and a private guided tour of the modern art museum, the Kunsthaus Graz (dubbed by Styrians, the “friendly alien”).

One particular highlight was attending the Spring Festival in Lannach (which included the blessing of a fire engine), where President Field was given the great honour of conducting a large band in a rousing rendition of the Josef Niggas March. The march was specifically composed to honour the birthday of Herr Burgermeister, Josef Niggas, such a popular Mayor that he has served for 28 years, with increased support at each election! “I express my sincerest appreciation to Minister Amon, Mr Meinhard Friedl, and my driver Mr. Werner Söls. The relationship between Austria and Australia is a very warm one, and so it is too with Styria and Western Australia” said President Field.

Source: The Office of the IOI President and Western Australian Ombudsman