The club’s South Pacific chairman Gary Blackler said many of the 430 members at this week’s gathering in Albury — the 23rd — had said it was “the best one yet”.

“It had a lot to do with organisers like Patricia Corcoran and the Border’s hospitality,” he said.

The first rendezvous on the Border ended yesterday with a farewell at the Albury Entertainment Centre.

South Pacific director Murray Jensen, representing New Zealand, said he was thrilled with the visit.

“New Zealanders love Australians, Australiana and bush songs, so the trip to the Corryong Pub was fantastic,” he said.

Mr Blackler and Mr Jensen said the week’s highlight had been the inspirational speech of Wodonga teenager Liam Shay at the opening ceremony about recovering from a cardiac arrest.

Members also enjoyed a gala dinner at Albury’s Commercial Club.