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<pre>> Secondly - I learnt yesterday, and this will interest my European
> friends and those on the chatline - that the area around Bendigo has
> been called the New Mediterranean. I am not sure how this has been
> registered or justified? On the basis of climate? on the number of
> Greeks, Italians, Spaniards, Turks, French, Arabs etc living in the
> district?on the number of cappicino machines and cafes?

Stan et al

I think I may already have posted the address of the website of "The New
Mediterranean" but just in case it is www.newmediterranean.com.au/

The rationale was complementary climatic conditions and soils as I
understand it. Certainly not on the basis of a multicultural society
although it would be very welcome and certainly not on the basis of
cappuccino machines. We have very few in Bendigo; one of the best is at
"The Green Olive" ironically enough. As a matter of fact Victorian Olive
Groves is doing a special bottling of selected evoo for the Green Olive
under their label with due recognition of the part the aforementioned firm
will play.

Regards
</pre>
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