Visits to Upland from
Mildura
Jodie and Tajska Alderton Visit
In 2025 Jodie Alderton and her daughter Tajska Alderton, both formerly of Mildura, Australia visited Upland as the final stop on an extended tour of the United States.
During their stay they joined Upland Sister City Association board members for lunch at The Souper, toured Upland City Hall with Mayor Velto, viewed the George Chaffey statue and visited the Cooper Regional History Museum. They also saw several local landmarks including the Sister City benches on Euclid Avenue, the intersection of Deakin and Mildura streets in north Upland and scenic Mt. Baldy. They enjoyed a treat at a neighborhood ice cream shop before visiting the Chaffey Garcia House in nearby Etiwanda, the original home of George Chaffey and his family.
Tajska Alderton is a cheerleader with a major rugby league in Australia. Both visitors appreciated the warm welcome from the Upland community and the opportunity to connect with their hometown’s sister city.
The Dichiera family visits from Mildura
In April 2026, Upland Sister City Association members welcomed Mildura visitors Pam Dichiera, her son Brad and his wife Laurenca on a visit to Upland. They, along with their four children, were staying in the Los Angeles area. They took time from their busy schedule to tour Upland starting with breakfast at Molly’s Souper. They enjoyed a visit to Upland City Hall with a tour led by Mayor Velto. At Upland Library they were given a grand tour by Upland Library Director Adam Tuckerman that included a tour of the archives and the innovative room dedicated to prom clothing that had been donated.
The Cooper Museum was a highlight of their visit with Museum Director Ann Lara welcoming them and describing some of Upland’s history. At this time they were given gifts to help them remember their visit to Upland. Lastly, they were driven by the intersection of Mildura and Deakin Avenues.
This visit was memorable for all, Mildurans and Uplanders alike.
The Dichiera family stopped for a photo at the intersection of Deakin Avenue and Mildura Avenue in Upland in addition to visiting the Cooper Regional History Museum and the mayor’s office.
Daniel Robbins Visit
In 2026, Daniel Robbins of Mildura, Australia presented to Upland Library Director Adam Tuckerman a book entitled “A Brief History of the Life of George Chaffey, Man of Vision.” This book, written by Bill Dolence of Mildura, details the Chaffey Brothers’ legacy.
During Daniel’s visit, Upland Sister City members treated him to lunch at Maniac Mike’s at Cable Airport, then dinner at his favorite place Vince’s Spaghetti.
Max Thorburn Visit 2009
Allegra Bottrell-Thorburn, daughter of Max Thorburn and Janelle Bottrell, visited Mrs. Nehls’ classroom at Magnolia Elementary School in Upland. In addition to the school visit, they enjoyed various sites around Upland and the Los Angeles area.
