{"id":81521,"date":"2014-09-16T00:20:21","date_gmt":"2014-09-15T14:20:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=81521"},"modified":"2020-11-27T10:37:17","modified_gmt":"2020-11-27T00:37:17","slug":"us-delegates-to-visit-south-burnett","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2014\/09\/16\/us-delegates-to-visit-south-burnett\/","title":{"rendered":"US Delegates To Visit South Burnett"},"content":{"rendered":"
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FLASHBACK: The Australian delegation outside 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, ie the White House
(Photo: Damien Tessmann)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

September 15, 2014<\/strong><\/p>\n

Back in April last year, South Burnett councillor Damien Tessmann was part of an Australian delegation of young politicians selected to take part in an Australian Political Exchange Council (APEC) delegation to the United States.<\/p>\n

APEC sponsors regular political exchanges with a number of countries including China, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, the Philippines, the United States, Thailand and Vietnam.<\/p>\n

The aim is to provide an opportunity for young political leaders to gain insights into the political systems and cultures of other countries.<\/p>\n

Now it’s Australia’s turn to host a return delegation from the United States, and they’re coming to the South Burnett.<\/p>\n

The six US delegates – which includes two Republicans and two Democrats – will be in Australia from Wednesday this week (September 17) to September 28.<\/p>\n

They will be in the South Burnett from September 24-26.<\/p>\n

Their itinerary includes visits to PCA, Tarong Power Station, Meandu Mine, South Burnett Regional Council, Cherbourg Aboriginal Council, The Ration Shed Museum, Smithfield Feedlot and Bethany.<\/p>\n

“Our region was selected as part of the itinerary as the delegation indicated they were interested in agriculture, mining and local government \u2013 three things that this region is either dependent on or does very well,” Cr Tessmann said.<\/strong><\/p>\n

“In 2013, I represented The Nationals on the 29th Australian delegation to the United States and as an alumni of the Australian Political Exchange Council, I was more than pleased to be able to organise an itinerary in our beautiful region taking into consideration their interests.<\/p>\n

“Bringing Republican, Democrat and independent together at this level lays down a strong foundation for personal growth of these young political leaders.<\/p>\n

“Indeed, I have formed a lasting friendship with, and even attending the maiden speech of, former Victorian Labor Party Senator Mehmet Tillem on our delegation last year. The Prime Minister\u2019s head media adviser is also now a friend of mine.<\/p>\n

“Australia is one of only four countries in the world to have an annual bilateral delegation through this program with the United States.<\/p>\n

“When you look back in history and you take into consideration things like the Battle of the Coral Sea it is not hard to see why the US values the relationship with us so highly.”<\/p>\n

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