Sister city delegation visit strengthens international bonds

The Dalrymple Saleyards recently played host to a significant day in the history of the Charters Towers Region as Council welcomed representatives from Daqing.

Charters Towers Regional Council Mayor Frank Beveridge, Deputy Mayor Graham Lohmann and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Martin Drydale welcomed Mr Lv Jianguo, Deputy Mayor, The People’s Government of Daqing Municipality, Ms Liu Xiuli, Director, Daqing Foreign Affairs Office and Ms Wei Dong, Liaison Officer, Daqing Foreign Affairs Office to Charters Towers.

Upon arrival gifts were exchanged between both parties, with all gifts holding sentimental value to their origins.

“Both Deputy Mayor Cr Lohmann and I took great pride in this visit, understanding the importance that this meeting held, and were fortunate enough to accompany the delegation to the Dalrymple Saleyards where they were able to experience a Bull Sale and wander amongst the pens”, said Mayor Cr Beveridge.

“We then saw it fitting to take the delegation for a sample of Australian beef at The Rix Hotel, where we were accompanied by the President and Vice-President of the Charters Towers Chamber of Commerce and Mines Inc.

Mayor Cr Beveridge advised that the meeting with the delegates followed on from the re-established contact the Charters Towers Regional Council had made with Daqing in 2021, and noted the importance of maintaining a healthy relationship for export stability going forward.

Deputy Mayor Jianguo addressed Council, “It gives such a great pleasure to visit your honourable city and communicate with friends of Charters Towers face to face.  We can take this visit as a great opportunity to promote practical cooperation in multiple fields between Daqing and Charters Towers.”

“When we return to Daqing I will organise for someone from Daqing to make contact to discuss export and import opportunities”.

The final stop for the delegation was at the Dalrymple Trade Training Centre, where a meeting was convened with education representatives of Charters Towers to discuss opportunities for education exchanges.

Mayor Cr Beveridge advised that he was excited by the visit and was thankful that deputy Mayor Lv Jianguo, Director, Ms Liu Xiuli together with Ms Dong were provided with the country hospitality that Charters Towers is known for. 

“Visits such as this from our international sister cities provide us with optimism and enthusiasm for the future of our great town”, said Mayor Cr Beveridge.

“Charters Towers is known for many things; however, our beef industry and education are two of the best.

“This visit facilitated the discussion of exciting opportunities for both.

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Photo: Daqing Delegates with Saleyard Coordinator Jeff McHugh, Mayor Frank Beveridge, and Deputy Mayor Graham Lohmann