MATHOURA has been promoted to hundreds of people in China thanks to two locals.
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Anne Robertson and Sharnie Celli have been busy introducing Chinese residents and tourists to the things that make Mathoura great at a cultural event in Guangzhou, China.
They were showcasing the Mathoura speed shear and chainsaw competitions, along with Mathoura’s popular Bra Fence which raises funds to help cancer sufferers with transport expenses incurred while seeking treatment.
Hundreds of locals and tourists flocked to the Australian cultural and educational experience in China earlier this month.
Anne and Sharnie's photographs provided an insight into life here, depicting the world’s largest stand of red gum forests, the Murray River and our pastoral industry.
“We promoted Mathoura, showing other countries, including China, what we have on offer for visitors and how we fundraise,” Anne said.
“There is hope eventually that they’ll have Australian shearers over there shearing for them.
“It’s a great feeling to know all of the hard work we’ve been doing has gone international now.”
The opportunity to showcase Mathoura came from former local, Gerard McCormick, who is also exhibiting his Cottontail Wines and Academy based in Wagga.
During the visit, Anne and Sharnie also advised at a yet-to-be-opened Australian tourist park.
‘‘I was put in contact with Anne and Sharnie last year when I travelled to Mathoura, my old hometown, and discussed the possibility of including the initiatives they have worked on with the Mathoura Speed Shear event and Mathoura Bra Fence,’’ Gerard said.
‘‘What I thought was if we included these events into our park and added things like wood chopping, whip cracking, sheep dog trials and similar initiatives, it would promote Mathoura, give those overseas experience to a bunch of local people, generate jobs and also significant fundraising opportunities for the girls fundraising.
‘‘There is an expectation that eventually there will be around three million visitors to the Aussie World theme park.’’
Anne said the experience was quite overwhelming.
“We stepped way out of our comfort zone to travel somewhere we had never been,’’ she said.
“I learnt there is a big wide world out there full of many opportunities. You just need to take the steps and get out there and see how the other half live.
“The best part was sharing the experience together, meeting new people and experiencing a new country and what it had to offer.”