American delegation studies Neerim South
Twenty-five course directors of leadership programs across the United States toured Gippsland last week.
The three-day tour concluded on Monday, with the delegation attending a community dinner at Neerim South’s Algie hall, which had more than 90 people in attendance.
The delegation used the Neerim district as a case study in how small rural communities work as part of their Australian study tour.
The tour provided an opportunity to compare and contrast living and working in small rural communities in the two countries.
The visitors were briefed on the Neerim community, its economic assets and 1200 people.
American visitors from Pennsylvania and Alabama gave insights into US rural communities at the community dinner.
The Americans’ time in Gippsland also took in a sheep, goat and buffalo cheese making operation at Bena, the penguin parade at Phillip Island, a community leadership workshop with graduates from Australian leadership programs at Inverloch, a visit to Powerworks at Morwell and briefings by Latrobe City Council and Committee for Gippsland.
The community dinner at Algie hall was jointly organised by the Neerim District Progress Association, Neerim District Health Service, Neerim District Lions, Neerim District Community House and Men’s Shed, Food Relief Neerim District and the Algie hall committee.
Following the visit to Gippsland, the delegation continued their Australian visit by taking in the Wangaratta area in northern Victoria.