International relations in Inverell aren’t limited to events like the recent Mini World Cup.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
For 43 years, Inverell has sustained a strong bond with sister city Tulare, California, in the United States. A sister city relationship was established with Ohringen, German in 2010.
Recently, Les Parsons was re-elected chairman of the Inverell chapter of People to People International (PTPI) and Barb Eshman was re-appointed secretary and treasurer.
The group has about 20 area members who meet annually.
The Inverell chapter of the PTPI organisation maintains the sister city statuses in the community, and Inverell is the only Australian chapter of the organisation.
Barb joined PTPI after her daughter spent two months in Tulare as an exchange student.
The experience was so positive that Barb got involved in the program.
Les is an avid traveller and highly positive about bridging the cultural gap through PTPI.
“The great thing is the different cultures – meeting and speaking and learning what they do, and they learn what we do,” Les said.
The aim of People to People is promoting “peace through understanding”. Founded in 1956 by US President Dwight D Eisenhower, the program “emphasised personal diplomacy and nongovernmental contacts between people.”
The message continues today and board president Mary Jean Eisenhower continues to foster her grandfather’s vision.
The international organisation offers many programs and exchanges for young people and university students, a global book club, and invests support in humanitarian projects such as its global landmine initiative.
Locally, Inverell has hosted exchange students and residents from Tulare for many years besides its involvement in the international programs.
The annual PTPI event in Inverell is Friday, December 6 at the Pioneer Village.
“We’ve got quite a group of people here now who’ve just become naturalised,” Les said.
“We were thinking maybe we could invite some of them to come along, enlarge our committee and learn about their country.” Les said.
Barb said the Inverell chapter was talking about having another multicultural day, which might be in March.
Establishing a sister city in China is important to Les.
He noted the strong history of the Chinese in the region that could be relevant and meaningful to visitors from China.
For more information about the People to People International chapter in Inverell, phone Les Parsons on 6722 3151 or Barb Eshman on 6728 8276.