The Tenterfield Shire’s International Town  Partnership Committee was formed to foster relationships with Tenterfield’s sister city, Ottobeuren in  Germany. 

Since the commence-ment of the program, many cultural exchanges have been undertaken  between the two cities, where each town opens its arms to cultivate a better under-standing of German and  Australian Culture, and maintain our long standing partnerships. In 2009 I was the seventh person from Tenterfield to undertake the exchange program to Ottobeuren.

This meant that I travelled to Ottobeuren for two months to experience German-Bavarian culture in an exchange for sharing my own Tenterfield-Australian culture.  I did some work experience at the tourist office, Council Chambers, local planning office, fish farm, sawmill, machine parts manufacturer, as well as a local solicitor.  

During my time I also visited the District Court House in nearby Memmingen, gave talks at local schools about Australian culture, and had many opportunities to travel to nearby cities including Munich, Nuremberg, Wurzberg, Lindau on Lake Constance.  

I really enjoyed meeting so many people in Ottobeuren during the exchange program.  There were many people of all ages and experiences who shared with me their country’s culture and heritage.  I enjoyed the local pubs and breweries and also the restaurants serving delicious traditional Bavarian food.  All the creeks and rivers are full of trout and great for fishing and the many surrounding villages make for excellent bike rides. There was even a great golf course, on par with Tenterfield’s own course so I could have a hit of golf while I was away.

The basilica in Ottobeuren was huge and being there for Easter was an experience I’ll never forget.  

Personally, being on this exchange program was an experience that has helped to shape me in who I am and what I do today.  The opportunity to be welcomed into a town, and feel such a part of their community was an unparalleled experience, even to this day. 

To really live on the other side of the world, and to actually take the time and be immersed in the culture is so different to just travelling through.  I would recommend this exchange program to anyone who is interested in learning more about themselves and the wider world. 

Through Council’s committee, expressions of interest are being sought from Tenterfield locals between the ages of 18 and up who would like to participate in the cultural exchange program. The program is a great opportunity for people to travel internationally, experiencing German hospitality, and represent Tenterfield on a global scale.

If you would like to participate in the program or show an expression of interest, please contact either myself on 0421 23 3612 or email dan@baldrockbeefjerky.com or Kelly Duck on 0429848010 or email kelly@klas.com.au.