If you happened to see a bus load of friendly strangers travelling around the Highlands on Thursday, November 9, you might be interested to know that a group of 30 Swiss delegates were in town for the day.
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For the first time in six years, the Consulate General of Switzerland, which is based in Sydney, and the Embassy of Switzerland, based in Canberra, met for a group bonding day.
The Southern Highlands provided the perfect middle-ground for the two groups, which are separated by nearly 300 kilometers.
The group travelled between Mittagong, Bowral and Berrima on their excursion.
Council’s cultural and development officer, Jenny Kena, connected the team to Swiss potter Peter Schmid.
Mr Schmid invited the delegates to his Alpine residence, ‘Hillside Pottery’, where they spent the morning exploring his property and watching him do a throwing demonstration.
Having moved to the Highlands nearly 30 years ago, Mr Schmid said it was a “pleasant surprise” to host the members of the Swiss consulate and embassy at his property.
While in town, the Swiss team also stopped by Bendooley Estate and later explored Fitzroy Falls.
Ambassador for Switzerland, Pedro Zwahlen, said it was a “delight” to catch up with the team in the picturesque Southern Highlands.
Mr Zwahlen shares the role of ambassador in Canberra with his wife, Yasmin Chatila Zwaheln, who manages Switzerland’s foreign affairs with the pacific island countries.
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