A delegation of seven Chinese business people from the NingBo region in Southern China are touring Gunnedah and the region over five days, with education the focus of today's schedule.
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The delegation, accompanied by Gunnedah and District Chamber of Commerce president Jamie Chaffey and Gunnedah mayor Owen Hasler, are visiting schools today including Gunnedah High School, St Mary's College and Gunnedah TAFE.
The group spent some hours at Gunnedah South Primary School this morning, touring the grounds and meeting with staff and students.
One member of the delegation, Michael Hua, taught Kindergarten and Year 5 students some Chinese characters and words such as "Hello" and "Thank you".
School principal Emma Jeffery said more than 100 students sat in the lessons.
"The kids were fabulous, so engaged. Just in awe of learning a new culture," she said.
"I think it's fabulous. What an opportunity to have visitors like that here at our school to talk to teachers and students and interact."
The visiting group had a tour of the school's large vegetable gardens and kitchen facilities, then enjoyed lunch and dessert prepared and cooked by students with the assistance of kitchen specialist Noeline Stanger. The ingredients in the meals were harvested from the vegetable gardens.
"For the kids to be able to cook and prepare the meal is something they're really proud," Ms Jeffery said.
Delegation member Ping Jia was excited to see the school's kitchen because schools in China do not have cooking facilities for students to use.
"It's totally different to China, the class. It's very special," she said.
Ms Jia said she was really enjoying visiting the schools and the open spaces in the Gunnedah area.
"Fresher air compared with Chinese. Here, it's wonderful. Very fresh," she said.
"Really, really happy with this trip. Very good."
Mr Chaffey said today's activities were all about education and the delegation were enjoying themselves.
"They're having a great time. They're very interactive. Everywhere we've been, they've been asking a lot of questions," he said.
"They're amazed to see the variety in the education system."
Mr Chaffey said the welcome the delegation had received from the community was encouraging.
"Everyone's been very positive about it. More than 20 businesses are taking part in showcasing Gunnedah," he said.
The group will visit "Gunnible" this afternoon to explore the orange orchard and enjoy dinner and entertainment.
On Saturday, they will visit a number of properties to learn about cotton harvesting and bull breeding followed by a barbecue dinner at Pensioners Hill with musical entertainment from Gunnedah Conservatorium.
The delegation will leave on Tuesday, May 10.
