Downer Hosts International Delegation to Showcase Mornington Peninsula

The Foreign Minister, Hon Alexander Downer MP, will host a visit of about 50 Ambassadors and High Commissioners to Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula from 2-4 May.

Following tours of Federation Square, Melbourne Cricket Ground and Monash University, the international guests will visit the Federal electorate of Flinders. At Warrook Cattle Farm in Monomeith (near Lang Lang), the diplomatic representatives and their partners will gain an insight into Australian farming with sheep shearing, cattle dog and whip-cracking demonstrations.

Greg Hunt MP, Federal Member for Flinders, will join the international guests at Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove where local produce will be showcased with tastings of wine, olives, cheese (by Red Hill Cheese), tea (by Sue's Brew Teamakers), biscuits (by Terlada Sweet and Savoury) and condiments and savouries (by Cazans) : all local producers based on the Mornington Peninsula.

Proprietor John Mitchell will provide a tour of Montalto vineyard including its wetland and sculpture exhibition.

"The Diplomatic Corps visit will introduce Heads of Mission from over 50 countries, along with their partners, to our region," said Mr Hunt.

"This is an outstanding opportunity for the Mornington Peninsula to highlight its local produce and our region's beauty to a large contingent of influential international guests.

"The fact that the Mornington Peninsula has been chosen to showcase its beautiful coastline and scenery, leisure facilities, wine and food production and other boutique industries is an enormous compliment and opportunity for our region.

"The Mornington Peninsula has great international tourism potential and the visit by foreign diplomats from so many countries will help to promote our local tourism industry throughout the world."

Guests will also visit Moonah Links Resort, Nedlands Lavender Farm, Markdel Horse Training Property owned by Lee Freedman, Peninsula Hot Springs, Willow Creek Winery and Arthurs Seat lookout.

The Foreign Minister said he is delighted to take his guests to the Mornington Peninsula.

"This is a wonderful and productive part of Australia which is represented by an extremely energetic and enthusiastic Federal MP," said Mr Downer. "I am certain the Diplomatic Corps will enjoy their visit and learn plenty about the region from Greg Hunt and the many other locals we will meet."

This will be the seventh annual regional tour by the Diplomatic Corps following previous visits to Adelaide, Hobart, Western Australia, Northern Queensland, the Northern Territory and the Hunter Valley. This year will see a record number of participants.

Inquiries: Chris Kenny (Mr Downer) 0419 206 890, Katrina Flannery (Mr Hunt) 0409 184 681, Matt Anderson (DFAT) 02 6261 1555