US strengthens Geelong ties

Alex de Vos
A visit from the United States Consul-General in Melbourne, Michael Thurston, this week has helped “strengthen and maintain” Geelong’s relationship with the world’s most powerful country, according to the city mayor.
Councillor John Mitchell said the first-time visit would also help create “economic and cultural opportunities”.
“Geelong has strong trade links with the US, particularly in the field of biotechnology,” Cr Mitchell said.
“Pharmaceutical company ChemGenex, which develops medicine for cancer treatment, has its head office in Geelong, and its research and development is based in San Francisco.
“We hope to learn from the US about ways to further develop our own region.”
But Mr Thurston said his initial visit was designed to learn about the city.
“I’m here to learn and find out what the Geelong people want,” Mr Thurston said.
“I’ll be talking to students and businesses about various issues including the economy and political situation.”
He described Geelong as an “ambitious city”.
“I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived in Geelong – despite being so close to Melbourne it really has its own identity.”
He said the visit was also “about reaching out to the folks and maintaining remarkably strong relationships with the US.”
“We have to understand this relationship can’t be taken for granted,” he said.