Geelong’s National Wool Museum has welcomed a Chinese delegation to showcase the region’s rich wool heritage, manufacturing innovation and art collections.
Brought to Australia by Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) and funded by a National Foundation for Australia China Relations grant, the ‘Future Industry Leaders’ delegation members hail from the wool and textile manufacturing industry.
Some of the organisations represented were Uniqlo, China Wool Textile Association, Nanjing Wool Market and Zhangjiagang Industrial Association.
The 10 delegates toured the museum and collections on Wednesday April 16, received a Welcome to Country from Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation’s Ash Skinner, heard from the Mayor Stretch Kontelj and had a morning tea featuring local/Australian ‘bush tucker’ by The Gordon Culinary Collective’s The Davidson. Museum director and curator-led tour highlights included:
Demonstration of the 1910 Axminister Jacquard Carpet Loom
On the Land: Our Story Retold exhibition
In the Factory
Chinese Australian fashion designer Canwen Zhao’s garment that took out the We The Makers Sustainable Fashion Prize 2023 award
House of Gold – Chapter 6 photograph by artist Dr Christian Thompson AO
Mayor Kontelj said the delegation was an opportunity to showcase our region’s advanced manufacturing capabilities and foster international partnerships.
“For more than a century, wool dominated Greater Geelong’s economy and the National Wool Museum tells the story of how our city, like Australia, was built on the sheep’s back,” he said.
“Since then, we have continued to evolve as a centre of design and innovation. We welcome the opportunity to collaborate and strengthen ties with industry and business leaders in China – Australia’s number one trading partner.
“The relationships we strengthened have the potential to create long-lasting economic prosperity for both Greater Geelong and the regions in China represented by the delegation.”
National Wool Museum director Padraic Fisher said experiences like this were all about building relationships.
“For members of the delegation, this is the first of many steps we hope to take together in building strong cultural relationships,” he said.
“As champions of the Geelong UNESCO City of Design designation, this is an amazing opportunity to strengthen our 30-year relationship with Australian Wool Innovation and build our global network of friends.”
