People gathered last Friday for a street naming ceremony near Donnelly Playing Fields and Cohens Bridge, to see the unveiling of ‘Kolomotu’a Drive’.
The event was organised by Gunnedah Shire Council, with mayor Colleen Fuller welcoming guests, including Acting High Commissioner of Tonga Curtis Tu’ihalangingie.
“This is a very important occasion for our community,” Ms Fuller said.
“This relationship has continued to grow and there is so much potential for the future.”
Last year, a Gunnedah delegation was surprised by its Sister City friends in Tonga with the unveiling of ‘Gunnedah Avenue’.
In a return gesture, Kolomotu’a Drive was officially put on the North Western NSW map.
“Today, we are very excited to return the favour,” Ms Fuller said.
Mr Tu’ihalangingie was in Gunnedah on behalf of Her Royal Highness Princess Angelika Latufuipeka Tuku’aho of Tonga and the Kolomotu’a council.
“It is a glorious day, it is great to be here,” he told the crowd.
“We tried our best to make the delegation from Gunnedah feel welcome and let them know that Kolomotu’a is [their] home in Tonga – you can come anytime you like.”
He thanked the council for the sign naming with a heartfelt acknowledgement that local Kolomotu’a workers could see their roots recognised in Gunnedah.
“This is a testament for us to know this is home for us too,” he said.
“We thank you for making us feel welcome and we look forward to continual relations and working together.”
Also joining was Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce and Tongan workers at Stripes.
The men from Stripes surprised the crowd with a song, wowing everyone with their impressive harmonies and heartfelt composition before the unveiling of the sign.
Acting High Commissioner of Tonga Curtis Tu’ihalangingie and Gunnedah Shire Council mayor Colleen Fuller. The councils exchanged gifts, with Gunnedah receiving multiple items, including this plaque to display in the shire’s office.
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