From a council’s spokesperson:
Gunnedah Shire Council’s Sister Cities and Friendly Relationships Working Group is planning a reciprocal visit to its sister city of Kolomotu’a, Tonga in early November.
The Legislative Assembly of Tonga has invited Gunnedah Shire to celebrate 150 years of the nation’s constitution, which was established on 4 November, 1875. Tonga’s Constitution was inspired by the Constitution of the former colony of New South Wales.
Tonga will mark the significant occasion with a week-long celebration that will also recognise the 55th anniversary of the nation’s diplomatic ties with Australia and New Zealand, and the 10th anniversary of the reign of King Tupou VI.
During the visit, delegates will undertake further preparatory work on a virtual library for Kolomotu’a Government Middle School, which was badly damaged by a tsunami in 2022.
The Gunnedah and District Chamber of Commerce has provided $15,000 in proceeds from its 2023 Gala Ball to assist the Kolomotu’a school library. Council will also support the virtual library initiative through the Sister Cities and Friendly Relationships Working Group.
The Gunnedah Shire delegation will include Gunnedah Mayor Colleen Fuller and Sister Cities and Friendly Relationships Working Group Chair Robert Hoddle. These delegates will pay all their own travel and accommodation costs for the reciprocal visit.
