Sister Cities Program is now open

29 February, 2024

Applications for grants through the Gunnedah Shire Council Sister Cities Program have opened for initiatives that will bring us closer to our Sister Cities.

Gunnedah Shire has four Sister City partnerships:

• Kolomotu’a in the Kingdom of Tonga • Lane Cove, NSW • The Northern Beaches Council, NSW • Yinzhou District of Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China.

Mayor and Chair of the Sister Cities and Friendly Relationships Working Group Jamie Chaffey said Gunnedah Shire’s Sister City partnerships were a practical way to grow relationships with other areas that were of great benefit to both partners.

“We have recently built a very strong, family bond with our newest Sister City of Kolomotu’a in the Kingdom of Tonga,” Cr Chaffey said. “There are definite synergies there that mean we can have a wonderful exchange of cultural, economic and sporting resources and ideas.

“This Sister Cities Program provides financial support to our local businesses and organisations that can help maximise the benefits of our existing partnerships, or help us consider the targeted, strategic addition of new alliances.

“Each application will be assessed by the Sister Cities and Friendly Relationships Working Group with priority given to those that show they can deliver on the objectives of our Sister City agreements.

“We are looking for businesses and organisations that can build even stronger bridges between us, whether it’s through cultural projects, development of welcome materials, sporting exchanges or any other appropriate innovative idea.”

Council will provide grants for projects that meet the program criteria. Those projects that provide less than a 25% co-contribution for their project will be eligible for up to $5000. Those who demonstrate provision of a 25% or greater co-contribution will be eligible for consideration of grant amounts over $5000.

Applications will close on March 22, 2024.

To find out more and to apply, visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au