5 days ago
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Sister city ties made closer by Tamworth mayor's visit to town
Gore District Mayor Ben Bell and Tamworth Mayor Russell Webb jumped on the shovels on Saturday morning and braved the cold to plant a ceremonial tree with a plaque, celebrating the sister city relationship. Plenty more planned collaboration is on the horizon. PHOTO: GERRIT DOPPENBERG
The sister city relationship between Gore and Tamworth is as strong as ever, with hopes of sharing not only country music but agricultural success in the future.
Members of the Tamworth council were in town last week for the Bayleys Tussock Country Festival, attending events and checking out the town.
On Saturday, the two cities made a ceremonial gesture to the strength of their relationship, as Tamworth Mayor Russell Webb and Gore District Mayor Ben Bell planted a tree outside the council chambers.
A plaque was also unveiled in recognition of the bond between the two cities, which originated out of country music and may develop into so much more, Mr Webb said.
"... it's evolving. We're looking for more economic benefits for both partners in this relationship and I think we can do very well," he said.
Tamworth, much like Gore, is a farming centre and Mr Webb said there was promising movement for co-operation between the two.
The city is close to another town called Gunnedah, where Australia's largest agricultural field day AgQuip is held annually.
Mr Webb said he was throwing out a lot of invites and was very impressed by what he had seen from the farming sector down South.
"They're a long way ahead of the things I've seen.
"There's obviously very smart people over here in this part of the world.
"They're doing some really good stuff and I think we need to share our information and they share theirs with us," he said.
Talk of student exchanges, council visits and further social connections between the two cities was also floated.
Mr Webb said, in his second visit to the town, he was a very big fan of the district after taking a closer look around Gore.
"We're really encouraged by Gore's hospitality as an area in the South.
"It's a beautiful piece of God's country. The main street is spectacular," he said.
The people of Gore were also gracious hosts, and Mr Webb will be spreading the good word back in Tamworth.
