Gunnedah Shire Council is set to formalise a Sister City Relationship with the Yinzhou District of Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China, with documents to be signed at an official ceremony tomorrow.

Six delegates from the Yinzhou Government accepted an invitation to visit the Gunnedah Shire, following trade and investment missions in March and the signing of Friendly Relationship Exchange Agreements.

“Entering into this relationship with the Yinzhou Government will see the exploration of social, cultural and economic co-operation between two great regions from worlds apart,” Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said.

“This is a truly historic occasion for our community that will see many benefits well into the future and we invite everyone to share in it with us – all are welcome to attend the ceremony.”

An Official Sister City Ceremony will be held at the Wolseley Park Rotunda from 11:00am on Friday, 15 September. The ceremony will commence with a Welcome to Country and Gomeroi Elders will conduct a traditional Smoking Ceremony. The Australian and Chinese Anthems will be played by the Gunnedah Conservatorium of Music which will be followed by official speeches, the signing of Sister City Relationship documents and the symbolic planting of a Chinese Elm tree.

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.