About Our Sister City Relationship
The two local government areas, Lane Cove and Gunnedah, have a number of things in common. Primarily, they both have a strong sense of local identity, with natural bushland extending into urban areas. They are both desirable places in which to live. In November, 2001, Lane Cove adopted Gunnedah, NSW, as its Friendship Town under the “ Green Hands ” Initiative. This program aimed to link metropolitan and country councils where tree planting and other environmental works were needed.
A group of Lane Cove Councillors and Council staff visited Gunnedah and, following the visit, it was agreed that the two Councils would work together to develop Gunnedah's Wandobah Reserve Wetlands. This “ Green Hands '” project was developed to the design stage, but unfortunately drought conditions delayed further works.
In fact, by late 2002, the Gunnedah region was being severely affected by the worst drought it had experienced in living memory. Lane Cove Council rallied to the cause, and the two Councils joined forces to put on a “Drought Breaker” concert. The drought aid concert was held at St Ignatius College Riverview Hall on Friday, December 6, 2002 . It featured performances by about 60 of Gunnedah's finest young talents, including musicians, dancers, singers, whip-crackers and gymnasts. Proceeds from the concert went to the Red Cross Farmhand Drought Relief Appeal.
On the night of the concert, the two Mayors announced a formal Sister City relationship. Since then, the two regions have been developing their ties, through reciprocal visits and communications.
One of these visits occurred during 2004 Country Week Expo at Homebush when Lane Cove's Mayor, Council's General Manager and the Lane Cove Chamber of Commerce President visited the Gunnedah stand to assist in promotion of their rural sister city and its business community.
The Shire of Gunnedah is located in north-west NSW, about 450km by road from Sydney . It covers an area of 5,092 sq km and has a population of around 12,000. Gunnedah is located in the Upper Namoi Valley and is the service hub of the Shire.
Gunnedah is at the centre of an important grain, cotton and cattle-producing district which supplies both domestic and export markets. Tourism is also a large and growing industry. Known as the “Koala Capital of the World”, it boasts to be home to one of the largest and healthiest koala colonies and features an impressive wildlife park.
For more information about Lane Cove's Rural Sister City , phone Gunnedah Shire Council on (02) 6740 2100 or visit their website.
