Sister Cities
The Sister City movement was originated in America after World War II.
The aim of all different national associations is the same - to develop friendships between people of different countries to induce an understanding of traditions and cultures. In this way, it is hoped that a network of communications would be established between the Cities of the World. Sister City arrangements can also facilitate business and economic exchange that has the potential to generate export trade and the transfer of technology.
Throughout Australia over 100 local government areas have established a Sister City relationship with an overseas city or town and many have multiple links. The Australian Sister Cities Association was formed to promote the affiliation of Sister Cities by extending the hand of friendship, both nationally and internationally and by encouraging exchange between cities and nations. Annual Conferences are held in different locations throughout Australia and international speakers deliver the key note of addresses.
BLACKTOWN'S SISTER CITIES.
The relationship between Blacktown City Council and Porirua City Council was formalised in May 1984 when the Mayor of Blacktown and the Mayor of Porirua formally signed joint declarations at a function in Porirua.
The City of Porirua is located 18 km north of New Zealand's capital city, Wellington, and has a population of approx. 50,000. Porirua is situated on the New Zealand coastline.
The main similarity between the two cities rest with the residential areas as 50% of the housing was constructed by the relevant government-housing department and large number of residents were housed from other locations.
Porirua is small by Blacktown standards, both in geographical area and population but it is a thriving city that houses many national Government Departments and several of the largest industries in New Zealand. It offers all of the sporting activities to be found in Blacktown and, in addition, is the perfect location for water sports.
Click here to visit Porirua's Home Page.
This relationship was formalised in November 1994, when the Mayor of Blacktown and the Mayor of Suseong Gu signed a joint declaration in a function held at Blacktown. The Municipality of Suseong Gu forms part of Daegu City, which is the third largest city in South Korea. Suseong Gu is one of seven independent districts under the Council of Daegu. Suseong Gu has an area of 76.47 square kilometres and a population in excess of 450,000. Essentially, Suseong Gu is a mixture of residential premises and commercial enterprises. Business is heavily directed towards textile companies and machinery manufacturing.
Click here to visit Suseong Gu's (Suseong-gu District) Home Page.
Click here to visit Daegu's Home Page.
With the purpose of further stabilising friendship and co-operation between Liaocheng City and Blacktown City and for promoting mutual development, Liaocheng City, Shandong Province, People’s Republic of China and Blacktown City have officially formalised a Sister City Relationship signed on the 14th October 2003.
The parties have reached an agreement to enhance friendship ties and economic and trade exchange between the people of the two cities, and to develop and/ or assist the development of co-operation in areas of agriculture, industry, commerce, tourism, technology, culture, health and education.
Blacktown City Council and Liverpool Plains Shire Council signed a Sister Cities Agreement on 4th June, 2005. The proclamation document was signed on the basis of encouraging reciprocal exchanges in education, sporting, cultural, economic development and staff exchanges. The ultimate aim is that this agreement will foster good will and advance the welfare between the Citizens of both Councils.
Liverpool Plains is primarily an agricultural region located in North West New South Wales. The Council Administrative Centre is situated at Quirindi which is the main town in the shire.
Both Councils are now working through the preliminary planning stages to create reciprocal visits for schools and are looking forward to a long and rewarding Sister Cities Friendship.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Council's liaison for Sister Cities matters is Councils's Civic Events and Protocol Supervisor, Mr Peter Filmer. He may be contacted on 9839-6429.