Gunnedah Shire has recognised its strong connection with Sister City Kolomotu'a, in the Kingdom of Tonga, with a new street name.
The roadway that runs along the Namoi River from Maitland Street has been named "Kolomotu'a Drive" in a gesture of respect for our friends in Kolomotu'a.
Gunnedah Shire Mayor Colleen Fuller said the Shire's relationship with the Tongan region had only grown since the signing of the Sister City Agreement in June 2022.
"At a recent quiet ceremony attended by the Acting High Commissioner of Tonga to Australia and several representatives from the Kingdom of Tonga, including a number of people working in Gunnedah Shire, we celebrated the naming of Kolomotu'a Drive," Cr Fuller said.
"This is wonderful recognition of the many good things that are a result of this great relationship."
Acting High Commissioner of Tonga to Australia Curtis Tu'ihalangingie said the naming of the road was testament to the relationship between Gunnedah and Kolomotu'a, and confirmed Kolomotu'a held a "special place in the hearts of the people of Gunnedah, just as Gunnedah is cherished in Kolomotu'a".
He said members of the Tongan community from Sydney had visited the newly named road to express their love and appreciation for the kindness shown by Gunnedah Shire Council and Gunnedah residents.
"During the event, I had the privilege of representing Her Royal Highness The Princess Angelika Latufuipeka Tuku'aho, the Patron of Sister City relations, as well as the Kolomotu'a Council and the people of Kolomotu'a," Mr Tu'ihalangingie said.
"It was a profound honour for me to represent such esteemed individuals and organisations. I felt a great sense of pride and humility in honouring Kolomotu'a in Gunnedah and Australia alongside Mayor Cr Fuller, her esteemed council, and the people of Gunnedah.
"I hope that Gunnedah will serve as a beacon for the rest of Australia, fostering and enhancing relationships between our two countries.
"Tonga and Australia share a long history of partnership and mutual support. For instance, this year, Tonga will celebrate the 150th anniversary of its Constitution, which was inspired by the New South Wales Constitution of 1875. Additionally, we will mark the 55th anniversary of our formal diplomatic relations between Tonga and Australia and the 50th anniversary of the Consul-General Office of Tonga in Sydney, NSW.
"These milestones exemplify the extraordinary relationship shared between Australia and Tonga, which Gunnedah has joined in building through outstanding diplomatic and people-to-people connections.
"I hope that Kolomotu'a Drive will be a safe passage and a refuge for those seeking shelter from harm."
The Gunnedah Shire-Kolomotu'a Sister City Relationship has seen a number of visits between the two regions, with two visits to Gunnedah by Sister City patron Her Royal Highness The Princess Angelika Latufuipeka Tuku'aho.
Kolomotu'a surprised Gunnedah Shire delegates in the Kingdom of Tonga with the naming of Gunnedah Avenue in October 2023.
Caption: Kolomotua'n and Gunnedah Shire representatives at the newly named Kolomotu'a Drive in Gunnedah.
