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On Friday 16 May 2008, Hawkesbury City Council signed a "Memorandum of Understanding" with Cabonne Council and Weddin Shire Councils. This was a historical event that formally developed two important relationships through the City-Country Alliance program, and is the first of its kind for Hawkesbury City Council.
Commonly known as a "Friendship Agreement", the document formally establishes links between Hawkesbury City Council and Weddin Shire Council; and Cabonne Council to promote a greater awareness and understanding of our respective areas and lifestyles. City-Country Alliances are not dissimilar to the sister city friendship agreements that operate internationally.
Under each agreement the two councils will seek to explore areas of mutual interest and benefit for our communities and are an opportunity to springboard and facilitate activities within our local government areas. The aim of the agreements is to also bring together local community groups and organisations in the sporting, education, business and cultural fields. There is also the potential for future joint-council initiatives such civic visits, staff exchanges, joint projects, tourism initiatives, business networking and general opportunities for promotional activities.
By 'building friendships between people and communities, both city and rural living', it is the hope that such exchanges between Cabonne and Weddin Shires and Hawkesbury City will lead to greater understanding and involvement between our communities. The program will allow individuals from each region to experience the differences and advantages of rural and city locations and to develop skills and knowledge that will assist them in working for and within their own communities.
Council Officers will be working with Cabonne and Weddin Shire Council officers in the coming months to put together the scope of the alliance projects, which will include organisational activities and a community groups engagement strategy. If you represent a community group or organisation and are interested in forming a 'community alliance friendship' with a counterpart in Cabonne and Weddin Shires, please contact Hawkesbury City Council on 4560-4579 (ask for Fiona Mann, Strategic Planner) to find out how to get started.
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