In what is believed to be a first Australian, a community in northwestern New South Wales has welcomed the royalty with the visit of a princess from Tonga.
Key points:
- Tonga Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Tukuʻaho has visited Gunnedah to consolidate the ties of the sister city
- Gunnedah Shire Council is believed to have been the first to develop this relationship with Tonga
- Farmers hope the relationship will help with labor shortages
Gunnedah residents, farmers and council members welcomed Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Tukuʻaho who signed a sister city agreement between the city and the central suburb of Tonga Kolomotu’a.
The Gunnedah Shire Council was believed to be the first Australian council to have this relationship with Tonga, which was first approved last year.
The princess said the occasion was important to both cities.
“It is a very historic day both for Kolomotu’a and Gunnedah and for the opportunities that people have to come to help in different sectors and areas,” he said.
“It’s a great opportunity, especially for those who haven’t traveled. It’s mutually beneficial for Australia and Tonga.”
The mayor of Gunnedah, Jamie Chaffey, and the Royal Highness, Princess Angelika Latūfuipeka Tukuʻaho, signed the sister city agreement.
Enhance skills and workforce
When a crowd gathered to see the signing, Mayor Jamie Chaffey said the link would help address Gunnedah’s labor shortage.
“There are many different aspects of this relationship that will make it happen [provide] a benefit to our community in the future, ”he said.
“We have already seen the fruits of our work with more people in Tonga filling some of the vacancies in Gunnedah County, mainly in agriculture.
“In the future there is a plan for the people of Tonga to get the skills and qualifications they need to help us occupy these positions as well.”
Tonga seasonal workers enjoyed seeing the princess. (ABC New England North West: Lani Oataway)
Citrus grower Robert Hoddle has been employing Tongan workers for many years.
“From an agriculture perspective, it is expected to provide a way for people to come in and work here,” he said.
“Part of what we’re doing is also wanting to train people to come here and qualify, or the training will be done in Tonga before they leave for specific jobs.”
Gunnedah relies heavily on Tonga for its agricultural labor. (ABC: Jennifer Ingall)
“[Tongans are] hardworking and honest people “.
William Koloamatangi was one of the seasons present at the signing.
He worked in a slaughterhouse in Tamworth and made the one-hour journey to see the princess and witness an important milestone for his country.
Koloamatangi hopes the new deal will provide a lot of work for Tongans in the future. (ABC New England North West: Lani Oataway)
“To be honest, I am speechless, very happy because this is a milestone, not only for us who are already in the programs, but also for those who are about to come in the future,” Koloamatangi said.
“Opening up opportunities to help our families, our loved ones on the island, is a great honor.”