Cousins in sister city link

By Jim Mynard
CASEY director of community services and former Australian Sister Cities Association (ASCA) committee member Jennie Lee welcomed a Berwick Upon Tweed delegation to the City of Casey.
The eightmember delegation came to Casey as part of a sister cities goodwill visit.
Ms Lee also took the opportunity to commend the work of the Edwin Flack Games organising committee now preparing for the second Edwin Flack Games in late June and early July.
She confirmed the invitation for Berwick Upon Tweed to be part of the games.
Casey mayor Kevin Bradford said Casey’s connection with Berwick Upon Tweed was strong and valued.
Cr Bradford said many of Casey’s early settlers came from the Berwick Upon Tweed area.
“They brought their culture and the names of the places they once called home.
“Today we celebrate that history at our Pioneers Park in Berwick and in events such as those held recently across the city for Australia Day and the Berwick Highland Games.
“Our guests here tonight would be pleased to know that the City of Casey Pipe Band members wear the Hay tartan in recognition of our sister city relationship, and wear it proudly in many events across this district and interstate.
“Our communities can count on the support of each other when ever needed and our Sister City relationship will continue to be one of mutual benefit.
“The visit has strengthened the link between our communities and formed strong personal friendships as well,” he said.
Berwick Upon Tweed mayor Richard Patterson said he was proud of the connection with Casey.
He said he would return home more enthused about having young Berwick Upon Tweed athletes come to Casey for the Edwin Flack games.
He said, however, that one problem for them was a clash with study time.
He warmly thanked Casey councillors for their hospitality saying he saw Casey as a young and vibrant community.
“I commend Casey on its forward planning,” he said.