A relationship is being developed with the British city of Cirencester and it’s all come about as a result of events held as part of last year’s bicentenary celebrations.

One of the keynote events of Bathurst 200 was the Proclamation Day celebrations held on May 7, 2015.

Special guests at the reinstatement of the flag staff were none other than the Earl and Countess of Bathurst, who call Cirencester in the Gloucestershire region of England home.

While they were in Bathurst for the festivities, discussions were held with our council about the possibility of a sister city relationship being formed.

Mayor Gary Rush wrote to the mayor of Cirencester Cr Mark Harris on November 16, 2015 about the initiative.

“Mr Mayor, the City of Bathurst this year celebrated the 200th Anniversary of Governor Lachlan Macquarie’s Proclamation of Bathurst as a settlement,” Cr Rush wrote. 

“The celebrations conducted this year have been extensive and Bathurst was honoured to have Earl and Countess Bathurst join in these celebrations.

“Whilst Earl and Countess Bathurst were visiting, discussions were held as to the possibility of developing a relationship between Bathurst Regional Council and Cirencester Town Council. 

“If your Council should be interested in developing a relationship, we would be pleased to work with you in exploring the possibilities that exist.”

Cr Harris replied that Cirencester Town Council would be delighted to develop a relationship with Bathurst Regional Council and looks forward to further communications.

Council says the benefits of the new sister city relationship would include cultural exchanges, tourism, economic trade opportunities and staff exchanges.