THE strength of the sister city relationship between Bega Valley Shire and Littleton, Colorado continues to grow.
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At Monday night's civic dinner to honour and welcome the Sister City Delegation, Bega Valley Shire Mayor Tony Allen said the number of Littleton delegates who were making return trips to the shire was the measure of success of the exchange.
"It was pleasing to hear that for some of the delegates this is their second or third trip to this wonderful place called the Bega Valley," Cr Allen said.
The Homestead Function Centre was packed for the official function which was hosted by Mayor Allen and Bega Valley Shire Councillors.
Littleton Delegation Leader and Littleton committee president, David Necker, and Bega Littleton Exchange committee president, Paul Healey, said they were grateful for the support council had provided for the exchange.
In his speech, Cr Allen spoke to the gathering of 110 people about the history of the Bega Valley and the importance of Bega Cheese in driving the local economy.
"We are lucky that Bega Cheese has always been a company with a view to the future.
"It's goals include growing its brand internationally and within Australia," Cr Allen said.
"Bega Cheese and the local dairy industry are vitally important to our region. "It directly employs some 500 people while the local dairy farmers employ similar numbers."
A range of gifts were exchanged with Bega Valley Shire Council presenting Littleton Mayor Pro Tem Rebecca Kast with a framed photograph of the Bega Valley.
The Bega Littleton committee presented Mr Necker with a painting of the Bega River created by artist Lovella McPaul.
Mayor Allen received a paper and fibre collage from Littleton artist Linda Siverston.
This was presented to council by Cr Kast and Littleton's Houston Waring Student Ambassador Lucy Holtsnider.
Bega's Library now has a series of new books following a generous donation from the Littleton committee.
The titles include books for all ages and range from a historical atlas of the United States to animal stories for children, to travel in Colorado.
A strong bond has developed between the Littleton Library and Bega Library.
Council's library manager, Janice Biggin, travelled to Littleton last year as part of the prestigious Colin Mills Scholarship.
The scholarship allowed her to research programs that specifically targeted lifelong learning initiatives and community engagement of older populations through public libraries.
"We wanted to bring something we could share with the people of the Bega Valley Shire, and what better gift than books for your libraries," Mr Necker said.
