Five trees gifted to Bega from visiting Littleton, Colorado guests undertaking citizen exchange program

The trees were planted on Wednesday October 19, 2022 by Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick and exchange program presidents Phil McDonald (Bega) and Mary Recht (Littleton).

Mayor Fitzpatrick said the trees were been planted at the performance area next to Littleton Gardens to provide shade for residents in summer and a beautiful autumnal display during the "fall" months.

He said the trees were symbol of care and compassion shown to the Bega Valley Shire community by the people of Littleton in the wake of "our devastating losses as a result of the Black Summer bushfires".

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Littleton delegate Pam Grove said the trees were a gift paid for by her town and were chosen by Bega Valley Shire Council to thrive in their allocated spot in the gardens.

She said her delegation would also be presenting Bega with a copy of original film captured of when former editor of the Bega District News Curly Annabel met former Littleton Independent publisher Houstoun Waring in Colorado - signifying the beginnings of a relationship now in its 61^st year.

In 2018 delegates from Bega presented Littleton with a steel sculpture of a kangaroo and joey created by Bombala-based artist Pat Lomas. The statue has stood at Bega Park in Littleton, Colorado ever since.

"It was a difficult thing to transport," said Bega president Phil McDonald.

"I think it had to be transported from Bega to Brisbane by Bobbins Transport and then it went by plane with the Royal Australian Air Force to America."

Leave a letter to the editor to include in this week's print edition of the Bega District News for our visiting Littleton exchange delegates by using the form below: