Hobsons Bay City Council has proudly entered into a rural friendship alliance with Buloke Shire Council in Victoria’s northwest, bridging the gap between city and country communities. Since establishing the alliance both Councils have formed a strong bond, which has included staff exchanges and the promotion of joint initiatives.
The relationship has extended into the local community with the Hobsons Bay traders associations of Altona, Laverton, Newport and Williamstown banding together at Christmas to give the residents of Buloke a helping hand.
The traders associations generously funded the children’s component of the annual Donald Christmas celebration, contributing to the hire of rides, a jumping castle and musical performances. The outpouring of generosity came after a call for help was received from the Donald Chamber of Commerce, with the drought reportedly taking its toll on Buloke’s economy and local families.
More recently, Hobsons Bay City Council arranged for local reporters to tour Buloke in the hope of providing Hobsons Bay residents with an insight into the drought crisis. It also provided an opportunity to further forge links between the two communities and encourage knowledge sharing.
