A Sister City agreement was signed last week between Kolomotu’a in Tongatapu, and the New South Wales country town of Gunnedah, where Tongan workers are filling critical workforce shortages through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. 

Strong bonds between Tonga and Australia led to this agreement, said the Australian High Commission in Nuku’alofa today.

Tonga’s High Commissioner to Australia, Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Tukuʻaho, visited Gunnedah on Friday to formalise the agreement and to acknowledge the contribution that workers are making to both countries.  

Princess Latufuipeka told local media that the Sister City agreement presented opportunities for mutual benefit in a wide range of areas. 

"It's a very historical day both for Kolomotu'a and Gunnedah and because of the opportunities for people to come and help in different sectors and areas."

In the northwest region of NSW, where Gunnedah is located, Tongan workers are mostly working in agriculture and meat processing businesses. 

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said there were many ties between the two sister cities, including a love of the land, a strong tradition in agriculture and passion for the future of their homes. 

“A number of citizens of Tonga have lived and worked in Gunnedah for many years as seasonal workforce. They have built strong ties between their homes and ours. These Tongan nationals have proved that Tongan people are hardworking, reliable, respectful and a loving people."

While in Gunnedah, Princess Latufuipeka also visited Li’l Achievers Early Learning Centre and Gunnible Pastoral Company, and enjoyed performances by the local Tongan community, the Gunnedah Conservatorium and local high schools.

Meanwhile, the PALM scheme allows Pacific and Timor-Leste workers to take up jobs in regional Australia, developing their skills and sending income home to support their families and communities.

Since November 2019, more than AUD5 million had been contributed to the Tongan economy through remittances earned through the PALM scheme. 

Through the scheme, eligible businesses can recruit workers for seasonal jobs for up to 9 months or for longer-term roles for between one and four-years in unskilled, low-skilled and semi-skilled positions.