Ku-ring-gai Council has voted to approve a new sister city agreement with the French village of Pozières , in recognition of the approaching First World War Centenary.
The decision follows the recent acceptance by the Mayor of Pozières of a mutual agreement recognising Ku-ring-gai’s historic ties as a result of the Great War.
A report presented to the Council this week noted that Pozières had become the final resting place for more Australian troops than any other First World War battlefield.
The Pozières Cross, an original carved wooden cross from the battlefield belonging to the 18th Battalion, is housed in the St John’s Anglican Church in Gordon.
A strong bond has developed between the battalion, the church and the Council in their commemorations of ANZAC Day.
Mayor Jennifer Anderson said that the Council wished to formalise the historic ties between Ku-ring-gai and Pozières.
“We are planning a series of commemorations in Ku-ring-gai of the First World War Centenary starting next year,” she said.
A Memorandum of Understanding outlining the sister city agreement in detail will now be developed as a result of this week’s Council decision.
Ku-ring-gai Council is not alone in wishing to strengthen bonds with Pozières.
Two separate groups are also undertaking their own unique projects. The Pozieres Remembrance Association hopes to fund a new school building in Pozières to open by 23 July 2016, coinciding with the centenary of the battle of Pozieres. St. John’s Church at Gordon is also working to replace kneelers and leadlight windows in the Catholic Church at Pozières.
Further information about the Battle of Pozières can be found on Wikipedia here and on the Australian War Memorial website here.
