29/09/2025
That’s a wrap on 2025 Willoughby City Council / Gwydir Shire Student Exchange Program ! 🤠🎉
Celebrating 30 years of partnership through Student Exchange, we were welcomed and welcomed student visitors from our sister city Gwydir. The program highlighted the best of country and city living, showcase to each of the students how the other group lives.
In July, 7 year 10 students from our local LGA schools headed 8 hours north-west to the lovely town of Bingara for their annual Orange Picking Ceremony. Our young people rode horses, went to the local Rodeo, headed out to North Star for a farm visit and experienced the expansiveness of country NSW.
When hosting at the Sydney end of the program, we explored the best there is to offer - ranging from an interactive workshop at Taronga Zoo, soaking up the sun at Manly Beach, exploring Chatswood’s vibrant Emerge Festival to stepping into Councillors’ seats at Council Chambers for a lively mock debate. Students also conquered the Harbour Bridge Climb and capped off the adventure with a ‘party bus’ ride to and from a live NRL game, where the energy was unforgettable.
Beyond activities, the exchange gave young people a chance to connect, share experiences and form friendships transcending geographical boundaries. It’s one of our favourite programs across the year and we hope to continue this partnership for another 30 years .
