The Mayor's Column
Archibald Mosman was a smart man. When his whaling business in Mosman Bay began to fail in the mid eighteen hundreds, he relocated to the highlands of northern NSW which became the rich New England area.
The township which grew up around his extensive property was Glen Innes, flourishing with sheep and cattle grazing and agricultural produce. Fossickers also came, unearthing rich minerals and high quality sapphires.
Originally from Scotland, he joined many others from his native homeland who were attracted to the seasonal climate and rich prospects on the land.
The choice of new home was felicitous for us in Mosman, as it resulted in a link between the two communities, despite the intervening 700 kilometers, a link which was considerably strengthened in 1995 when a Friendship Agreement was formed. In 2008 we find this friendship has grown stronger with mutual benefits. Our communities in city and country are an example of what is best about sister city relationships.
We share a Celtic heritage, marked in Mosman particularly by the Rawson Park Scottish Cairn, erected in 1988 from a compilation of stones from each parish in Scotland. Each Mayor of Glen Innes is inducted as a Warden of the Cairn.
In Glen Innes, the community has erected a very impressive monument to Australia’s Celtic pioneers with the Australian Standing Stones. A circle of 24 massive stones of carved granite, they are the focus of celebrations in the town, particularly during the annual Australian Celtic Festival in May. The Mayor of Mosman becomes a guardian of the Standing Stones and this year I was extremely proud to accept, on the behalf of the Mosman community, the prestigious award of Duine Urrmach or “Noble Person” from the Celtic Council of Australia.
When Mosman holds the annual Mosman Festival, many citizens of Glen Innes have celebrated with us, with the town’s two magnificent pipe bands being a highlight of the Grand Parade.
Mosman reciprocates, with a contingent joining in all the fun of the Celtic Festival, the spectacle of massed pipe bands, Celtic dancers and the showcase of local arts, crafts and culture.
This year 12 members of Council staff attended a successful workshop to share skills and experience.
Mosman Rotary continues to organise a successful computer-recycling program for Glen Innes students. Any computer donations are gratefully received. This year they are arranging an exchange student scholarship for an Aboriginal student.
The Shire in which Glen Innes is located encompasses two stunningly beautiful National Parks. The Washpool is the largest rainforest wilderness in NSW and the Gibraltar Range has spectacular granite outcrops.
Do consider travelling to Glen Innes, especially for the Celtic Festival next May.
Cr Denise Wilton, Mayor of Mosman
