Merri-bek City Council Forms Historic Sister City Relationship with Nepal’s Bharatpur Metropolitan

Victoria, 16 May 2025 — In a landmark move celebrating cultural diversity and international cooperation, Merri-bek City Council in Victoria has officially established a sister city relationship with Bharatpur Metropolitan City in Nepal. This marks the first time an Australian local government has formed such a partnership with a Nepali municipality, symbolizing a new chapter in grassroots-level diplomacy.

The council unanimously passed the proposal during its meeting on 14 May 2025 at the Merri-bek Council Office. The initiative, spearheaded by Councillor Chris Miles and strongly backed by Mayor Helen Davidson and all council members, aims to deepen bilateral cooperation in areas including culture, education, tourism, social unity, and local governance.

The idea for the partnership was driven by the ongoing efforts of independent commerce envoy Nirajan Gauli and the Consulate of Nepal, Victoria, Australia. Their initiative helped connect the two cities and laid the groundwork for formal collaboration.

“This is a proud and historic moment—not just for Merri-bek or Bharatpur, but for the entire Nepalese community in Australia,” said Gauli. “This agreement represents years of hard work, diplomacy, and shared goals. It’s the beginning of something much bigger.”

The Glenroy area of Merri-bek is home to a significant Nepalese population, making the agreement especially meaningful. Council officials noted that the move honours the contributions of the Nepalese community to the local culture and economy and paves the way for stronger community engagement.

“This is not just a ceremonial partnership,” said Mayor Helen Davidson. “It is a genuine commitment to build bridges between our communities through shared knowledge, mutual respect, and future collaboration.”

The formalization of the relationship will involve further coordination between the two cities, with the Nepali Commerce Office playing a central role in organizing meetings, exchanges, and joint projects. Both cities are expected to explore opportunities in educational programs, administrative collaboration, cultural festivals, and development initiatives.

The sister city agreement is seen as a step toward fostering people-to-people ties, expanding international understanding, and setting an example for future local-level international partnerships.

Source : Consulate of Nepal, Victoria, Australia