About Us
The Sister Cities relationship between Bega, New South Wales, Australia, and Littleton, Colorado, USA, fosters cultural exchange and collaboration between these two diverse communities. Through this partnership, residents of both cities have the opportunity to learn from each other, enriching their understanding of different cultures and perspectives. By promoting mutual understanding and friendship, the Bega Littleton Sister Cities exchange strengthens bonds between people across continents.
Our Origin Story
A film titled “Small Town Editor” was produced in 1951 by the U.S. State Department to be viewed around the world to show how a small-town newspaper can contribute to democracy. Houstoun Waring, a prominent Littletonite and editor of the Littleton Independent, was featured in the film.
When W.B. ‘Curly’ Annabel, editor of the Bega District News in New South Wales, Australia, viewed the film, he noted the similarities between Bega and Littleton and the small-town newspapers. Littleton, Colorado and Bega, New South Wales were both small agricultural towns in the 1950’s. The two newspaper editors started corresponding and each visited the other’s community.
In 1960, when President Eisenhower began urging sister-city relationships, the two editors decided to form such a bond between their two communities. Bega and Littleton became Sister Cities in 1961. Since then, a delegation has traveled between Littleton and Bega every 2 1⁄2 years. Bega is a productive, verdant agricultural community and Littleton has grown to be a metropolitan suburb with a strong agricultural heritage. Despite the changes in these two cities, the bond between the communities continues to be strong. Many wonderful friendships have been forged between the citizens of our sister cities.
A bronze plaque with the profiles of both Houstoun Waring and Curly Annabel commemorates this ongoing relationship. One plaque is on display at Bega Park in downtown Littleton, just west of the railroad tracks at the intersection of Bega and Main streets. A duplicate plaque is displayed in Littleton Park in Bega’s town center.
About Bega
Bega, Littleton’s Sister City, is a community of about 5,000 people located about 300 miles south of Sydney, in New South Wales, Australia.
The rural Bega Valley has extensive dairy manufacturing, commercial fishing, and tourism industries, and is the home of Australia’s largest cheese factory.
The area of Bega Valley Shire includes the Sapphire Coast which is famous for its pristine beaches, whale watching, golfing, and fresh seafood.
Bega Littleton Sister City Exchange, Inc. (47-4761318) is a non-profit 501c3. The exchange is not funded by the City of Littleton, but does receive support in terms of periodic local partnership grants and arts and culture grants.
Become A Member
TRAVEL
Travel as part of the visiting delegation to Bega and stay with host families in Australia
LEARN
Learn about the culture of Australia through traveling, hosting, and connections
FUNDRAISE
Raise funds to host delegates from Bega and for travel expenses for our student ambassador
HOST
Host visiting delegates in your home and show Australians around Littleton and Colorado
COMMUNITY
Attend social and fundraising events, and enjoy fellowship with other sister city supporters
CONNECT
Create lasting bonds with people from Bega, our sister city in Australia