Berwick-upon-Tweed mayor Richard Patterson has been busy taking in the sights of Casey. On Tuesday he stopped off at High Street in Berwick for a spot of coffee. Left to right, Richard Patterson, Casey deputy mayor Rob Wilson and Berwick-upon-Tweed mayoress Jane Patterson.
By Rebecca Fraser
HE may be the mayor of Berwick, but Richard Patterson did not even know where High Street was until this week.
Mr Patterson is visiting from Berwick-upon-Tweed in England, a sister city with Casey, and has been busy taking in the sights of the city and learning about the operations of council.
During the visit, his wife, mayoress Jane Patterson, the sheriff and sheriff’s lady and other councillors have accompanied him from Berwick-upon-Tweed Borough Council.
Mr Patterson, a first time visitor to Australia, said he had thoroughly enjoyed his time in Casey and had been most impressed by the culture and friendliness of the city.
“What has really struck me has been the youth aspect in Casey as it is a very young community,” he said.
The mayor said he was a keen environmentalist and was equally impressed with Casey Council’s recycling efforts.
“We in England are a long way behind when you look at what Casey has achieved.
“They have made huge strides and it is just remarkable,” he said.
He also said that Casey had beautiful, vibrant and well-planned infrastructure and congratulated the way council was managing the city’s population growth.
Mr Patterson said that Casey’s sporting facilities were second to none and he could see why Australia had blitzed the medal tally at the Commonwealth Games.
He said he had attended the MCG to watch the athletics on Monday night and was looking forward to going to the closing ceremony.
Mr Patterson also went to the Tricodes race meet in Cranbourne on Sunday and said he had a wonderful time.
“The sports facilities are second to none and absolutely superb here.
“I went to the MCG last night (Monday) and I never sat through so many National Anthems in my life,” he said.
A formal reception will be held this Friday night at the council chambers in Narre Warren to officially welcome the visiting party.
Mr Patterson also attended Tuesday night’s council meeting where he presented Casey mayor Kevin Bradford with a glass decanter as a sign of his appreciation.
Casey deputy mayor Rob Wilson and wife Heather have hosted Mr Patterson and his wife at home and he said he was very thankful for their lovely hospitality.
“He (Cr Wilson) has never let my feet touch the ground.”
“This is my first visit, I am ashamed to say it.
“About 20 or 30 years ago I wondered why all of my class mates were moving to Australia and now I know why,” he said.
