With a population of about 55 and surrounded by paddocks, Charleroi in North East Victoria is very different to the city in Belgium it was named after.

A push to change the town’s name from Lockharts Creek to Charleroi came in 1923 after there was confusion with other localities in Victoria.

The new name, Charleroi, was chosen for the region’s war time links with the Belgium city that had housed many Australian soldiers from the North East before they returned home after WWI.

Cr Peter Croucher moved the motion to establish ties between the two communities which was passed with unanimous support.

“I thought it would be a really good idea for us to have some sort of linkage with them,” Cr Croucher said.

“We still need to decide how we will have the particular link.

“Even if it was just the two mayors coming together, maybe we can put signage up at Charleroi here telling the story or if our councillors are travelling to Europe they can go and visit.”

The move to renew the ties between the two communities comes during the centenary of Anzac.

Cr Croucher said he was hopeful the council would have some sort of link established before the end of the year.

“As a shire we want to recognise our soldiers who fought over there during WWI and were looked after really well by the people of Charleroi,” he said.

“Our hope is to have something established during this year, during the 100 years of commemoration, that would make it really good.

“The response from all councillors was extremely positive, they all thought it was a great idea to have that connection that is unique and great.

“I’m very pleased with the way council took on the idea of establishing a link.”