Skye Lynch won the all-expenses-paid holiday to Gore, New Zealand and $500 spending money after winning the Tamworth Regional Council’s (TRC) annual sister city essay competition.

In her thousand word essay, Ms Lynch had to outline the reasons why she would be a good ambassador for Tamworth.

“I wrote that I was involved in country music, which is a big part of Tamworth, and that I am actively involved in the community,” she said.

“And basically just that I apply myself and that I’m pleasant.”

Ms Lynch said she was “very surprised” when she received her award on 

Thursday.

“When I walked into the library ... I didn’t know what was happening until they told me the people were from the Sister City Committee,” she said.

“I was quite overwhelmed.”

It has been an exciting time for the Year 12 student, who only just found out she has been accepted into the University of New England to study primary teaching.

Kristen Miller, Peel High School teacher-librarian, said Ms Lynch would be a “great ambassador” for the city.

“She’s very hardworking and has really come out of her shell this year,” Mrs Miller said.

“I think she will really get a lot of value out of this trip.”

Ms Lynch, who can choose when she crosses the Tasman, said she will likely co-ordinate the journey with her university timetable.

“I will probably go in June as that’s when UNE has holidays,” she said.

She will be home-hosted during her seven to 10-day stay.