Celebrating 30 years of Sister City Success
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Mr Norihiko Fukuda, Mayor of Kawasaki City, with Cr Gordon Bradbery AM, Lord Mayor Wollongong City, during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding.
A tea ceremony, official dinner and visits to Wollongong University and the Port of Port Kembla are just a few of the activities planned to mark the 30th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Wollongong and Kawasaki.
The relationship was established in 1988 to build stronger ties between Wollongong and Kawasaki. Over the years, there have been regular visits by Japanese delegations to Wollongong.
During this year’s four day visit, the delegation that includes Mr Norihiko Fukuda, Mayor of Kawasaki City and Mr Hideki Kaji, Vice Chairman of the Kawasaki Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will visit the Wollongong Botanic Garden and tour Wollongong Art Gallery, the University of Wollongong and the Port of Port Kembla. The tours have been coordinated as opportunities for cultural exchange and to foster economic links. They’ll also visit the IRT Links Seaside Lifestyle Community where they’ll participate in an information exchange about meeting the needs of an ageing population, and meet with representatives from NEC at the Innovation Campus.
“Our relationship with the City of Kawasaki is a long and fruitful one,’’ Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said. “The city of Kawasaki, like us, is facing the challenge of meeting the needs of an ageing population, and finding ways to attract new businesses to invest in their city. By sharing information and highlighting our successes we’re able to promote our City and learn from their ideas and experiences.’’
On Wednesday 4 July, the delegation enjoyed a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony at the Wollongong Art Gallery.
“A Tea Ceremony is the highest expression of hospitality and has been organised to reflect the value of this Sister City relationship,’’ Cr Bradbery said. “It’s a very special and reflective occasion and I am sure it will be a highlight of their time in Wollongong.’’
If you’d like to know more, you can contact Council’s Customer Service Team on (02) 4227 7111.
Note: The Tea Ceremony was conducted by the Urasenke Sydney Association. For more information on the significance of the ceremony visit their website.
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