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The tree planting will conclude the delegation’s three-day visit to Ballarat, to celebrate 30 years since Ballarat and Inagawa signed a Sister City agreement. 

The Inagawa delegation includes Mayor of Inagawa Choji Fukuda and members of the Inagawa delegation.  

Ballarat and Inagawa have enjoyed a Sister City relationship for 30 years. The purpose of the agreement was to organise and facilitate educational and cultural exchanges, as well as to investigate economic development opportunities between the two municipalities.  

The historic link was based on the rich gold mining deposits found in Ballarat, and the extensive silver ore deposits located in the Inagawa-cho region.   

Since the signing of the relationship in 1988, a civic delegation has taken place every five years, alternating between Ballarat and Inagawa. 

The relationship involves various exchanges of officials, students, teachers and City of Ballarat staff and Councillors. Many schools, community groups, organisations and individuals have benefited culturally from Ballarat’s relationship with Japan over 30 years.   

Key activities and commitments include:   

• Japanese Speech Contests   

• In-bound Junior High School delegations   

• Assistant Language Teacher appointments   

• Japanese Social Nights, and  

• Participation in the League of Historical Cities conference.