New sister city agreement to be signed tomorrow

Published on 17 May 2019

A new five-year sister city agreement between Macedon Ranges Shire and Tokai City in Japan will be signed at a ceremony in Tokai tomorrow, Saturday 18 May.

Mayor, Cr Janet Pearce will sign the document on behalf of the shire with Mayor Suzuki at a special ceremony which will also mark 50 years since Tokai City became a municipality. The new five-year sister city agreement between the shire and Tokai City will run from 2020 to 2024.

The 50th anniversary celebrations involve representatives from all of Tokai’s sister cities around the world. Council’s Deputy Mayor, Cr Mandi Mees and Director of Planning and Environment, Angela Hughes are also in Tokai as part of the shire’s delegation.

The sister city arrangement between the shire and Tokai City Council, which is in the Aichi Prefecture of Japan, promotes mutual goodwill between the municipalities through experiences and exchanges centred on culture, education and commerce.

Council agreed at its meeting on 27 February 2019 to negotiate the terms of a new sister city agreement with Tokai City and work on an action plan involving community activities around the themes of culture, education and commerce.

While the primary purpose of the delegation is to negotiate the agreement and action plan, and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Tokai City Council, the shire’s delegation has requested briefings and/or visits on a range of topics. These include initiatives which are aligned with the 2017-2027 Council Plan’s vision and priorities, such as renewable energy facilities, major sports or cultural programs and facilities, involving older people and youth in society, transport initiatives such as walking and cycling infrastructure, and the use of innovative vehicles.

One of the final actions of the current sister city agreement was an art exchange. Local artist Larissa Gray produced three bronze sculpture pieces as part of the exchange, and these are now on display in Tokai City.