Saying ‘Sayonara’ to the 2024 Japanese Student Exchange Participants!
Explore Councils by state
Posted on June 25, 2024
Nine enthusiastic Central Highlands high school students are headed to Japan this week on a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience thanks to council’s Sister City Exchange Program.
After a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the popular program was finally able to resume in 2024.
The Sister City program was established in 1991 to foster mutual understanding and goodwill between the former shires of Duaringa and Fujisawa, and now the program is between the Central Highlands Regional Council (CHRC) and Ichinoseki City Council (ICC) following local government amalgamations in both countries.
Since then, over 500 people have been involved in exchanges between CHRC and ICC.
Mayor Janice Moriarty and Councillors Robert Donaldson and Karen Newman attended the 2024 cohorts’ farewell dinner earlier this month.
‘The Sister City Student Exchange program is an exciting opportunity for high school students in the Central Highlands to experience Japanese culture and see this beautiful country,’ Mayor Janice Moriarty said.
Fundraising plays a vital role in making this exchange possible. This year, students, parents, friends, and school communities rallied together to raise an impressive $32,000.
‘We extend our heartfelt thanks to the 56 sponsors who have contributed to the success of this year’s exchange program,’ Mayor Moriarty continued.
‘Your support – whether through financial contributions, donated items, or assistance with events, is invaluable.
‘The program not only enriches the lives of participating students, but also strengthens cultural ties between our community and Japan.’
She wished all the 2024 Sister City Exchange Program students and staff the best of luck on their unforgettable journey.
The Central Highlands will also welcome Ichinoseki Mayor Osamu Katsube in August this year.