Warrnambool hosted Miura Mayor Hideo Yoshida and a delegation from our Japanese sister city this week.
Warrnambool Mayor Cr Ben Blain said that hosting the delegation was a very special occasion.
“It is more than 30 years since a sister city relationship was established between our two cities, Miura and Warrnambool,” he said.
For most of the time our cities have had a formal connection, Mayor Yoshida has been leading Miura. In fact, he has been mayor since 2005. That is a mighty effort.
“Over the decades there has been significant interaction between the two cities.
“In that time many secondary students have travelled from Warrnambool to spend time immersed in Japanese culture in Miura.
“These student exchanges are life-changing experiences, enriching and rewarding.
“Warrnambool schools and families have in turn welcomed students from Miura and we know that these visits have had a similarly profound and positive impact on our Japanese visitors.
Lifelong friendships are forged and our students gain great insights into the Japanese way of life.
“Although we are separated by thousands of kilometres and speak different languages, there is much in common between our two cities.
“We share a love of the coast, we are producers of food, we love sport, we are committed to providing opportunities to our young people – we even have a similar number of households.
“As local government entities Warrnambool and Miura provide similar functions and services for their communities. We provide care to the young and old, we provide libraries, city planning and foster economic development.
“I know that our cities will be sister cities for many decades to come.”
As well as a civic reception, the group visited Deakin University, Brauer College, Emmanuel College Warrnambool, Warrnambool Wildlife Encounters and the Warrnambool Miura Friendship Garden.