The sister city relationship between Coffs Harbour (NSW) and Sasebo (Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan) was established in August, 1988. Commemorative events celebrating the 30th anniversary of the sister city relationship was held on Tuesday, August 21 and Wednesday, August 22 in Coffs Harbour. A delegation of over 40 members from Sasebo City visited Coffs Harbour for the events, including Sasebo City’s Mayor, Mr Norio Tomonaga. The sister city relationship originated from a choir concert held in Coffs Harbour where there were performances by the student chorus club at Seiwa Joshi Gakuin High School in Sasebo City. The chorus club was in Coffs Harbour again this year to perform at a sister city exchange concert, as well as at the 30th anniversary commemorative ceremony. At both of these events, the chorus club performed songs in both English and Japanese, and in particular, audiences including Mayor Denise Knight were extremely pleased when the group sang the Australian national anthem.
Prior to the Sasebo City delegation’s arrival in Coffs Harbour, they visited the CLAIR Sydney office and was given a presentation on Australia by our Director, Mr Hirotomo Akaiwa. We were very honoured to be able to participate in the events and witness the brilliant relationship between the two cities. We hope the relationship, based on student and civic exchange, will continue to strengthen in the future.
