On 2 – 3 September, the National Federation of Australia Japan Societies Conference was held in Cairns QLD. This organisation is made up of 16 different groups whose activities promote mutual understanding between Australia and Japan throughout all the states and territories of Australia. The themes for this conference were ‘New opportunities in the Australia-Japan relationship’ and ‘Cities, communities and collaborations’.
Mr Murray Mclean AO who is the chairman of the Australia Japan Foundation and former Australian Ambassador to Japan made a speech about the opportunities for Australia and Japan working together. And then Ms Wendy Holdenson who is Director and Chief Operating Officer Mitsui (Australia) Limited made a speech about how Mitsui are meeting the rapid changes in today’s global business environment and lessons for the Australia Japan relationship.
We made a presentation on sister-city relationships and the JET program. After that Mr Richard Wilding, President of JETAA QLD, made a presentation on JETAA’s activities. The National Federation of Australia Japan Societies presented JETAA Australia with a certificate in recognition for JETAA chapters’ activities promoting Australia-Japan ties and to celebrate the JET Program’s 30th anniversary.
