Coffs Harbour, NSW is a city with rich natural coastal beauty located on the East coast of Australia, right between Sydney and Brisbane. It is one of the most famous resort cities. Similarly, Sasebo, Nagasaki is one of Japan’s waterfront resort towns, which has ports, the Huis Ten Bosch (a Dutch theme park), 99 islands and the rich ocean. These two cities signed Sister City agreement on 6 June, 1988 and 25 years have passed since then.
Having something in common could be one factor of establishing a Sister City relationship. However, the beginning of their Sister City agreement was a suggestion made from the former Holy Mother/ School principal and the chairperson of Coffs Harbour City Council to have a Sister City relationship with Sasebo when one of Sasebo’s private girl’s high school chorus club members visited the city. Then, an official agreement was signed between the two cities.
The ceremony was held to celebrate the 25th anniversary at Coffs Harbour. Both Mayors reaffirmed their exchange is to build on the student exchange program, continuing in various areas.
Today, the Japan-Australia Society of Sasebo, Lions Club and many citizens acknowledge and support the exchange activities with both city council’s projects. It is essential to have these private grass-root activities in order to continue the enduring exchanges.
