25 years have passed since Gosford (NSW) and Edogawa (Tokyo) established their Sister City relationship, as well as Gosford and Nitra (Slovakia). The Mayors shook hands to celebrate their long-lasting friendship on the day. The Sister City agreement between Gosford and Edogawa was signed on 19 April, 1988. To date, various exchanges have been held, such as the Japanese garden given to Gosford as a symbol of their friendship, and youths from Edogawa visit Gosford as part of the project called ‘The Edogawa Youth Wing’ every year. These bilateral exchanges have been taking place to deepen the friendship and to further their exchanges.
A Certificate of Appreciation was given to the Mayors from the Vice President of Sister Cities Australia for their deep and lasting exchanges.
In the exchanges between these cities, the exchange of young people is highly prioritised. They experience the real Australian life through homestay and attending local schools. These youths who participate in ‘The Edogawa Youth Wing’ project grow their confidence by the time they go back and the change is significant.
The warm support and cooperation of many families who take in the youths from Edogawa, local people in Gosford and these who support Sister City activities are always there for the exchange participants. ‘The Edogawa Youth Wing’ project is also supported by the people of Edogawa with their passion and the cooperation with Sister City exchanges.
We hope these youths who have participated in such exchanges to become a part of the international exchange activities in the near future, and to further Sister City exchanges.
