[January 2025] New Year Greetings from CLAIR Sydney

On behalf of all the staff at CLAIR Sydney, I would like to wish all our readers a Happy New Year.

Looking back on last year, we believe that exchanges between Japan and Australia/New Zealand have become more active. We had many opportunities to participate in various events, where we reconnected with our partners, reaffirmed our collaborations, and built new networks. In addition, we completed the revision of our publication, the Local Government of Australia and New Zealand guidebook, which outlines information about the local government system in the two countries. Through the revision process, we deepened our understanding about these systems once again.

We find it very meaningful to exchange opinions on the differences in systems and policies between Japan and Australia/New Zealand, and we are eager to continue these exchanges. We would appreciate it if you could contact us if you are interested in Japanese local government policies and exchanges. First and foremost, we look forward to your participation in the CLAIR Forum, which will be held in early March.

We hope that you take care of yourself and that you, your family, and the wider communities around you remain well and healthy in 2025.

 

Posted in From the Executive Director

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  • The latest issue of our correspondence is released.

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  • From the 3rd to the 13th of December, eight selected swimmers from the Fukuoka Swimming Association visited NSW, where they participated in joint training sessions with a local school and competed in the 2024-25 Speedo NSW Senior State Age Championships.

    During the joint training, the athletes deepened their connections, and in the competition, the Fukuoka swimmers achieved remarkable success, earning numerous medals.
     
    The visit is based on the Memorandum of Understanding signed in December 2023 between the Fukuoka Prefecture, the Fukuoka Swimming Association, and Swimming NSW. CLAIR Sydney received a request from Fukuoka Prefecture to assist them with their activities and accompanied them during some parts of their visit.
     
    We will continue to support and deepen exchanges in the field of sports between Fukuoka Prefecture and NSW.
    To all the athletes, coaches, and accompanying staffs, Otsukaresamadeshita!
     
     
     
     
     
     
  • The latest issue of our correspondence is released.
    View this Correspondence in PDF.

     

     

  • The latest issue of our correspondence is released.

    View this correspondence in PDF.

     

  • The latest issue of our correspondence is released.

    View this Correspondence in PDF.

  • The latest issue of our correspondence is released.

    View this Correspondence in PDF.

  • The latest issue of our correspondence is released.

    View this Correspondence in PDF.

  • The latest issue of our correspondence is released.

    View this Correspondence in PDF.

  • To investigate environmental countermeasures, a student and her chaperone from Hikone Technological High School of Shiga Prefecture visited Australia from late July to early August. CLAIR Sydney conducted a briefing on 29 July about Australia’s culture and customs, and accompanied the group to a company visit in Brisbane on 31 July, where the company, known for producing products using a type of seaweed called Asparagopsis, shared insights into their research and production processes.

    During the visit, they received information on efforts to reduce methane emissions from livestock using Asparagopsis, viewed from a carbon-neutral perspective. The student’s proactive participation in the meetings, driven by a desire to engage in environmental initiatives in the future, was impressive.

    In addition to the briefing and accompaniment, we also reached out to the company to request a representative to discuss their Asparagopsis research. CLAIR Sydney will continue to support the activities of Japanese local governments conducting research on topics related to Australia.

  • The latest issue of our correspondence is released.

    View this Correspondence in PDF.