Sister City honoured on Anniversary – The relationship between Brisbane and Kobe –

~ Article and photos by Brisbane City Council ~

Brisbane City Council has presented sister city, Kobe in Japan with a special memorial plaque on the 20^th anniversary of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake that occurred on 17 January 1995.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the memorial plaque was a gift from Brisbane in recognition of Kobe’s resilience in the face of the terrible tragedy.

“Brisbane’s relationship with our sister city Kobe was established in July 1985, well before the devastation of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake,” Cr Quirk said.

“Throughout this relationship, Brisbane and Kobe have supported each other during times of natural disaster, particularly through reciprocal fundraising in times of disaster recovery.”

“It is with the upmost respect that the city of Brisbane recognises the 20^th anniversary of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake with the presentation of this memorial plaque.”

The memorial plaque was presented by the Australian Consul-General in Osaka City, Ms Catherine Taylor, to the Mayor of Kobe, Mr Kizo Hisamoto on 13 January at Kobe City Hall. Cr Quirk said the plaque would be attached to a pavilion within Higashi-Yuenchi Park in Kobe City.

“Brisbane’s memorial plaque to Kobe will be housed within Higashi-Yuenchi Park alongside the Earthquake Memorial Monument and the Great Hanshin Earthquake Memorial Flame,” he said.

“The cast bronze plaque is a symbol of our commitment as sister cities to support each other in good times and in times of need.”

“This year also marks the 30^th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Brisbane and Kobe and I look forward to strengthening our relationship over the coming years.”

The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake measured 7.3 magnitude and at that time was the most destructive to hit Japan since 1923, resulting in infrastructure damage, injury and fatality in the southern part of Hyogo Prefecture.