The Federation Council is excited to announce that students and delegates from Miki City, Japan, will be visiting the Federation Council in August 2026 as part of the Sister City Cultural Exchange Program.
The Miki City Federation Council Sister City cultural exchange program is now in its 29th year. This long-standing program involves local students visiting Japan every second year, with Japanese students and dignitaries coming to the Federation Council on the alternate year.
Following the successful return of the program in 2023, which saw 14 delegates visit our region, Council is preparing for another 8-day exchange. Guests will stay with local host families to enable them to experience everyday life in an Australian household.
Federation Council Mayor Cheryl Cook said, "It is a great opportunity for the Federation community to get involved in the sister program by hosting students, chaperones, and dignitaries."
"Many special lifelong friendships have developed between our Cities and communities as a result of becoming involved in hosting. The 2023 visit was a wonderful success, with hosts from Corowa, Urana, Mulwala, and Howlong providing our guests with unforgettable experiences, from shearing demonstrations at Coonong Station to cultural walks at Collendina Reserve."
Other benefits of being a host to chaperones, students, and dignitaries can include:
- Participate in a rewarding and life-changing experience.
- Develop an understanding and appreciation of other cultures.
- Establish connections and broaden horizons in your home and within the local community.
- Support a program that continues to provide young people with opportunities to see and experience the world and grow.
- Strengthen future applications for your own family members; households that have previously hosted are viewed favourably when applying for future outbound exchange opportunities to Japan.
The 2023 exchange involved ten local community hosts and numerous schools and businesses, including a premiere of the Miki-Federation Sister City Documentary Film, which celebrated 25 years of our partnership. Council is looking to build on this success and ensure the 2026 visit is just as impactful.
For any community members and families interested in hosting students, chaperones, or dignitaries during the August 2026 exchange program (dates to be confirmed), please complete an Expression of Interest form on Council's website.
