A delegation of officials from the City of Coffs Harbour's Japanese Sister City of Sasebo has arrived to mark the 35th anniversary of the founding of the relationship.
"The close bond we share with Sasebo has over the past 35 years opened up all sorts of education, tourism and cultural benefits to both cities and our communities," said City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Paul Amos.
"I'm very much looking forward to hosting the Sasebo delegation – particularly the chance to show them the progress on the Japanese Garden in the Botanic Garden which Sasebo has supported so well over the years – as well as the many positive changes the whole Coffs Harbour region has undergone in recent years."
The Sasebo delegation spent their first day visiting Sealy Lookout and the Big Banana.
On Friday, 25 August, there will be a 35th Anniversary Tree-planting Ceremony at the Japanese Garden in the Botanic Garden at 12noon.
The visit will end with a Civic Dinner at Pacific Bay on Friday evening and the delegation will leave Coffs Harbour the following day.
Coffs Harbour and the Japanese City of Sasebo signed a sister city affiliation in 1988. The credit for establishing this positive partnership lies with Sister Clement, former Principal of Seiwa Joshi Gakuin, School of Heavenly Peace in Sasebo.
The late Sister Clement and her colleague the late Sister Kimura came to Australia with the intention of establishing a Sister City relationship and when they reached Coffs Harbour they received a warm welcome from Councillor Malouf, the city's Mayor at that time.
Following that initial meeting, a delegation led by Cr Malouf went to Sasebo in 1988 and the sister city agreement was signed with the then Mayor of Sasebo Mr Kumashi Kakehashi.
