Lismore City Council's longstanding Yamato Takada Sister City Student Exchange Program will return in 2025, offering local students a unique cultural experience abroad.
Running from 30 September to 11 October during the school holidays, the exchange gives Lismore secondary students the chance to immerse themselves in Japanese culture and cuisine while proudly representing their city and school as cultural ambassadors.
Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg emphasised the importance of the Yamato Takada Exchange Program in providing unique and valuable experiences for young people.
"Having visited Yamato Takada myself, I've seen firsthand the incredible culture and the deep connection shared between our two cities," he said.
"Through this program, students have the opportunity to make new friends, connect with people from across the world and build meaningful bridges between cultures."
"This year marks the 62nd anniversary of the Sister City relationship between Lismore and Yamato Takada, the oldest of its kind in Australia. It's always a truly special experience and I encourage all eligible students to apply for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
Council established a Sister City relationship with Yamato Takada on 7 August 1963 through the efforts of Father Paul Glynn. Father Glynn, who had been working in Yamato Takada, collaborated with businesses in his hometown of Lismore to raise funds for the construction of a kindergarten in Yamato Takada. Through this partnership, the Sister City relationship developed.
Former exchange program participant and current Sister City Advisory Group member Brandon Yee said his experience with the program had a profound impact on his life.
"The exchange program was a very valuable experience for me. It forged my future career as a language teacher and helped me to understand where my passions lie," he said.
"In 2023, I became a member of Council's Sister City Advisory Group. I have enjoyed inspiring more students to take up this incredible opportunity and continue to be an ambassador for this important sister city relationship."
"If you have any passion for Japanese culture or just want to go out and see the world, I highly recommend this program. It's not just a holiday; it's about getting to know the culture on a deeper level and enjoying everyday life. You can't put a value on an experience like that."
As part of the exchange program, Yamato Takada students will visit Lismore in July and August. Council is currently seeking Host Families to house these students during their visit, providing them with a warm welcome and an opportunity to experience Australian culture.
Additionally, Council is seeking a chaperone to accompany the Lismore students during their trip. We encourage anyone interested in hosting or chaperoning to apply as soon as possible, as applications will close on 30 June 2025.
To access the application forms for Student, Chaperone, or Host Family applications, please visit www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/sister-city-exchange .
