A new permanent monument in Koshigaya Park is helping raise awareness of Campbelltown City’s Sister City relationship with Koshigaya in Japan, and reaffirms the two cities’ commitment to continuing the friendship after 30 years.
The monument, a gift from the people of Koshigaya City, was jointly unveiled earlier this month by the Mayor of Campbelltown, Councillor Paul Lake, and the Mayor of Koshigaya City, Mr Tsutomo Takahashi, at a special ceremony acknowledging the strong ties between the two cities.
The Mayor of Koshigaya was visiting Campbelltown as part of a delegation from Koshigaya City Office to honour the long-standing relationship and to take part in the city’s Festival of Fisher’s Ghost 2014 celebrations.
During the visit, a Statement of Commitment was signed to formally acknowledge the anniversary and to continue the development of the relationship for future generations.
Mayor of Campbeltown, Cr Paul Lake, said the structure would forever be a symbol of the strong ties between Campbelltown and Koshigaya – one of the longest and most successful Sister City relationships in Australia.
“Our Sister City relationship demonstrates the value of friendship, respect and humanity in building harmony between people, and between nations,” Cr Lake said.
“I was very honoured to receive this gift on behalf of the Campbelltown community,’’ he said.
“The structure provides an opportunity for locals and visitors to learn more about Koshigaya and the history of our Sister City relationship.
“What began 30 years ago as an agreement has evolved into a more meaningful relationship, and I thank everyone for contributing to our special friendship, particularly Koshigaya City Office and Koshigaya International Association,” Cr Lake added.
The gift reciprocates a special information display on Campbelltown City, which takes pride of place at Koshigaya City Office, and features interesting facts and memorabilia from our city. The display was created as a token of friendship between the two cities.
The Campbelltown-Koshigaya Sister City relationship has been strengthened over the years through exchange visits, education, business and economic ties, as well as through sport, tourism and via partnerships.
During the Koshigaya delegation’s brief visit to Campbelltown, they also had the opportunity to take in some of the city’s sights such as Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Campbelltown Arts Centre, the Macquarie Fields Leisure Centre, Greg Percival Library, the Raby playing fields and Macarthur Square.
There was also a tour of new development areas, highlighting Campbelltown’s continual growth.
Campbelltown’s friendship with Koshigaya also formed part of this year’s Festival of Fisher’s Ghost celebrations, with the Street Parade inspired by the colour and vibrancy of the rich Japanese culture.
