Fraser Coast Sister Cities Program
The Fraser Coast Regional Council Sister Cities Program proudly builds and maintains long-term connections with cities and communities around the world. These partnerships promote international goodwill and mutual respect, while opening the door to shared opportunities in culture, education, business, and community life. Through these global friendships, we create meaningful exchanges that enrich our region - culturally, socially, and economically - and provide lifelong learning experiences for our community.
What is a Sister City?
A Sister City relationship is a partnership between two cities - often in different countries - built on friendship, mutual respect, and a shared goal of learning from each other. It’s a way for communities to connect, exchange ideas, and grow together, both culturally and professionally. These relationships help build lasting global networks that bridge cultures, foster understanding, and reduce divisions between nations. To make this happen, participating councils often focus on things like:
- Encouraging cultural exchange and appreciation between people from all walks of life
- Creating opportunities for connection across all parts of the community
- Linking up groups with shared interests in both cities
- Supporting youth exchanges for students in primary and secondary schools • Offering staff exchange programs to boost learning and professional development
- Sharing ideas and experiences to strengthen both communities • Running councillor exchange programs to support good governance
- Collaborating across council departments
- Tackling common challenges in local government
- Exchanging insights on business, trade, sustainability, and innovation It’s all about building meaningful relationships that make a real difference - locally and globally.
How Did It Begin?
Sister Cities Australia (SCA) was formed in 1979 to support and coordinate Sister City relationships across the country. Today, Australian towns and cities have more than 500 Sister City partnerships globally, and this number continues to grow.
To explore the wider Sister Cities movement across the country, visit the Sister Cities Australia website.
Fraser Coast Council's Sister Cities
Fraser Coast Council currently has five active Sister City relationships, each with a unique history and connection to our community. These are recognised through formal agreements to develop and maintain substantial programs with mutual long-term benefits.
Our Friendship Cities connection is a less formal arrangement, with fewer administrative and financial expectations. This connection may be appropriate for meeting short-term needs and supporting programs run by other community sections.
Our Purpose
The Sister Cities Program helps foster global friendships, promote cultural understanding, and support opportunities for student exchanges, business cooperation, and community celebration.
The Fraser Coast Sister Cities Program supports a wide range of activities aimed at fostering meaningful exchanges and partnerships with Leshan, China; Kasukabe, Japan; Otsuki; Japan, Honiara; Soloman Islands, Tome; Japan
Activities can include:
- Exchange of Information and Governance Appreciation: Facilitating the exchange of information and promoting understanding of the operations and governance of local government authorities between Sister and Friendship Cities.
- Stimulating Exchanges Across Interests: Encouraging the exchange of individuals, information, and ideas across a wide range of sectors and interests, strengthening the bond between our communities.
- Visits by Individuals and Groups: Organising visits to Sister and Friendship Cities by individuals and groups, enhancing personal and professional connections.
- Exchange of Media Content: Arranging the exchange of news items, reports, and media content (including newspapers, radio, and television) between the respective cities to enhance cultural and informational connections.
- Support for Lectures and Educational Exchanges: Supporting and facilitating lectures by individuals from Sister and Friendship Cities, contributing to cross-cultural learning and knowledge sharing.
- Community and Institutional Exchanges: Facilitating exchanges and communications between churches, educational institutions, sporting bodies, clubs, societies, or any groups with a shared interest in fostering international ties.
- Arts and Education Exchange: Promoting the exchange of arts, crafts, and educational materials between schools and other community groups to foster creativity and cultural understanding.
- Promoting Investment and Business Opportunities: Encouraging investment opportunities through cultural exchanges and goodwill visits, furthering the economic connection between our Sister and Friendship Cities.