City of Ballarat Council says it will commemorate key anniversaries of vital international relationships in 2023, with staff and councillors to take part in special delegations.
As part of two long-standing relationships, the Council has been invited to attend civic ceremonies in Timor-Leste and Japan.
The two separate international trips in 2023 were unanimously approved by Council at this month’s Ordinary Council Meeting.
Both visits will continue enduring traditions that have been integral in fostering cultural relationships between Ballarat and the two regions, said Mayor, Des Hudson (pictured, with Japanese students on a previous Civic exchange).
“Both of these relationships are long-standing partnerships that are important to Ballarat, but also to our neighbouring cities overseas,” he said.
“As we continue to emerge from COVID-19, having these opportunities to not only advocate for tourists to come to Ballarat, but also to generate genuine acts of goodwill is crucial for us as a Council.”
He said the Council works closely with local government in Timor-Leste to boost local knowledge in the fields of education, health, agriculture, economy, infrastructure, culture, eco-tourism, clean water, sanitation, environment and social relationships.
The Sister-City relationship with Japan has resulted in many cultural and educational activities between the two cities in the spirit of friendship, freedom and peace for 35 years.
