City of Newcastle Council is celebrating the 45th anniversary of its Sister City relationship with Ube City in Japan, recognising a long-standing partnership founded on goodwill, mutual understanding and friendship.
The relationship was formally established on 21 November 1980 following the advocacy of Newcastle Lord Mayor Joy Cummings, who acknowledged the common ties shared by the similarly sized harbour cities and their industrial backgrounds.
To mark the 45th anniversary, Councillor Jenny Barrie and Councillor Mark Brooker will lead a Newcastle delegation to Ube from 31 October to 2 November, following an invitation from Mayor of Ube, Keiji Shinozaki.
Councillor Barrie said the Sister City relationship continued to deliver educational and cultural benefits to both cities.
“Our long-running student exchange program has seen young people from both cities immerse themselves in each other’s cultures, strengthening connections and promoting mutual respect,” Cr Barrie said.
“We are proud to celebrate this milestone and continue building the next chapter of our relationship, one that embraces innovation, creativity and mutual respect.
“The trip will reaffirm our enduring friendship through cultural exchange and is an opportunity to strengthen investment and trade ties with our Japanese industry partners.
“The partnership between Newcastle-based cleantech company MCi Carbon and Mitsubishi Ube Cement Corporation is a wonderful example of how collaboration between our cities can deliver real-world innovation and create economic opportunity.”
Earlier this year, Mitsubishi Ube Cement Corporation invested US$5 million in MCi Carbon and signed a long-term collaboration agreement to accelerate the decarbonisation of Japan’s cement and concrete industries.
A recent notice of motion called for the establishment of the Newcastle-Ube Sister City Committee, to explore opportunities to grow the relationship as the 50th anniversary approaches in 2030.
Committee members would include Councillors, representatives from business, industry and educational institutions, as well as community members with an interest in strengthening international connections.
Councillor Mark Brooker said the milestone reflects Newcastle’s global outlook and the important role Sister City relationships can play in connecting communities.
“For 45 years, our relationship with Ube has symbolised how people-to-people connection can foster broader cultural, educational and economic benefits,” he said.
“The anniversary also marks both reflection and renewal for the Sister City arrangement.
“We are the custodians of this enduring relationship and look forward to keeping the momentum going as we approach the 50th anniversary.
“This milestone is not just a celebration of our shared history, but a springboard for future collaboration.”
Over the decades, Newcastle and Ube have developed strong connections through education, youth exchange, art, sport and innovation.
The relationship also reflects Newcastle’s role in the foundation of the Australian Sister Cities Association, which emerged from the first Australian Sister Cities Conference held in Newcastle in 1979.
The Council said the cost of the travel is no more than $7,500.
