Three Japanese schoolgirls have discovered a world of difference – and strengthened the bond between their home city of Sasebo and Coffs Harbour – during an exchange visit this week.
Hosted by St John Paul College, the Year 8 students are on their first overseas trip and enjoying the sights and experiences of the Coffs Coast.
“I am a huge fan of the long-standing sister city relationship between Coffs and Sasebo,” Mayor Nikki Williams said.
“I was lucky enough to visit Sasebo during a private family holiday to Japan. The friendship between our two cities is genuine and based on respect. The relationship is an opportunity for us to share culture and understanding.”
Williams joined the exchange group and their host students for lunch at Donovans Surf Club Restaurant at Park Beach, part of a packed itinerary for the visitors.
“They’ve been to the (Coffs Coast) Wildlife Sanctuary, The Big Banana and had a surfing lesson,” St John Paul College (JPC) Head of Languages Kirsten Binnie said.
“They are learning about Australian life and culture.”
The JPC host students will travel to Sasebo for an exchange visit in December.
The City of Coffs Harbour and Sasebo have enjoyed a close relationship since 1953, when student exchanges began with Seiwa Girls College in Japan.
The two cities formalised their sister city relationship in 1988.
The Japan-Australia Society of Sasebo was established in 1983, while the Australia-Japan Society of Coffs Harbour Inc was established in 1990 to support the sister city relationship and promote Coffs Harbour as a welcoming destination for Japanese visitors.
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