Rhett Burnie
JAPANESE students from Mitchell Shire’s sister city of Honbetsu completed a five-day visit to the district last week.
The 18 students and three teachers joined members of the Mitchell-Honbetsu Sister City Committee and visited schools and landmarks across the region.
They also took the time to attend a turning of the sod at the site of the soon to be constructed Wandong-Heathcote Junction Memorial Park, for which the sister city helped raise money.
The park will be constructed across the road from the Wandong railway station and will honour victims of the February 2009 Black Saturday bushfires.
Mitchell-Honbetsu Sister City committee co-ordinator Gayle Phillips said the visit further strengthened ties between the two cities.
“We are fortunate that our council has this in place, as it makes it a lot more personal to visit (because) you’re not just a tourist, you’re a friend,” she said.
Ms Phillips praised Mitchell Shire Council for embracing the program.
“Council’s ongoing support, both financially and with council staff, is very much appreciated.
“This program would not run without it,” she said.
She said the visit offered the visitors the chance to experience Australian culture.
“It is a cultural exchange to compare lifestyles, which includes education, living habits, environment, conservation, recycling programs, native animals (and) sport to name a few,” Ms Phillips said.
It has been three years since the last Honbetsu delegation visited the Mitchell Shire.
The students stayed with host families throughout the region and also enjoyed a good old-fashioned Aussie barbecue at Kilmore’s Hudson’s Park on Sunday.
On Tuesday the group left for Sydney where they will visit the Blue Mountains and go sightseeing in the city.
