Ipswich City Council

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Sister Cities

Sister City relationships aim to increase cultural understanding, increase knowledge and forge goodwill between cities of different countries. Ipswich is a culturally diverse city and as a result takes pleasure in welcoming groups and individuals from many different countries. To promote this diversity, Ipswich City Council operates a successful international relations program, regularly welcoming visiting delegations from different nations. This program has also generated extensive benefits for our city through education, culture, sport and trade.

Ipswich has a number of friendship agreements, in particular with China, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia and Israel as well as being a member of the World Technopolis Association, however currently has only one Sister City agreement and that is with Nerima City in Japan. Nerima has a population of approximately 655 000 people, covers 48 square kilometres, is situated north-west of Tokyo Central and is part of the Tokyo metropolis.

The agreement between Ipswich and Nerima was signed on 15 October 1994 and has continued to flourish and grow. One of the most tangible benefits Ipswich has gained from its relationship with Nerima is Nerima Gardens located in our City's primary park, Queen's Park and well worth a visit. Stage 1 of Nerima Gardens was officially opened by the then Mayor of Nerima, Saburo Iwanami in partnership with Ipswich Mayor, John Nugent on 17 May 2001. Stage 2 of this major visitor attraction is currently being developed and is due for completion by the end of 2004.

For further information contact Council's Events Manager on (07) 3810 6631.

Last Updated 16 Oct 2007 |

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