Ipswich City Council

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Sister Cities

Sister City relationships aim to increase cultural understanding, increase knowledge and forge goodwill between the people of 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 720 000 people, covers just over 48 square kilometres, is situated north-west of Tokyo Central and is one of the special 23 Wards 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, which saw the area of Nerima Gardens subsequently increase, was opened by Nerima Mayor, Toshiro Shimura and Ipswich Mayor, Paul Pisasale on 21 October 2004 - a fitting tribute indeed to the 10th Anniversary of the Nerima-Ipswich relationship.

The opening of Stage 3, an authentic Japanese Teahouse by Mayors Shimura and Pisasale followed soon after completing the picture on 12 November 2009.

For further information concerning the Nerima-Ipswich relationship contact Council's Events Manager on (07) 3810 6631.

Last Updated 8 Nov 2010 |

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