International Links and Sister Cities

Overview

The Sister City program started in the USA in 1956. Today, Australian cities and towns have over 500 sister city affiliations throughout the world with the number increasing every year.

We have 4 Sister City partnerships and an agreement with the League of Cities, Philippines.

Our relationships

Porirua City, New Zealand

• partner since 1984

• is situated on the west coast of the North Island, just north of Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city

• the City has approximately 54,100 residents and offers a variety of water sports, plus numerous cycle ways and walkways.

Suseong-Gu, Daegu City, Republic of Korea

• partner since 1994

• is situated on the south-east of the Korean Peninsula 300 kilometres from the capital city of Seoul.

• the city has approximately 460,000 residents and occupies an area of around 76.47km.

Liaocheng City, Shandong Province, Peoples Republic of China

• partner since 2003

• is situated about 400 kilometres south of Beijing and is known as the ‘Water City’

• over 1.2m people live in its metropolitan area

• is a State Level historical and cultural city with 2,500 years of history.

Liverpool Plains Shire Council, NSW

• partner since 2005

• is situated 360 kilometres from Blacktown in the North West of NSW

• has a population of over 7,000 people and is primarily an agricultural region

• the Council Administrative Centre is situated in Quirindi, the main town in the shire.

League of Cities of the Philippines

• partner since 2010

• has over 143 cities as members of the League

• each city is represented by its Mayor.

What are we doing

Liverpool Plains Business Chamber – Thank You Event (Quirindi) on Thursday, 21 March 2019

In December 2018, Blacktown Council transported 1100 gifts for the drought affected families of our Sister City Liverpool Plains Shire Council.

The Liverpool Plains Business Chamber under the chairmanship of Grant Batty held a ‘thankyou’ function for all those community groups and individuals that made the event a success for the community. Blacktown City Council was thanked for its ongoing and marvellous support in many activities that provide drought affected relief. It was through the provision of gifts for the children of the region at a most difficult time that attracted great and heartfelt thanks. The Mayor of LPSC Cr Andrew Hope along with other community leaders thanked Blacktown City for its continued support. Put simply: Thankyou Blacktown  !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sister Cities Shield Delegation to Porirua and Wellington NZ from Friday 15 March to Monday 18 March 2019

A small delegation attended the 2^nd Sister Cities Shield A-League soccer fixture played in Wellington NZ  between the Western Sydney Wanderers representing Blacktown City and Wellington Phoenix representing Porirua. The game ended in a 3-1 victory to Wellington Phoenix and the Deputy Mayor Cr Tony Bleasdale presented Porirua City Council Mayor Mike Tana with the shield which now sits proudly on display in the Porirua  City Council Offices.

Our delegation had a full weekend of activity in and around Porirua, our NZ Sister City.

Upon our arrival at Wellington Airport on the Friday afternoon we were greeted by the tragic news of the Christchurch Mosque attacks.

The Deputy Mayor Cr Tony Bleasdale and Greg McCallum attended the Wellington Masjid Mosque on the Sunday morning to pay our deepest respects and condolences. Whilst there, the Deputy Mayor and Greg were invited to the Boardroom within the Mosque to join Consul Generals and Ambassadors of over 30 countries in a morning tea of solidarity with the leaders of the Masjid Mosque. It was an enormous privilege to be invited to be part of an overwhelming display of international support. The Deputy Mayor spoke impressively and with great conviction that this type of terrorism and atrocity will never be allowed to undermine the goodwill that exists internationally for the Muslim community and for the New Zealand people.

1. Opening of the FRIENDS OF PĀTAKA ARTS TRAIL

   The Friends of Pātaka Arts Trail is an exciting opportunity to meet and watch artists in nine hubs (groups of artists in one location) and twelve individual studios over two days. There are lots of wonderful work for sale, for a range of budgets!

   The artists will present a wide variety of creativity, from glass in Pukerua Bay to 3D printed bespoke vases in Tawa. There will be work from Whitireia’s traditional Maori influenced weavers, artists who bring expressions from Tokelau, the Cook Islands, Samoa, Myanmar, Indonesia, as well as fantasy and reflective artists.

2. City Centre Celebration

Porirua’s city centre has a new name – Te Manawa – gifted by Ngāti Toa Rangatira to reflect its transformation. Te Manawa means a central place where many people gather, and their hearts beat as one, says Mayor Mike Tana.

“The name reflects our vision of a city centre that is the vibrant heart of our community, now and for future generations,” he said. “The gifting of Te Manawa is also a symbol of the strong, enduring partnership between Ngāti Toa and Porirua City.” Te Manawa covers the area from the entrance to the city, to the harbour, from Titahi Bay Road to Porirua Stream, and everything in between.

The day started at 8 am with an opening ceremony by Ngāti Toa Rangitira and a blessing of the area recognising its history. After the cutting of the cake at 11 am by children from each of Porirua’s distinct villages, there were activities and entertainment for all until 3 pm, with live music, dance performances, bouncy castles, face painting, diggers, vintage cars, emergency services vehicles, virtual reality experiences, food trucks, prizes, giveaways and more.

Changes in the city centre include new paving, seating, planting, CCTV cameras and lighting, and the centrepiece stingray shelter – a large covered stage for use at events and night markets – referencing the stingray abundant in and around Te Awarua-o-Porirua Harbour.

A Pou was also unveiled in the City Centre during the visit. An interesting point is that the carver of this Pou was the same gentleman that came to Blacktown and carved the two Pou that stand in Nurragingy Reserve.

Mayoral Reception – Mayoress Christmas Gift Donation / Christmas on the Plains (Quirindi) on Monday, 25 February 2019

After a successful Christmas Gift Appeal and this year expanding to include over 1100 gifts to the Children of Liverpool Plains, a special Mayoral Reception was organised to thank the organisations and individuals that made the Appeal so successful.

All organisations were invited to attend the function which was held in the Nirimba Room by attending with volunteers who made the collection and wrapping of the gifts so successful.

Twenty three organisations, businesses and individuals were invited and represented in great numbers. A slide show was produced showcasing the wrapping of the gifts and the presentation of them in Quirindi to the sounds of ‘With a Little Help from my Friends’. The Mayor of Liverpool Plains Cr Andrew Hope, Councillor Doug Hawkins OAM, CWA Secretary Colleen Wills OAM joined Liverpool Plains Business Chamber President Grant Batty attending from Quirindi. Quirindi Lions Club members were also in attendance and received a cheque from Kings Langley Lions Club representative John Fernandes as part of drought relief fundraising effort by his members.

In all over 180 people attended from all over the Blacktown area and received a certificate of thanks from the Mayoress, Anne Bali.

Waitangi Day Celebrations on Saturday, 9 February 2019

1. Traditional ceremony at the Pou

   Waitangi Day 2019 commenced with the 5^th annual early morning celebration at the Pou at Nurragingy Reserve, Doonside. Commencing at 7.15am, the traditional celebration was well attended by The Mayor of Blacktown Cr Stephen Bali MP, Councillors, members of the Sister Cities Advisory Committee and members of the Maori Wardens Australia Executive and the Maori Community.

2. Western Sydney Waitangi Day Festival

Blacktown Council in partnership with the Maori Wardens Australia, hosted the 4^th Western Sydney Waitangi Day Festival for the first time at Mt Druitt Swimming Centre. Fun, plenty of shade, stalls, swimming and high quality live entertainment proved big hits for the 3,000 plus family friendly crowd that attended on the day. Skid Row Radio broadcast live throughout the day from the pool side.

The newly appointed NZ Consul General, Mr Bill Dobbie attended the event and joined Rawiri Iti – President of Maori Wardens Australia and The Mayor of Blacktown Cr Stephen Bali MP in welcoming the community to the event.

An application has been received already from the Maori Wardens Australia to partner in the event for 2020 at the same venue – such was the appeal of holding the event at the Pool and its surrounds.

‘Hangi in the Country 2’: Sister Cities x 4 in the same place at the same time. How good is that?  

What an achievement to have 4 Sister Cities in the same place at the same time – Blacktown City, Liverpool Plains Shire, Suseong-gu and Porirua as part of the The ‘Hangi in the Country 2’ held in the Liverpool Plains Shire between 26 and 28 October 2018.

Liverpool Plains Shire Council has been a Sister City partner since 2005 with the 2018 visit consolidating the foundations of community partnerships established between 2015-2016 and ‘Hangi in the Country 1’ held in 2017.

The focus of the 2018 visit was on youth sport, youth leadership and support of the drought relief effort for our Sister City. Liverpool Plains Shire is an area that has been identified in the top 3 drought affected areas in NSW. Blacktown Council agreed to provide a donation of $20,000 to Liverpool Plains Shire Council to help fund the purchase of a tank to supply potable water to residents and explore initiatives including:

• the utilisation of our staff and plant

• student support

• support for local businesses in Liverpool Plains Shire

• collection centres across Blacktown City for non-perishable items

• work with our Sister Cities Committee and local service clubs to identify opportunities to support Liverpool Plains Country Women's Association, Lions Club and other support organisations.

Travel to and from Quirindi, the main town in Liverpool Plains Shire was by a combination of bus and/or on the ‘Blacktown Sister Cities Flyer’ from Central Station. NSW Rail once again supported the event with discounted rail fares. Well done and many thanks to NSW Rail.

With nearly 200 persons involved, this was the largest delegation to ever leave Blacktown. Led by the Mayor, Cr Stephen BalI MP Councillors Kevin Gilies and Julie Griffiths, the delegation comprised:

• Members of Council’s Sister Cities Committee

• Council Officers

• Staff, u/14 sports persons and youth leadership students x 130 from Mitchell, Blacktown Girls and Plumpton High Schools and Chifley College, Shalvey

• Staff and youth leadership delegates from Porirua (New Zealand) and Suseong-gu (South Korea)

• Rap 4 Change, Mt Druitt

• Maori Wardens Blacktown and 24 x u/14 sports persons

• Basketball team and supervisors from Porirua, NZ 

• Representatives from our local Toastmaster’s Clubs

• Specialist Hangi cooks

• Musical artist, Alex Papps

• Our Youth Ambassador

• Local performers from Blacktown Showcase

• Blacktown Showgirl 2018.

The High Schools participating reflected their high level of involvement with our Sister Cities program and the Sister School relationships established.

Jessica Watson OAM (former Australian of the Year 2011 and youngest person to sail solo non-stop around the world) was engaged as keynote speaker and guest presenter at the International Youth Connect Forum in Quirindi.

Rap 4 Change conducted hip hop and wrap workshops for local schools on Thursday and Friday, during the family shows on Saturday afternoon and hosted a disco for over 200 the youth on the Saturday evening in the Sports Pavilion. 

Specialist Maori chefs prepared 450 Hangi meals using traditional methods and local produce. What an effort in very warm conditions.

A comprehensive video will be uploaded shortly but in the meantime, check out the array of happy snaps.

2018 Year 5 and 6 Writing Contest

Students from Years 5 and 5 who live or attend a primary school within Blacktown City were invited to enter the 2018 Blacktown City Council International Links and Sister Cities Writing Contest.

Now in its 4^th year, students were encouraged in 200 words or less explain how diversity, culture, friendship unite people and the community in which they live. Using examples as to how Blacktown has interacted with its Sister Cities in recent years was encouraged.

Members of our Sister Cities Committee spent considerable time to assess the entries with the following judged award recipients:

Awards and Certificates of Participation have been presented at individual schools during term 4. See some of the happy faces in these photographs.

Many thanks to the Principals, school staff, students, parents, Sister Cities Committee and our sponsors Hoyts and Featherdale Wildlife Park who supported the contest.

Remember to keep an eye out for dates in 2019 as the writing contest promises to be bigger and brighter in its 5^th year!!! 

Korean flag raising ceremony

We conducted a very successful and enjoyable Korean flag raising ceremony on Tuesday, 23 October 2018 in the Bowman Hall. Hosted by the Deputy Mayor of Blacktown, Cr. Tony Bleasdale, the ceremony was attended by the Consul General Mr Su Cheng Co and MS Young Cha from the Korean Consulate along with  2 Youth Ambassadors from our Sister City Suseong Gu -    Kim Dong Han and Bae Ji Ho and their chaperone  from Suseong Gu Council  Ms Cha Mingyo

Entertainment was provided by K Pop group Gloss.

Korean Peace Monument

Blacktown City Council in conjunction with the Korean Consulate Sydney and the Korean Foundation for Victims of Forced Mobilisation under Japanese Colonialism (a subsidiary institution of the Ministry of the Interior of Korea) have constructed a Korean-Australia peace monument in the RAAF Memorial Park, Mt. Druitt. The decision to locate the monument in Blacktown City was based on our active long-term Sister Cities arrangement with Suseong-gu, South Korea and the firm relationships established with the Korean Consulate.

The Korea-Australia Peace Enhancement and Pacific War Victims Memorial is designed to commemorate those Koreans who were mobilised in force, and either died in the Cowra Prisoner of War camp or in other locations throughout the Pacific War. The monument symbolises the hopes of the victims who could not return to their home country at that time.

Key elements of the Memorial include:

• A central large tear-drop of sorrow that represents the pain and grief of the victims of the Pacific War with side wings to embrace, comfort and protect such sorrow

• Seven memorial screens with pictures of Korean history and culture that surround and protect the main pagoda

• A memorial stone and plaque with wording to acknowledge the construction with Australian and Republic of Korea emblems. 

Council consulted with the RSL Club, RSL Sub Branches, various veterans associations/groups and Ward Councillors to ascertain level of support and if there were any concerns about the construction of the memorial:

• The monument is the only memorial constructed in Australia and one of only four, constructed world-wide to acknowledge Korean victims of forced mobilisation.  

• Links between history and present day Korea will be strengthened by its construction while the Korean Consulate, Sydney intends to promote visitation by Korean tourists during their visit to Sydney and surrounds.

• Location of the monument within the Blacktown LGA will further enhance our strong relationships with the Korean Consulate, Sydney and the Korean community. The monument and memorial stone reinforce the core values of peace, goodwill and friendship. These values are consistent with the ethos of our International Links and Sister Cities program. 

After viewing the photographs, a visit to the site is even better to appreciate the significance and meaning of the monument.

The official opening of the memorial will occur in April 2019.  

Sister Cities Australia (SCA) National Awards Function, Forum and Annual General Meeting  

Blacktown City Council hosted the Sister Cities Australia 2018 National Awards Function on Monday 15 October and a Forum and Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, 16 October at Blacktown Leisure Centre, Stanhope Gardens.

In front of a packed house on Monday evening, the Mayor of Blacktown Cr. Stephen Bali MP welcomed over 150 guests and visitors to the SCA Awards Function. Highlights of the night included:

• Blacktown City Council receiving the Community Involvement Award for its 2017 ‘Hangi in the Country 1’ Project for the second year in a row

• Life Membership of SCA bestowed on Peter Filmer OAM, Manager Blacktown Council’s Events and Sister Cities

• Samples of Korean music and Chinese dancing

• Wonderful performances by a selection of young talent identified through Blacktown Council’s Showcase program.

The SCA Forum on Tuesday included a formal welcome for delegates and attendees by the Deputy Mayor of Blacktown, Cr. Tony Bleasdale and Bill Wilson, President SCA.

The key themes of the SCA Forum were cultural partnerships and economic opportunities through Sister Cities. Highlights included:

• A very inspiring key note address by Dr Jim Taggart OAM: ‘Enhancing international links with our partners’

• Case studies on International trade and Sister Schools models from a Blacktown City Council perspective

• Presentations by Mr Hiro Tomo Akaiwa, Director, Japan Local Government Centre (CLAIR Sydney), Mr Jeong Lak Choi, KOTRA and Ms Young Cha, Korean Local Government Centre, Sydney

After the SCA Annual General Meeting, delegates were able to network and interact prior to the conclusion of a busy program. Plenty of photographs capture the spirit of the Awards Function and the business aspects of the Forum.  

Chinese flag raising ceremony

We conducted our 3rd Chinese flag raising ceremony on Thursday, 11 October 2018.

The ceremony hosted in the Nirimba Room was attended by the People’s Republic of China Mr GU Xiaojie, Consul General and Mr WANG Fanfu Consul.

The Sydney Chinese Dance Group dressed in vivid traditional costumes entertained the guests and visitors with an exhilarating range of routines.

Inaugural Indian Independence Day flag raising celebration   

Blacktown City Council conducted its inaugural Indian Independence Day flag raising celebration on Wednesday, 15 August 2018.

Held in the Bowman Hall, the event attracted over 150 persons with special guest Consul S.K.Verma Indian Consul, Sydney. The Mayor of Blacktown, Cr Stephen Bali MP was represented by the Deputy Mayor of Blacktown, Cr. Tony Bleasdale.

A gift exchange took place during the formal ceremony. Guests also enjoyed a range of Indian music and performers in traditional costume concluding with a taste of Indian food and sweets.

Our appreciation to all those involved in the celebration. Have a look at the range of pictures taken on the day. 

Blacktown Showcase

Our inaugural Blacktown Showcase was held during June and July this year and what a response we received with over 48  residents from Blacktown aged between 14 and 17 who auditioned in the Bowman Hall, Blacktown Civic Centre.

The range of talent was incredible including performers covering the singing / dance / instrumental disciplines

In what proved to be very difficult for our judges, 12 entrants were finally selected to become part of our pool of talented performers to participate in events over the next 12 months including proposed trips to South Korea, New Zealand and Liverpool Plains in Northern NSW.

Some have already performed at our Citizenship Ceremonies, the Sister Cities Australia National Awards Function and during our visit to Liverpool Plains. What a great start for our up and coming talented young performers.  

Check out the photographs and the array of young talent from Blacktown that was on display.

Many thanks to all those who supported the event and remember to keep an eye out for the 2019 dates. Blacktown Showcase will be back!

Liverpool Plains Shire delegation visits to Blacktown May 2018

Not only did our country cousins visit us once, but twice during May 2018. The first time was during our Medieval Fayre on 19 and 20 May where Nikki Robertson, Angus Fraser and Andrew Ballard manned the Liverpool Plains display marquee and answered many questions about their wonderful Shire. After meeting with our events staff to workshop event planning, promotion and operations, Andrew and Angus were amazed at the scale of the Medieval Fayre and learnt a lot from our staff in what proved to be a valuable staff exchange.

The second visit coincided with the Blacktown Festival and Street Parade on Saturday, 26 May.

Chambers of Commerce Business Partnership

A meeting was also facilitated at Rooty Hill RSL Club by Blacktown Council between Grant Batty, the President of the Liverpool Plains Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Industry, the Deputy Mayor of Liverpool Plains Shire, Doug Hawkins, Trevor Oldfield and Livia Janovics, President and Secretary of the Greater Blacktown Business Chamber (GBBC) respectively and Bob Turner, Chair of the GBBC Corporate Relationships Sub-Committee.  

The Liverpool Plains Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Industry has been operating for 70 years and has 65 members from across a wide range of businesses including mining, agriculture cropping and livestock, transport, retail and supporting fabrication businesses. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss potential future partnerships and/or relationships between both Chambers and explore possible business to business opportunities within the different industry categories.

The outcomes of this initial meeting proved to be extremely positive with exciting programs and interactions planned for the future.

Philippine Independence Day flag raising and Library display 2018

The Australian Philippines Services League (APSL) in partnership with Blacktown Council, conducted a flag raising ceremony on Saturday, 9 June 2018 in the Bowman Hall to commemorate the 120^th Philippine Independence Day celebrations. Entertainment comprised musical renditions and cultural dance performances. Many thanks to the APSL for their whole-hearted involvement in the conduct of this event.

The ceremony was supported by a 2-week display in the Max Webber Library. Many thanks to Jade Cadelina, Project Coordinator for The Philippine Cultural Institute and our Sister Cities Committee for his efforts in arranging the video about the history and significance of the event and the display of paintings by famous Filipino artists which complemented the celebrations. A wonderful acknowledgment for the 9% of Blacktown’s population who are either Filipino born or of Filipino heritage.  

Waitangi Day celebrations in Blacktown on Saturday, 10 February 2018  

For the 4^th consecutive year, Council commenced the Waitangi Day celebrations with a formal ceremony (Karakia service) at the Pou (South Sea Islands garden at Nurragingy Reserve, Knox Road Doonside) between 7.00-8.00am. The service included ritual chants to invoke spiritual guidance and protection. Check out the photographs of the ceremony. 

In partnership with the Maori Wardens NSW , Council assisted with the hosting of the 3^rd Western Sydney Waitangi Day Festival at the Blacktown Showground Precinct from 11.45 until 7.00pm. The official opening was conducted by the Mayor Cr Stephen Bali and Greg Makutu, from the NZ Consul General’s Office, Sydney. A Maori welcoming ceremony (Powhiri) with speeches, dancing and singing followed the opening. The Festival was well attended with plenty of performances on the main stage, food stalls, community displays and traditional entertainment to showcase various aspects of South Pacific culture, arts and cuisine. The interactive crowd participation was a highlight during the hot afternoon. 

Delegation visit to Porirua City from 4-7 February 2018

Council approved for a delegation from Blacktown City to attend the 2018 Waitangi Day celebrations in Porirua City from 4 to 7 February 2018. The attendance at Porirua City’s most prestigious and largest event was able to reaffirm the strong bonds which have been developed since the signing of our Sister Cities agreement in May 1984. 

The delegation comprised the Deputy Mayor, Cr Tony Bleasdale as the Mayor’s nominee, the General Manager, our Sister Cities Project Officer, 4 local Indigenous performers and our 2 current and 2 former Youth Ambassadors.

Our Manager, Arts and Cultural Development assisted with the identification of the 4 local Indigenous performers with experience in Aboriginal dance, music and singing to accompany the delegation. The Indigenous performers showcased components of our local aboriginal culture to the large crowd during the celebrations.

An invitation was extended for the Mayor of Porirua to attend the inaugural Sister Cities Shield football match in the A-League competition between the Western Sydney Wanderers and Wellington Phoenix. 

Blacktown wins Sister Cities Australia National Award

At the Sister Cities Australia AGM in December 2017, it was that announced that for the period 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017, Blacktown had won the SCA National Community Involvement Award for our Community Partnerships Program (CPP) with Liverpool Plains Shire Council, our Sister City in northern NSW since 2005. Fantastic!!!

Starting in 2015, the CPP seeks to promote the development of identified community relationships, activities or exchanges between Blacktown City and the Liverpool Plains Shire.

Community groups with similar interests were identified by both partners and after consultations, 16 community representatives from Blacktown visited their country counterparts for 3 days in September 2015. In October 2016, this number increased to 19 community representatives.

Groups included Cumberland Woodworkers, Blacktown Probus, Blacktown City Band, Historical Society, Blacktown Showground Community Garden, Blacktown CWA, Blacktown Pony Club, Riverstone Men’s Shed, Mt Druitt Men’s Shed, Blacktown Rotary and Blacktown Worker’s Bowling Club. Individual groups met with their country cousins and where agreed, developed their own projects, exchanges and/or joint initiatives. 

Some of the outcomes included a joint Rotary Club project for the supply of several defibrillators while a community garden partnership was formalised between the Blacktown Showground and Quirindi community garden groups. 

The community garden project identified that the installation of higher planter boxes for wheel chairs, similar to those at the Blacktown Showground Community Garden, and improvements to footpath access are essential to allow greater usage for special needs persons.  If these improvements occurred, additional local residents and school students, and up to 50 individuals from special needs groups and seniors in Tamworth and the surrounding area could attend on a more regular basis.

Both Councils agreed to commit $1,500 towards the project. The $3,000 was then used to construct 4 high planter boxes, pave the main entry footpath, purchase seats and install shade over two small picnic areas within the garden.         

Our 2 Youth Ambassadors also participated in the program and in October 2016 they were accompanied by 2 youth delegates and a staff officer from Sueong-gu, our Korean Sister City. What a great experience it was for our Korean visitors in the Aussie countryside. 

Visit by delegation from Liaocheng Municipal Government

A 15-person delegation from our Chinese Sister City visited Blacktown on 14 and 15 November 2017.

This delegation was led by Mr Chen Ping, Vice Mayor Liaocheng Municipal Government and included Government officials and business representatives. The delegation also comprised a contingent led by Mr Xianjin Cai, Professor/President of Liaocheng University. 

Presentations were made by Kerry Robinson, General Manager, Nathan Burbridge, Economic Development Manager Blacktown City Council, Chen Ping and Xianjin Cai during workshop sessions on Wednesday morning.

After an inspection of the Chinese Gardens at Nurragingy Reserve, the delegation was formally received by Cr. Tony Bleasdale, Deputy Mayor Blacktown City Council in the Council Chambers.

A short visit but symbolic of the strength of the friendship that has been developed between Blacktown and Liaocheng since 2003.

Korean flag raising 2017

Deputy Mayor Cr Tony Bleasdale hosted the Korean flag raising ceremony in the Bowman Hall on Friday, 13 October 2017. Special guests from the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea Sydney, included Ms Noh-Kyoung Kim, Chief of the Korea Local Government Centre, GAOK Oceania, Ms Inyoung Jin, Vice Consul and Ms Young Cha, Senior Manager and Specialist, International Relations Korea Local Government Centre.

The ceremony further strengthened our close connections with the Korean Consulate Sydney and the long standing association with Suseong-Gu, Daegu City our Sister Cities partner in the Republic of Korea.  

The Korean storytelling program conducted recently in the Libraries throughout our City was highlighted by the special guests.   

Principal and School Captains and Vice-Captains from Mitchell High School, Deputy Principal, staff and students from Tyndale Christian College Blacktown, members of our Sister Cities Committee, Council staff,           

Our two Youth Ambassadors, Jessica Szakacs and Maddalyn Bokenham once again officiated and spoke during the ceremony.

The ceremony included outstanding performances by a traditional Korean harpist, Ms Minjung Kim and a traditional Korean flutist, Mr Peter Lee. At the conclusion of the performances everyone sampled a wide range of excellent Korean food prepared by well-known Korean chef, Heather Jeong.  

Mayor, Cr Stephen Bali was an apology due to his attendance in the NSW Parliament as the new State Member for the seat of Blacktown. 

Chinese flag raising 2017

We conducted our 2nd official Chinese flag raising ceremony on Wednesday 20 September 2017. This ceremony, held in the Bowman Hall acknowledged Chinese Independence Day and highlighted our Sister Cities partnership with Liaocheng City, Shandong Province, China.    

Mayor, Cr Stephen Bali and General Manager, Mr Kerry Robinson hosted Mr Li Zhi – Consul of Political Section on behalf of the Consulate General of China and Mr Wang Fanfu Director of Political Section, Chinese Consulate Sydney, members of our Sister Cities Committee, Principal and students from Mitchell High School, performers from Peiji Chinese School Blacktown, students from Nanjing Wyuhyatai High School China and Council staff.

Our two Youth Ambassadors, Jessica Szakacs and Maddalyn Bokenham officiated and spoke during the ceremony.  

The presence of students from Nanjing High School certainly added to the atmosphere of the occasion.

Trade mission to Korea and Blacktown delegation to China and Korea

A cost effective combination of itineraries in September 2017 allowed a visit by a delegation from Blacktown to our Chinese Sister City, Liaocheng City, our Korean Sister City, Suseong-gu and attendance at the Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayor’s Forum in Daejeon City, Republic of Korea. Presence at the Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayor’s Forum enabled us an opportunity to share knowledge, network, discuss governance issues and promote our image at the international level.

The itinerary coincided with the presence of our inaugural trade mission during their 4-day business visit to South Korea. This inaugural business mission was part of our plan to grow our $15.6 billion economy and create jobs by exploring trade, investment and employment opportunities with overseas countries.

The trade mission comprised Hon. Nathan Rees, former premier of NSW as our special adviser, Nathan Burbridge, our Economic Development Strategist and trade mission project manager, our contracted Korean trade broker service provider and 10 representatives from 6 business sectors. All business and industry representatives travelled at their own cost.

Significant business connections and partnerships were developed by the trade mission in the 39 one-on-one business meetings conducted during the visit. The completion of our inaugural international trade mission is an initiative undertaken previously by only a small number of local government bodies in Australia, mainly capital cities.

The business interests and comparative advantage of delegates who participated in the trade mission remain confidential unless any participating businesses are willing to disclose details of those transactions. 

We will now seek to host a coordinated schedule of export readiness workshops and seminars for local small to medium size enterprises looking to develop their international business awareness and capability. Busy times ahead!!

Special thanks to Nathan Burbridge for his excellent work and efforts in arranging our inaugural overseas trade delegation.

‘Hangi in the Country’

If they say that a picture is worth a thousand words, then a video is priceless so have a peek at the highlights of our visit in August this year to Liverpool Plains Shire Council, our Sister Cities partner in northern NSW.

From the moment we departed on the ‘Kiwi Express’ from Central Station on Friday 4 August in our 2 special carraiges until our return on Sunday evening 6 August, it was a non-stop program of entertainment, performances and activities for the 72 person delegation, the largest ever to leave Blacktown!!

Building on the previous 2 years work, our community partnership program was expanded to include the ‘Hangi in the Country’ initiative. This project sought to promote Maori culture, music, craft, food and dance to local residents.

High profile Polynesian entertainer Jay Laga’aia was contracted in partnership with the Quirindi RSL Club to coordinate the delivery of several cultural workshops and compere the official Hangi Celebration Dinner.

A specialist New Zealand cook travlled to Quirindi to prepar the hangi using traditional methods and local produce.

The 2 Maori cultural performances and the Jay Laga’aia Show attracted over 500 people, mostly families with young children. The traditional hangi and entertainment dinner on Saturday evening attracted 230 people. No-one went away hungry!!!

Councillor Moninder Singh represented Blacktown City Council. The delegation comprised 23 community representatives, 8 members of the NSW Maori Wardens ( Blacktown-Mt Druitt), 21 Maori cultural and dance performrers, our 2 Youth Ambassadors, Sister Cities Committee members and Council staff.

Special thanks to Blacktown City Council, Liverpool Plains Shire Council Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Councillors and staff, Quirindi RSL and NSW Train Link for their support of this wonderful initiative.

Stay tuned for details about 2018 and the Youth Games which will form part of the ‘Hangi in the Country’. A big thankyou to local radio SWR99.9FM who photographed and created a video of our trip.

The video from the trip can be viewed here. 

Years 5 and 6 International Links and Sister Cities 2017 Writing Contest

Students in years 5 or 6 who live or attend a primary school within Blacktown City, were invited to enter the writing contest during July and August 2017. In 200 words or less and using examples where possible, students were encouraged to explain how diversity, culture and friendship unite people.

The competition, now in its 3^rd year was expanded in 2017 to include students in year 5. Nearly 40% of the 80 primary schools in the Blacktown LGA have now participated in the contest. Support of schools, staff, pupils, parents and/or guardians and our sponsors, Featherdale Wildlife Park and Hoyts Cinemas is acknowledged.

Highlight of this year’s competition was the presentation of awards, participation certificates and cheques by Council at individual schools. This system will certainly continue into the future as it provided a great opportunity to recognise all those involved in the contest.         

The judging panel, chaired by our 2 Youth Ambassadors and comprising members of our Sister Cities Committee certainly found it very difficult to determine the eventual winners and runners up!!

2017 writing contest award winners:

Korean story telling program

Blacktown City Council through its Libraries and the Korean Cultural Centre (KCC), Sydney combined to implement a Korean story telling program from May until October 2017. This unique program was designed for children from K-6 and delivered by KCC storytelling teachers professionally trained by a certified storytelling educator.

During the 1-hour session, participants learnt Korean children’s songs, folktales and practiced traditional Korean craft making and painting activities.

Some of the folktales, topics and activities included:   

The KCC provided training for the storytelling teachers, rostered the teachers and met the costs of the program. Blacktown City Council provided the Library venues and promoted the program through its networks. Over 100 children plus adults attended the various sessions.

A fantastic initiative and partnership that was well received by the residents of Blacktown.  

Pacific Test Fan Day in Blacktown

In partnership with the National Rugby League and as part of our Sister Cities link to New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, we hosted the 2017 Pacific Test Fan Day at Francis Park Blacktown from 4 to 8 pm on Wednesday, 3 May and what a FANtastic evening was had by all those who attended.

Working closely with former NRL player Frank Puletua, Senior Manager–Pacific Strategy, the attraction of the top players from the rugby league teams of England, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Fiji, Cook Islands and Samoa in the heartland of Western Sydney drew over 5,000 fans in a family friendly atmosphere. Stalls, a dedicated activation zone, central stage, entertainment, DJ, drummers and performance groups complemented the appearance of players, coaches and officials from the 6 team participating in the Pacific Test series.

The Mayor of Blacktown, Cr Stephen Bali addressed the large crowd and was even photographed with giant Tongan winger Manu (The Beast) Vatuvei.

The photographs of the night show the excitement and enjoyment of the evening.

Pyeongtaek Noongar visit to Tyndale Christian School

Tyndale Christian School at Blacktown hosted a performance on Friday 31 March by Pyeongtaek Noongar, a traditional professional dance group from South Korea. An enthusiastic audience of 700 pupils and staff attended this outstanding performance. For highlights check out the photographs. 

Visit from Gwacheon City Council, South Korea

We recently hosted a delegation of 9 officers from Gwacheon City Council, South Korea. The group were in Australia as a reward for their outstanding community service. A briefing session was conducted by our Manager of Events and Sister Cities and our Sister Cities Project Officer with focus on customer service and complaint handling.

Visit and performances by the Le Moana collective from New Zealand

Blacktown was privileged to host a visit from Le Moana in December 2016.

The Le Moana collective are graduates of the internationally renowned Whitireia Performing Arts who have been professionally trained in Māori Haka from New Zealand, Siva from Sāmoa, Ura from the Cook Islands and the New Zealand Contemporary Dance. The group was established as a vessel for cultural enrichment and as a platform for the development of Pacific Heritage and Contemporary dance on a locally and internationally.

Their performance in the Bowman Hall on Tuesday, 13 December with over 400 patrons of 1918, winner of the critics’ choice and top box office awards at the 2016 San Diego International Fringe Festival, was outstanding. The production explored the effects of the devastating Spanish influenza pandemic that killed over 25% of the Samoan population.

The group also conducted a workshop for students from Blacktown Girls High School which was well attended.

See some of the highlights of the Le Moana performance and workshop. Wonderful to watch and participate.

We’ll see if we can bring them back sometime soon or maybe in 2018 for an encore of 1918. 

Hungarian President visits Featherdale Wildlife Park, Blacktown

On Friday, 11 November 2016, the Hungarian President His Excellency Janos Ader accompanied by the first lady Anita and the Australian Hungarian Ambassador, Dr Attila Gruber visited Featherdale Wildlife Park, Blacktown. Glenn Willis, Chief Executive Officer from Elanor Investors hosted the delegation.

The Mayor of Blacktown, Cr Stephen Bali presented a gift to the President in recognition of his visit. The delegation enjoyed a tour of the Wildlife Park and were able to get up close and personal to the animals.

Remembrance Day formalities were observed during the visit with bugler Bill Belcher from the Blacktown City Band performing the Last Post.      

Dietrich-Bonhoeffer Gymnasium Middle School (Germany) visit Mitchell High School, Blacktown  

Mitchell High School welcomed teachers and students from Dietrich-Bonhoeffer Gymnasium Middle School (Germany) in October 2016 as part of their Sister School partnership. We hosted a reception for the visitors, teachers, staff and billeting families from Mitchell High School.

How to get involved

Should you be interested in receiving more information, please contact our International Links and Sister Cities Team on 02 9839 6000.

The committee

The International Links and Sister Cities Committee comprises of the following people:

Mayor Cr Stephen Bali and appointed Councillors:

• Deputy Mayor, Cr Tony Bleasdale

• Cr Susai Benjamin

• Cr Brad Bunting

• Cr Carol Israel

• Cr Moninder Singh

• Cr Kevin Gillies.   

Community representatives and current and former Youth Ambassadors:

Local service and registered club representatives:

Appointment to the Committee is for the term of Council.