TWELVE representatives from Southern Downs Regional Council sister city Shiwa (Japan) took in the sites, sounds, weather, wines and wonders of this year’s the Apple and Grape Festival.
Cr Denise Ingram said the 12 visitors, including previous Shiwa Mayor Mr Takashi Fujiwara, were thoroughly impressed with the local wines, enjoyed cheering on the parade and spent time talking to locals through their interpreter.
Stanthorpe established a formal sister city agreement with Shiwa in 2005 and then re-signed with the Southern Downs Regional Council in 2009.
Cr Ingram said the Shiwa visitors had a packed itinerary visiting the Queensland College of Wine Tourism, SDRC Stanthorpe chambers for afternoon tea, Ballandean Estate, an overnight stay in Warwick and then later to the Gold Coast and Cairns.
“We have formed a strong bond with the people of Shiwa and we hope to build on that into the future,” Cr Ingram said.
“We certainly would like to foster an exchange of wine expertise between our regions.
“Council presented all the visitors with a bottle of local wine and Mr Fujiwara presented the council with a special bottle of Japanese wine as a symbol of the future co-operation.”
Economic development officer Diane Anstee said the council would like to see ties strengthen between Japan and the Southern Downs due to the mutual benefits through exchange and trade.
“Sister-City programs are renowned for increasing understanding and friendship, as well as developing exchanges and co-operation in the fields of economics, science and technology, culture and education.
“Our newly established Export Network group is looking at opportunities through Asian Century and in particular Japan,” she said.
