IT HAS been 35 years since Swan Hill and the Japanese city of Yamagata forged their sister city relationship.
The milestone was celebrated over the weekend, with the latest delegation arriving in Swan Hill on Thursday and taking part in a jam-packed tour over the ensuing three days.
The trip included the unveiling of a Japanese garden site, visit to the Pioneer Settlement and a 35 year anniversary celebration dinner on Saturday night.
Yamagata Mayor Akio Ichikawa was among the delegation of 36 who travelled to the Mallee and was awarded the title of honorary citizen by Swan Hill Rural City Council Mayor Michael Adamson.
Yoshiko Stynes, who was one of the initial driving forces behind the sister city relationship 35 years ago, was among the 2015 group attending the milestone celebrations.
Also the groups interpreter, she told The Guardian the delegation had thoroughly enjoyed their Mallee visit.
“They just enjoy mixing with the local people,” Ms Stynes said.
“They were impressed with the Japanese garden… everyone was taking photos.”
Swan Hill’s vibrant agricultural scene was also on show, with the group visiting Glowrey’s dairy near Swan Hill on Friday and the Gleeson family’s Natya property for shearing demonstrations and machinery rides on Saturday.
At a dinner put on by the Swan Hill Yamagata Club on Friday night, Ms Stynes and Swan Hill resident Robyn Fry were recognised for their integral part in instigating the relationship 35 years ago and its continued maintenance.
For more on this story, grab a copy of Monday’s Guardian (July 6).
