Mayor's Weekly Message
Visiting Japanese students strengthen bonds of friendship between nations
8 Aug 2015
Twenty five school students visiting from Manly’s Japanese ‘Friendship City’ of Odawara took part in a special Peace Ceremony held at ‘Peace Park’ in Addison Road to mar
k 70 years since the conclusion of World War Two.
The students are in Manly taking part in the 25th annual Student Exchange Program with Odawara City.
The Mayor of Odawara, Mr. Kenichi Kato; representatives of Odawara City Council and a number of Japanese chaperones joined the students on a busy 10 day schedule of events while in Australia, including Barefoot Bowls at Manly Bowling Club, a visit to the City, a tour of Manly Council services, a barbecue at Shelly Beach and plenty of sightseeing, too!
Since 1991, Tokimeki International School and Odawara City Council have offered this student exchange programme to Manly students to visit Odawara for 10 days in July each year, too.
This is then followed by a reciprocal visit to Manly by students from Odawara in August.
The student exchange programme has been very successful and provides a unique opportunity for Manly students to learn about Japanese culture first-hand - and an additional opportunity to make lasting friendships.
Charity children's book launched to benefit Dalwood Spilstead Centre
'Pigs Can Get Sunburnt' is the title of a new children's book authored by one of our local residents, Anne-Marie Grundling.
The book is full of unusual animal facts as the name suggests, so both the child and the reader can learn together.
Each page prompts interaction and includes popular children's themes such as superheroes, parties, babies and the beach.
The proceeds are going to a very worthwhile cause - the Dalwood Spilstead Centre in Seaforth who support families in distress.
Charity books are just $10, and can be purchased at www.pigscangetsunburnt.com
Jean Hay AM
Back to listing