THIS week I welcomed the Mayor Fushimi of Hirakata City and his delegation, as they visited Logan from Japan to commemorate 30 years of our Sister City relationship.
Over these three decades, we have shared cultural, student, musical and economic exchanges. Though the pandemic interrupted the relationship, I am keen to see us reconnect our cities and work together for a brighter future.
At Council chambers, Mayor Fushimi and I signed a fresh commitment to the relationship and exchange gifts. We offered his delegation Beenleigh Rum and Logan Koalas. In return we received special bowls that have been made in Hirakata for centuries.
Then we took them out to visit some iconic locations around Logan. They absolutely loved Alexander Clarke Park and were most impressed by the public BBQs – which is something they do not have in Japan.
It was quite sunny so the mayor received one more gift – my Brigalow cowboy hat, which I think was his favourite gift of all. He never took it off.
The delegation also visited the Daisy Hill Koala Centre, Distillery Road Markets and Zarraffa’s HQ at Eagleby.
When Logan and Hirakata first became sister cities thirty years ago, Mayor Fushimi was 27 years old and a recent university graduate. I was 13 years old and just beginning high school.
It turns out we still have a lot in common, with similar population sizes, challenges with identity, and innovation an important feature of our business success.
I have to admit I was jealous that they’ve been able to recently secure a 4 star hotel – which is something I think Logan needs.
Mayor Fushimi was impressed with Transform Logan and Council’s 50-year vision. One key difference is that while we plan for growth, he must plan for decline as their population is aging and decreasing. He wants his city to adopt a similar long-term vision to help plan for this.
In a modern world focused on quick wins and five second sound bites, thirty years of friendship is pretty special. I’m looking forward to learning more about Hirakata when I in September, as part of the sister city celebrations.
