Central Coast Council has re-signed the sister city agreement with Edogawa City Council which will see a stronger cultural exchange and continued benefits for the Coast community.

The sister city agreement was a long-standing arrangement with the former Gosford City Council and was re-signed during a recent Mayoral and dignitary visit to Japan.

Mayor Jane Smith said that it was an honour to meet with Mayor Masami Tada, Edogawa City Council and celebrate the 30^th anniversary of the relationship by re-signing the sister city agreement.

“The sister city relationship with Edogawa City during the last thirty years has delivered many benefits for the Central Coast including the establishment of the Edogawa Commemorative Gardens, Mayoral and dignitary visits, staff exchange and the youth exchange program,” said Mayor Smith.

“The youth wing exchange program has provided an invaluable opportunity for local students and their families to participate in a variety of academic, social, cultural and sporting activities with students from Edogawa City.

“Earlier this year, there was also a generous donation from the Urasenke Foundation to build a traditional Japanese Tea House as part of the Edogawa Gardens at the Gosford Regional Gallery.

“For many years, there have been strong connections between our communities and it is pleasing that this will continue with our Central Coast Council. I look forward to the continued friendship and cultural understanding.”

Sister city relationships are valuable ways to share knowledge and culture and exchange ideas. As part of the sister city agreement, both Councils visit each other periodically. The recent Mayoral and dignitary visit to Edogawa and Japan was endorsed by Council on 26 February 2018.

For more information on Council’s sister city relationships visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/sistercities