Townsville Mayor, Councillor Jenny Hill, was joined by Suwon City Mayor Lee Jae Joon to open the photographic exhibition Korean War, Unforgotten in my Backyard in Townsville on Sunday 06 August 2023.
Jezzine Barracks Military Museum is hosting the exhibition in partnership with the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea and supported by Townsville City Council and our Korean sister city Suwon City.
The civic reception featured speeches from both mayors and was attended by members of the Sydney Consulate General of the Republic of Korea, Korean delegates, members of Australian defence and war veterans.
Cr Hill said the exhibition not only highlights the significance of the Korean War but also underscores the enduring friendship between Townsville and Suwon City.
"This captivating photographic exhibition pays tribute to the Korean War and its lasting impact on both Townsville and Suwon City," she said.
"It showcases a collection of photographs featuring roads and lanes in Australia that have been named in honour of the Korean War.
"It also offers an opportunity for residents of both communities to reflect upon and deepen their understanding of the shared history and sacrifices made during the Korean War."
The exhibition is open to the public from Wednesday, 09 August through to Monday, 11 September 2023.
Mayor Lee Jae Joon was making his first trip to Townsville and he and his Korean delegation were formally welcomed to the city by Cr Hill and Deputy Mayor Mark Molachino on Friday, where they exchanged gifts and discussed their sister city partnership.
They then enjoyed a wonderful weekend taking in the Talisman Sabre Community Day, Townsville Running Festival and a guided tour of Ephemera: Seaside Sculptures with Cr Ann-Maree Greaney.
The Delegation also took in the Cowboys v Broncos game at Queensland Country Bank Stadium and the Australian Festival of Chamber Music Grand Finale as well as a traditional Kup-Murri lunch down The Strand with Cr Liam Mooney, which included performances from Torres Strait and Melanesian dancers.
On Monday the group headed out to Sun Metals Zinc Refinery at Cleveland Bay, which employs over 350 staff and contractors, primarily from the local community.
Sun Metals is an Australian subsidiary of Korea Zinc Company Limited, the largest zinc, lead and silver producer in the world.
Finally, the Delegation linked up with Council's Chief Sustainability Officer Greg Bruce and the Integrated Sustainability Services team for an environmental conditions tour.
Also among the visitors from Suwon City this weekend were runners Lim Kwon Hyuk and Kim Eun A, who competed in the Townsville Running Festival.
Speaking with the consulate members, Korean Consul Kihwan Kim raved about their visit to Townsville and the strengthening of the relationship between the two cities.
"We had a great experience in Townsville and are all excited to return to explore more in the future," he said.
Mayor Hill said it was an honour to have representatives from our sister city Suwon City in town and was delighted to be able to showcase some of what Townsville had to offer.
"I really enjoyed our time spent with Mayor Lee Jae Joon and our city certainly put its best foot forward with some stellar events for he and his delegation to enjoy," Cr Hill said.
"Our sister city agreement with Suwon was established in 1996 and it's continued to go from strength to strength for the betterment of both of our great cities."
