Swan Hill Rural City Council, in collaboration with the Swan Hill Yamagata Club, is excited to be welcoming visitors from our sister city, Yamagata, Japan this weekend. The delegation will arrive in Swan Hill on Saturday, 12 October, for a two day exploration of the region.
The sister city relationship between Swan Hill and Yamagata officially started in 1980. Scott Barber, Council's CEO, emphasised the significance of this visit.
"We have so much to celebrate because of our strong connections with Yamagata. During their stay, we aim to strengthen these bonds and ensure that our longstanding friendship continues to flourish."
A full itinerary has been planned to highlight the agricultural diversity and natural beauty of the Swan Hill region.
"The group will experience firsthand the region's bountiful irrigation, innovative farming practices and vast open spaces," Mr Barber said.
The tour will showcase:
- Chasney Estate, Tresco – Olive Grove and Lavender Farm,
- Gleeson Farms, Boundary Bend: Large broad-acre enterprise, and
- Andrew Peace Winery, Piangil – Internationally acclaimed winery.
The organisers have planned various activities to ensure that the group experiences traditional Mallee hospitality. These activities include a spit roast dinner at Pental Island, and to add a touch of Mallee charm, Reg Packer, a well-known local, will perform for the group at this event.
The 40 year friendship will be officially commemorated at a plaque unveiling event to be held on Sunday.
"We will unveil a plaque in the Yamagata Garden. This garden has been built on the banks of the Murray River and demonstrates the strong connection between our two cities," Mr Barber added.
