Rockhampton's Sister City relationship with Ibusuki in Japan began more than a quarter of a century ago.
Today, more and more people from our City are getting involved in cultural exchange with our Japanese 'relatives' in Ibusuki.
The Sister City arrangement between Rockhampton City Council and Ibusuki City in Japan was ratified to continue after the March 15, 2008 elections, by the Rockhampton Regional Council Local Transition Committee.
Ibusuki City Mayor Taharasako plans to visit the Rockhampton Region mid-year, to re-sign and reaffirm the Sister City relationship between the Rockhampton Region and Ibusuki City.
Click here to visit the official Ibusuki City website.
Sister City Photographic Exchange Competition
Have you ever wondered what a day in the life of Ibusuki would be like? Would you like to showcase our Australian way of life to our friends in Ibusuki?
Here’s your chance! We are preparing to call budding photographers, young and old, for an exciting photographic competition to help promote the Sister City relationship between the Rockhampton Region and Ibusuki — and you’re welcome to join in!
The Sister City Photographic Exchange Competition 2008 will involve the community in providing a snapshot (literally!) of “Rockhampton: our people; our places” and will display all entries (from Rockhampton and from Ibusuki) on its website, Ibusuki City’s website and in exhibitions here and in Ibusuki.
So pick up your cameras, go out and about in our wonderful region and start capturing the people and places that you love.
Photographs will be judged in two age groups (17 and under, and 18 and over) and in two categories: our people, and our places.
Entry is free and there are cash prizes to be won. Remember, you have to be in it, to win it!
Keep your eyes on local media and this website at www.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au for competition details and start dates. Please phone Kirsty Stewart on 4936 8421 with any queries.
History of Sister City Relationship
Rockhampton City and Ibusuki have been Sister Cities for more than 25 years, after establishing their Sister City relationship on November 21, 1980.
Some of the major exchanges between the two cities included:
- A Japanese-style garden was erected at the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens and the Japanese Ambassador opened the Gardens on June 17, 1982.
- An Australian-style garden was erected in Ibusuki City as a symbol of eternal friendship between the citizens of both cities, and was opened by former Rockhampton Mayor Jim Webber on April 18, 1983.
- In November 1998, Rockhampton City Council presented Ibusuki City with a statue of a Belmont Red Bull, which is proudly on display in Rockhampton Road in Ibusuki City.
- The bronze “Sunamushi” sculpture is a reciprocal gift from Ibusuki City. The sculpture is named, “the bather, clad in a cotton kimono”. Sunamushi onsen is a natural hot sand bath and is very famous for its effect on health and beauty.
- Ibusuki underwent an amalgamation in 2006 and on August 3, 2006, Rockhampton Mayor, Cr Margaret Strelow and RCC Chief Executive Officer Gary Stevenson visited Ibusuki City to re-sign and reaffirm the Sister City Relationship between Rockhampton City and Ibusuki City.
About Ibusuki
Ibusuki City lies on the Kirishima Volcanic Zone and is famous for its Sunamushi Onsen, natural hot sand baths which attract 3.3 million tourists each year. Hot springs percolate through the sand on the beaches and staff, armed with shovels, can help to bury you in "hot sand."
- Established: Ibusuki was founded on April 1, 1954. On January 1, 2006 it incorporated Kaimon and Yamagawa, two towns formerly belonging to the Ibusuki District.
- Population: Following the incorporation of Kaimon and Yamagawa on January 1, 2006 the City has an estimated population of 47,583 and covers 148.88 km².
- Location: Ibusuki City is located at the southern-most tip of Satsuma Peninsular, at the entrance of Kagoshima Bay on the southern-most point of Kyushu Island, in Japan. Lake Ikeda (the biggest lake on Kyushu Island) is at the centre of Ibusuki City and Mt Kaimon, which is 924m high and is called Satsuma Fuji, oversees the City.
- Climate: A tropical climate that has lots of seasonal flowers throughout the year.
- Industry: Ibusuki City is the centre of tourism in South Kyushu. Every year about 3.3 million tourists visit the hot springs in the International Hot Spring Tourism Recreation City. (Sunamushi is a natural hot sand bath and is very famous for its effect on health and beauty. It has been the biggest resource of the tourist industry.)
- Transport: Ibusuki can be accessed by Routes 226 and 269 and the Ibusuki Skyline Drive. The City also has a railroad station.
- Events: Major events include the Ibusuki Nanohana Marathan in January, the Flower Festival and Mt Kaimon Climb in March, Kyushu Classic Car Festival in April, the Ibusuki Triathlon Race, Aloha Sengen Ceremony and Ibusuki Hula Festival in May. (In late May, the Mayor of Ibusuki declares it is time to wear aloha shirts to set the Hawaiian mood.) Other events include the Yamagawa Minato Matsuri in June, the Ibusuki Onsen Matsuri, Kaimon Natumatsuri and Baby Sea Turtle Festival in August, Sunamusi Week in October, and the Ibusuki Thanksgiving Festival in December.
Click here to visit the official Ibusuki City website.
Become involved!
A lot has happened in both Rockhampton and Ibusuki during the time of the Sister Cities relationship, and the two regions have similarities to be celebrated and differences to be explored.
If your community organisation, school or club would like to become involved in Rockhampton's Sister City relationship with Ibusuki, please contact the Sister Cities Community Advisory Committee on 4936 8421 with your comments and suggestions.
Rockhampton City Council is a member of the Australian Sister Cities Association (ASCA), which aims to provide a forum for cultural, economic and education interchange between communities and to encourage friendship, co-operation and understanding to improve peaceful coexistence worldwide.