Rockingham and Ako confirm sister city ties

The City of Rockingham’s strong ties with its sister city in Japan, Ako, was reaffirmed last Wednesday during a dinner reception at the Gary Holland Community Centre.

The stars of the night were the 33 members of the Ako Children’s Choir who performed songs in English and Japanese.

In 1997 both cities officially formed the sister city relationship.

A delegation of more than 50 people spent five days in Rockingham and Perth, with the choir visiting three primary schools.

Year 4 students from class S2 at Port Kennedy Primary School made Easter cards for members of the choir to take home and they were presented at the dinner by school principal Greg Smith.

Rockingham deputy mayor Deb Hamblin said it was a pleasure to welcome the choir back to the city for the sixth time.

“Each opportunity we have to make contact with our friends in Ako is a special occasion to share cultural and educational knowledge,” she said.

“The City values its role in facilitating these opportunities to continue our close relationship with Ako.”

Stacey Graham, who was president of the Rockingham Chamber of Commerce in 1997, was part of the Rockingham delegation, with then-mayor Fred Gardiner, who visited Ako 16 years ago to sign the sister city arrangement.

She said it was fantastic to see the relationship thriving more than 15 years on.

“I think it’s terrific for exchanges from both Rockingham and Ako, especially for the children to learn about each other’s culture,” she said.