Frankston City welcomes delegation from Sister City Susono, Japan

Published on 08 August 2025

Frankston City has proudly welcomed an inbound delegation from its Japanese Sister City, Susono, as part of a long-standing friendship that continues to enrich both communities through cultural exchange, mutual respect and international connection.

The official visit included community members from Susono led by representatives from Susono City Council including the Deputy Mayor, the Susono Overseas Friendship Association (SOFA) and primary and secondary students from schools in Susono.

The delegation was warmly welcomed by Frankston City Mayor Kris Bolam JP at an official reception on Friday, followed by a colourful Japanese Festival hosted at Frankston High School on Sunday and a formal farewell on Monday.

Mayor Bolam said the visit marked another important chapter in the Sister City relationship, which was formally established in 1982

“It has been a truly rewarding few days spent with our friends from Susono,” Mayor Bolam said.

“From the shores of Port Phillip to the shadow of Mount Fuji, the connection between Frankston and Susono transcends borders – uniting two communities with one heart.”

A highlight of the visit was the official signing of a reaffirmation pledge by Frankston City Mayor Kris Bolam JP and Susono City Deputy Mayor Ms Chisato Onishi, marking more than 40 years of enduring friendship between the two cities.

The reaffirmation reflected the original 1982 proclamation, which pledged to foster friendship and promote cultural, educational, social and economic exchange between the people of Frankston and Susono, building a bridge of understanding and peace across nations.

“We have stayed true to our original proclamation and through decades of exchanges and personal connections have continued commitment to the values of mutual respect, learning and international cooperation for generations to come.”

The visit to Frankston City was made possible thanks to the efforts of the Frankston Susono Friendship Association (FSFA) and the Susono Overseas Friendship Association (SOFA), whose members have worked together for decades to nurture and grow the partnership between the two cities.

Students from Susono were accommodated by local families, creating opportunities for shared learning and lifelong memories. This continues a tradition that has seen well over two hundred Frankston and Susono students enjoy school exchanges between the two cities since 1982.

Frankston City Council is a proud member of the Welcoming Cities Network, which celebrates inclusion and belonging through initiatives that embrace cultural diversity. The Sister City relationship with Susono exemplifies these values, bringing people together across borders through mutual respect, curiosity and friendship.

A delegation of representatives from Frankston City, including students from Derinya Primary School and Frankston High School, is planning to travel to Susono Japan in October this year.

Mayor Kris Bolam will also visit Susono in October as part of a ‘goodwill tour’, the first Frankston mayor to visit Susono since 2018. The ‘goodwill tour’ will include formal visits to all sister cities including Susono, Wuxi (China) and Suva (Fiji). As part of this ‘good will tour’, the mayor will also formally visit Annapolis in the United States to finalise the establishment of a ‘Friendship City’ between the two cities.

More information on the Frankston-Susono sister city relationship can be found at: www.frankston.vic.gov.au/Community-and-Health/Sister-Cities/Susono-Japan