Matsuura Students Embrace Classic Aussie Culture

Last Friday, a group of students from Matsuura, Japan, arrived in Mackay, embarking on a cultural exchange that promises to leave lasting impressions on both the visitors and their hosts. The students were greeted with a warm welcome at Mackay Regional Council, where they were taken on a tour of the council chambers by Mayor Greg Williamson.
Councillor Karen May opened the proceedings with a welcoming speech, setting the tone for a week filled with cultural, educational, and fun activities. The welcome lunch that followed was attended by most of the Mackay Regional Council councillors, providing an opportunity for the media to interact with the students. Many of the young visitors expressed their excitement about seeing kangaroos and spending time with Australian families during their stay.
The Mackay Matsuura Sister City relationship was formed in 1989. Today the relationship is a cultural one, but was founded on the common interest in coal. One of the cultural exchange programs of the sister city relationship is annual visits between Mackay and Matsuura school students. The purpose of the visit is to strengthen our cities' ties and to expose Mackay and Matsuura students to each other's cultures.
Mayor Williamson highlighted the importance of such cultural exchanges, saying, "Culturally and as human beings, we're all pretty much built the same. If the world could grow up knowing other cultures and languages, it would help us understand that these differences don't divide us—they simply highlight that we're all the same people."
The students’ itinerary included visits to local schools such as Bucasia Primary School and Holy Spirit School, where they mingled with Australian students. They also participated in the popular Bush Dance, toured the Sarina Sugar Shed, and enjoyed classic fish and chips at the harbour.
"The more we interact with one another, the better our understanding and appreciation of each other becomes," Mayor Williamson said.
"These young people will return home with a completely different attitude and vision of Australia, which is exactly what we need. We know that when our young people visit Japan, they come back speaking of what a wonderful and beautiful country it is."
The exchange aims to foster greater understanding and friendship between the two cultures. The students were particularly appreciative of Mackay’s mild winter weather, a welcome change from the hot and humid climate of Matsuura at this time of year.
"Every family hosting a Japanese student this time will tell you they couldn’t have wished for a better experience," Mayor Williamson added.
"When these young people leave, there will be tears, not just from them, but from their host families as well."

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Students from Matsuura, Japan, exploring the Mackay Regional Council Chambers and interacting with councillors and the media at the Jubilee Centre during their time in Mackay. Photo credit: Mackay Regional Council

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