Port partnership strengthens cultural connections

Minister for Ports Hon Stephen Dawson MLC has announced a new partnership between Southern Ports and the City of Bunbury is set to promote international cultural ties.

The $20,000 commitment from Southern Ports will support a range of City of Bunbury events over the coming year, including a sister-city exchange student program.

The partnership will subsidise the travel costs of 16 Years 6 and 7 students from the Greater Bunbury area to the Japanese city of Setagaya later this month where they will be hosted by local families during their stay.

“Our ports create economic prosperity for our regions by connecting them to the world, so it’s quite fitting this partnership between Southern Ports and the City of Bunbury helps connect young minds 7,500 kilometres apart,” Minister Dawson said.

The City’s exchange program has supported around 450 South West students travelling to Japan since it was established in 1992. 

“Creating enduring value for our regions matters to us, and working with the City of Bunbury to support this wonderful exchange program and other initiatives certainly does that,” Southern Ports Chief Executive Officer Keith Wilks said.

Two delegations of students from Setagaya will also be hosted in Bunbury as part of this year’s exchange.

As part of the visit, the Japanese students will have the opportunity to tour the Port of Bunbury as well participate in Noongar language programs, visit the Dolphin Discovery Centre and a variety of other activities.

“The Port of Bunbury is an important economic contributor for the South West and the City has always enjoyed a great relationship with Southern Ports. This new partnership further extends that,” City of Bunbury Mayor Jaysen Miguel said. 

Continued support for Bunbury’s Christmas in the City and Skyfest events, previously supported by Southern Ports through its Community Investment Program, is also provided through the partnership.

“We are also establishing similar partnerships with our local government partners in Albany and Esperance, which will also mean our community investment funding can be better directed into grassroots regional initiatives,” Mr Wilks said. 

Read Minister Dawson’s full statement – here.