Shire of Harvey strengthens international bond with sister city Moka in Japan as part of its 70th anniversary

A South West shire has made the journey to Japan to strengthen its bond with its sister city.

Delegates from the Shire of Harvey made the trek to the city of Moka earlier this month to take part in the Japanese council’s 70th anniversary celebrations.

It was the shire’s first time visiting its friendship city since becoming officially partnered in 2022.

After delegates from Moka made the journey to Harvey last year to take in the best of what region had to offer, the city extended an invitation to the shire early this year to take part in its milestone celebrations

Harvey shire president Michelle Campbell described the visit as a big step forward in their growing relationship.

She said the focus of the visit was primarily around education, though they did use the opportunity to showcase the Harvey region through video.

“We were thrilled to see Moka promote our home to their community members,” Ms Campbell said.

During the visit, the delegation attended a Friendship City symposium with delegates from Moka’s other friendship cities - Glendora in the US and Douliu in Taiwan.

“Learning how other local governments navigate their cultural exchange programs was fascinating and invaluable,” Ms Campbell said.

The initial push to establish a friendship city came from schools in the Harvey region and educators were invited to join the delegation.

“Local teachers have done the heavy lifting needed to bring these opportunities to students,” Ms Campbell said.

“A highlight of the visit for me was to see one teacher, Kathryn Hopkins, celebrated at a City of Moka 70th anniversary event.

“Kathryn was recognised for facilitating educational exchange and friendship across borders.”

Ms Campbell said it was very fortunate Ms Hopkins could join the official delegation, which included herself, deputy shire president John Bromham and four council officers.

“While there, we visited Moka schools, including an agricultural school similar to the Harvey Ag College, and learned a great deal about education in Japan,” she said.

Ms Campbell said the shire would look at how it could introduce and showcase Japanese culture in the area and continue to support school programs.

“We could really see the benefits of the relationships local schools have with Moka schools, based on reciprocal visits, online student-teacher discussions and letters,” she said.

“It was fantastic to see.”