OUTGOING Frankston mayor Cr Colin Hampton has highlighted a recent trip to Frankston’s “sister city” Susono as a success.
Cr Hampton travelled to the Japanese city alongside 23 other representatives.
“For 36 years the two cities have maintained a close relationship, with regular delegation visits to each other, and there are many people in our community who give up their own time to ensure the relationship remains strong and equitable,” CrHampton said.
“The sister city relationship is based on cultural understandings and volunteer members of each community with a passion for other cultures. We hope that the relationship lasts for many more years to come.
“Frankston City looks forward to welcoming a delegation from Susono to Frankston in early 2020, led by Mayor Takamura and his wife Noriko.”
Cr Hampton used the trip to detail plans for a Japense themed garden outside Frankston Private Hospital.
Frankston Susono Friendship Association chairperson Peter Patterson said “younger Susono residents were particularly blown away by the immersive experience of our virtual reality offering ‘Frankston, you’re standing in it.’
“The virtual reality experience, produced by Bruce Pearce, featured iconic Frankston scenes such as Nepean Highway, Frankston Waterfront, Wells Street precinct and the Japanese Garden at Frankston High School, just to name a few.”
The virtual reality presentation can be viewed on the Frankston Susono website frankston-susono.com
The trip was paid for out of the former mayor’s pocket, after fellow councillors voted on 3 April that ratepayers should not foot the bill for the visit (“Mayor pays own way on Japan visit”, The Times, 30/4/18)
