Sister cities to strengthen ties
Published on 18 September 2025
Delegates from the City of Launceston will travel to the Japanese city of Ikeda next month, marking 60 years of friendship and shared opportunities between the two sister cities.
This visit will strengthen a bond that has already delivered opportunities for students, businesses and community groups, ensuring our community continues to benefit from cultural, educational and economic collaboration in the years ahead. The relationship with Ikeda is Launceston's oldest and most enduring international partnership, stretching back six decades.
It has delivered student exchanges, cultural collaborations, business insights and civic learning that have shaped how both our cities connect with the world. The Council's last delegation to Ikeda in 2017 forged new educational, cultural and community links, which were further strengthened when Ikeda's Mayor, Chairman, and Councillors came to Launceston earlier this year.
This year's visit from October 28 to November 2 coincides with the 60th anniversary of the partnership between the two cities, a milestone which provides an opportunity to honour the past and chart a new course for the decades ahead.
Building Launceston’s future
The City of Launceston’s Strategic Plan 2025-2035 sets out clear goals for strengthening our economy, enhancing cultural life, and supporting innovation. The Ikeda delegation and the future of our Sister City relationship is closely aligned with these objectives, with a focus on:
• Economic opportunities: Showcasing Launceston’s strengths in agriculture, food innovation and renewable energy while exploring new trade and investment pathways.
• Education and youth: Expanding exchanges, internships and partnerships that give local students and educators international learning opportunities.
• Cultural exchange: Celebrating Launceston’s UNESCO City of Gastronomy designation and sharing our heritage in ways that strengthen global recognition of our city.
• Community and civic learning: Gaining insights into Ikeda’s approaches to planning, health, placemaking and governance that can inform our own work back home. Mayor Matthew Garwood said the upcoming visit is about backing in Launceston’s future.
"When you’ve had a friendship that’s lasted more than 60 years, it takes more than sending a card in the mail — it deserves real commitment," Mayor Garwood said.
"This trip is about showing respect and making the most of the opportunities that come from international connections. "Ikeda isn’t just a Sister City on paper. It’s a genuine partnership that’s delivered benefits in education, business, and culture.
"Every time we’ve reconnected, something new has come from it, and I’m confident this delegation will open the door to even more opportunities for Launceston and our community.
"The real measure of this trip will be the real partnerships, programs and opportunities we can deliver and bring back for our city in the years ahead.
Participation and accountability
The delegation will participate in an extensive and varied itinerary hosted by Ikeda City.
This includes cultural experience, business tours, parks and wildlife collaborations, school visits and civic and formal ceremonies. Councillors unanimously approved a total of four Councillor delegates to accompany the Mayor at the September 11 Council Meeting.
The final decision on which four Councillors will attend will be made at today’s Council Workshop, following presentations from interested Councillors and a vote by their colleagues. Approval was also given at last week's Council Meeting for the inclusion of up to four operational staff in the delegation, however only three will attend with the associated costs to be met from existing operational budgets.
The estimated cost per delegate as provided in the September 11 Council Meeting Agenda is approximately $6,190 which includes flights, accommodation, meal allowance, bus transfers and travel insurance.
A full report will be tabled at a Council Meeting upon the delegation's return, outlining what was achieved and how these opportunities can best be leveraged for Launceston’s community and economy.
"The real measure of this trip won’t be the photos we bring home, it'll be the partnerships, programs and opportunities we can deliver for our city in the years ahead," Mayor Garwood said.