Official Frankston Susono Friendship Association website created by frances

13. Kaze To Toori Michi (Instrumental).mp3

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FOUNDATION
PROCLAMATION
PHOTOS
GARDENS
Articles
30 YEARS
ASCA

1980 to 1982

In March 1980 the concept of a sister city relationship between Frankston and Susono came from informal discussions held at a function at Yazaki Australia Pty. Ltd. between the Mayor at that time, the late Cr. Ken Mair, the late Sir Phillip Lynch and Yazaki officials.

From 23 to 25 February 1981 Frankston received a delegation of 14 Susono citizens. They were:

Mr Takaji Hara, Mr. Hiromichi Sugiyama, Mr. Yoshio Takamura, Mr. Takehisa Takahashi, Mr Hisashi Inque, Mr Jiro Katsumata, Mr. Masaharu Katsumata, Mr. Yukihiro Sugiyama, Mr. Kazuhiko Sugiyama, Miss Yukiko Sugiyama, Miss Hitomi Watanabe, Miss Kaoru Hara, Mr. Sueo Ichikawa, and Mr. Yuji Oishi

From 27 May to 3 June 1981, 25 Frankston residents made a return visit to Susono. They were:

Mr Noel Ferguson, J.P. , Mr Derek Bunyan, J.P. & Mrs Marie Bunyan, Mr Max Batchelor, Mr Ken Mair & Mrs Sue Mair, Mr Don Stone, J.P. & Mrs Marianne Stone, Mr Rogan Ward & Mrs Diana Ward, Mr Bill Dowell, Mrs Florence Dowell, Mr David Owen, Mr Bryce Pullen, Mr Bob Scales , Mr John Graham, Mr David Clay, Mr Fred Womersley, Mr John McCready, Mr Jack Torcaso, Mr Ron Carter, Mr Ted Harrison, and Mr Adrian Butler.

On the 22nd June 1981, the Council approved the formation of the Sister City Relations Committee made up of the members of the first delegation.

PROCLAMATION On 22 February 1982 the official proclamation was executed at a ceremony held in both Cities. The Frankston ceremony was attended by approximately 100 people and the documents signed by the Mayor Cr. Rogan Ward, the Chairman of the Sister City Relations Committee Cr. Noel Ferguson and the Town Clerk Adrian Butler.Sister City Proclamation 22 February 1982:"Whereas the Mayor and Council of the City Of Frankston in the State of Victoria, Australia, and the Mayor and City Assembly of the City of Susono, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, believe that the promotion of friendship and goodwill and the development of educational, cultural, social and economic exchanges between the people of the two cities will strengthen knowledge and understanding between Australia and Japan and so, in turn, transcend national and political boundaries to form an everlasting foundation for the peace and well-being of mankind, now therefore, the Mayor and Councillors of the city of Frankston and the Mayor and City Assembly of the city of Susono, do hereby proclaim the affiliation of the two cities as sister cities.In becoming sister cities, the Council and the City Assembly pledge that they will do all in their power to assist in the exchange of people and of information on culture, education, recreation, custom, economic and community affairs and that they will encourage the development of friendship between people of all ages of both cities, and so develop a bond one with the other."

PHOTOS

FSFA

Peter Patterson

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Mt Fuji

Mt Fuji in Spring

Mt Fuji

Mt Fuji from Susono City

Mt Fuji from above

Mt Fuji framed

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Mt Fuji in Winter

SOFA

Tutorial

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Delegations

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Susono 2011

Susono Visit 2011
Delegation Visit to Sussono for the Australia Fair November 2011

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Student Exchange

Tutorial

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GARDENS

AUSTRALIAN GARDEN

FRANKSTON GARDEN

AUSTRALIAN GARDEN In 2003 an opportunity arose to build an Australian style garden in Susono. Meredith Harris had taken up a position as an Australian Language Teacher in Susono and her husband Phil accompanied her. Phil put the idea to the Frankston Susono Friendhsip Association and after discussions with our sister city and the support of the school it was decided to construct the garden in the grounds of Higashi Junior High School, Susono.Phil designed and constructed the garden using local materials and during the 2001 visit to Susono the Mayor of the day Councillor Barry Priestley officially opened the garden.Thankyou to Phil Harris for his dedication and commitment to the project.

FRANKSTON GARDEN After many trials and tribulations about the location of the garden, work commenced in 1993 and was completed in 1996. The garden is situated behind a protective stone wall attached to the Senior Campus Library at Frankston High School. In February 1997, Mayor of Susono, Dr Ohashi arrived with a delegation to celebrate the Sister Cities 15th anniversay, the highlight being the official opening of the Garden.A landscape architect, Harry Lucy from Carlton was recommended as an expert in Japanese style gardens and was employed by a FSFA sub committee and Frankston Council's Deputy Engineer Stuart Holley. The total estimated cost of the garden was $30,000.The Japanese Garden became a reality due to the generous support and commitment of Yazaki Australia, Members of the Frankston Susono Friendship Association (FSFA) Committee and volunteers, Frankston High School, Susono Overseas Friendship Association (SOFA), and Frankston City Council.

Articles

Frankston Susono Sister Cities

Article 3

Article 1

Article 2

Article 3

Sister Cities
Councillor Kris BolamMAYOR Frankston CityTwin towns and sister cities are two of many terms used to describe the cooperative agreements between towns, cities and even counties in geographically and politically distinct areas to promote cultural and commercial ties. However, in my short time as Mayor, I have come to realise that Sister City relationships are much more than this, particularly the relationship between Frankston and Susono. Since I have come into contact with the committee that runs the Sister City relationship on behalf of Frankston City, I have seen the passion that drives the relationship. It is run by a two dedicated groups who give their time unstintingly to nurture the relationship and friendship which has now been in existence for close to 30 years.From this relationship forged over these 30 years many positive outcomes have emanated, like the many students who have been lucky enough to participate in the life-changing student exchange programs; living with Japanese families in Susono and going to the local school there. Community members have also formed part of the delegations that have travelled to Susono, giving them the opportunity to experience the rich Japanese culture and see the beauty of the Japanese country. I understand many delegations have come to Frankston, where in the past the Japanese Fair has been held to celebrate and promote the Japanese culture and the sister city relationship and in the latter years the Susono delegation has been involved at the Waterfront Festival, where they have delighted our community with Japanese dance and drumming.I am looking forward with great anticipation to meeting the Mayor of Susono, the committee from the Susono Overseas Friendship Association and all those involved in this wonderful mutual friendship on our next delegation to Susono. Although we come from very different cultures, we are bound by our mutual respect and desire to continue our friendship and learn more from one another. I am very proud of the Sister City relationship and look forward to seeing its continued growth into the future.Peter PattersonChairpersonFrankston Susono Friendship AssociationI have the good fortune of being the Chairperson of the Frankston Susono Friendship Association for the past 10 years. This role has given me and my family the opportunity to be part of a special relationship with the community of Susono Japan. I consider the people of Susono to be extended family members. Every year or so as friends from Frankston and Susono we gather together to celebrate and promote one anothers culture and city. We share our lives and homes with each other for a few precious days. 30 years of passion, happiness and continual learning has made for rich and robust sister city relationship. I look forward to celebrating our anniversary in Susono and Frankston over the forthcoming months. I wish to thank the many community volunteers, students and community supporters in both cities for their contribution towards the Sister City Relationship. We have a unique sister city relationship where the management has been delegated to the community in each city rather be administered internally by the respective Council. We look forward to many years of ongoing friendship and that the communities of Frankston and Susono will continue to get great happiness and understanding from our special sister city relationship. On behalf of the Frankston Susono Friendship Association, best wishes and thank you to my friend and Chairperson of the Susono Overseas Friendship Association Mr Hideo IIsuka, to Mayor Dr Shinji Ohashi of Susono and Mayor Kris Bolam of Frankston.Sorin IonascuIn 2007 I had the chance to visit Japan, becoming a member of FSFA. Frankston Susono Friendship Association opened to me the doors for new friends in Frankston and Japan as well; first time when I traveled to Susono, it was like the beginning of an endless love story. Gorgeous under the majestic sparkle of the holy Fuji Mountain, Susono is shy when you first get to see it, but it is so welcoming and happy place when you stay and meet its people. FSFA opened for my new horizons about a nation that keeps its secrets in medieval holiness, and slowly I began to be increasingly more and more interested in the history and culture of Japan. The opportunity of being member of the Association, offered me the once in a lifetime opportunity to spend unforgettable days in the middle of two Japanese families, the experience was unique and unrepeatable and cannot be compared with anything in the world; the warmth and gentleness of the Japanese people has been unmatched.Now, after three visits, I can say that for myself, Japan is more than Akai and Sony, Toshiba and Nissan; Japan for me is a sacred realm, full of secrets hard to decipher, but when you find the magic key, surprises are unbounded. I think that the poem Why All the Time, written by Michi Mado, a well known Japanese poetry author, defines in very few words, but very sensitive ones, Japan, its nature and its endless wonders:The sun, The moon, The stars, And The rain, The wind, The rainbow The echoes in the mountains. Why are Only the oldest Always the newest ?

Article 1

Student Exchange Program
Christy Ramadge (2001-2002)Ever since I was a young girl I have been fascinated with Japan and the Japanese culture. I learnt Japanese childrens songs from the age of five and continued Japanese language studies through out my school years. I was so excited about coming to Japan for exchange. I anticipated that it would be a fantastic trip, but nothing prepared me for the amazing and life changing experiences I had while living the life of a Japanese student in Susono.I remember being so tired after my first ever airplane flight, yet once I had landed in Japan and Mr. Masuda was driving me back to Susono, I couldn't bare to close my eyes to sleep just incase I missed something while sitting in the back seat! I received a warm welcome once in Susono, and every new person I met through out the entire stay was kind, generous and willing to learn about me and my country and to teach me about their own culture and help with language. I distinctly recall Mr. Masuda laying the rules down about speaking English after the first week of my stay. It was very difficult to try and speak only Japanese, especially when I was in such a new and strange environment, but I look back now and feel so grateful to him, as it helped me to develop my Japanese speaking skills much more quickly. Each family I stayed with during the nine months has remained close to my heart and they still feel like my own family 10 years on. The support and warmth from all of the people I met within my stay was overwhelming and an experience that will never leave me. Japan has left a lasting impression on me and will always be my second home! Im so excited to return to Japan to get married in 2013!Sam Warrington (2005)The sister city has the ability to change lives!In 2005 I completed a 9-month exchange where I attended Susono High School. My time in Japan had the biggest impact on my life, it opened my eyes to the world around me, empowering me to understand and accept differences in people, countries and cultures. I learnt human emotions are the same no matter what country you live in, what religion or culture you follow.My exchange was a huge emotional roller coaster; it made me a better person, academically, intellectually and emotionally. It taught me that if you open your heart and mind to those around you, you will be rewarded with life changing experiences and life-long friends. When I left Susono in 2005, balling my eyes out, I realized then Japan would always be a huge part of my life that my many friends in Susono are my family, and Japan would now be my second home. In the year of the 30th anniversary of the sister city relationship, approaching 7 years on from my exchange I have been to Japan 6 times, and I am about to graduate from Monash University with Bachelor of Arts/ Business (Accounting), with a major in Japanese, the exchange provided my life with direction, passion and purpose.Kirsten Hood (2009)For just under 3months, I was able to live and learn like a Japanese high school student in Susono. Despite getting off to a somewhat 'rocky' start, I was welcomed into the homes of three different host families and the private girls' school, Fujiseishin. Not only was I able to take part in their everyday classes and spend a week at boarding school, but joined the tennis club and performed (singing in Japanese) at the annual Carols by Candlelight. You can tell that the Frankston-Susono relationship means a lot to the entire town as even just by walking around they would ask me if I was from Frankston, and they would proudly tell me of their daughter or son that had been there and how much they loved going. The exchange student would then pipe-in exclaiming they had cried on the way back not because they missed their parents, but because they missed the friends they had made and the experiences they had. I can assure you, leaving Susono was exactly the same. It isnt just riding the world renowned rollercoasters at Fuji Q Highland and Disneyland, or waking up to see Mt. Fuji outside your window every morning that makes being an exchange student between the two cities so special. What makes the Frankston-Susono Exchange Program so significant is submerging yourself in a foreign culture with caring people so willing to help and guide, and take the time to share their way of life with you. It is a life changing experience.

Article 2

Homestay
Margaret PattersonThe Patterson family became involved in the sister city relationship through the Student Exchange program. We have hosting a number of students over the years and have in most cases keep in regular contact with them as they completed their education, started relationships and in turn had families themselves. A stay with the Pattersons ensured you supported the right football team, you knew have to cook and that you we in a happy household. The Frankston Susono sister city relationship gave life changing opportunities to students from both cities. The long term stays gave an in depth cultural and language experience, shorter stays were also of great benefit. As part of several delegations to Japan, we gave many young musicians in Frankston the opportunity to play on an international stage. FSFA and SOFA will continue to give the youth of both cities learning opportunities in the future. This can be through things such as the Sister Schools program and short term visits by schools. I look forward to seeing many of my Susono students again this year as we celebrate 30 years of friendship and thank the students of both cities for devoting their time to be wonderful cultural ambassadors for their city.Frances MentingMa-ry san-o hi-tsu-ji. this warbling of Mary had a little lamb was the first I knew that my children were interested in Japanese. At primary school they had a Japanese class once a week, singing nursery rhymes, playing games like Rock, Paper Scissors (Janken Pon) and learning Japanese characters.Our children Kirsten and Lachlan both enjoyed these classes so we wanted to encourage them. We were excited and nervous before we hosted our first homestay 11 years ago. We hoped having Japanese students in our home would help the childrens Japanese language skills, and expose them and us to Japanese culture. We were keen to share our culture as well as our home. I dont think we expected it to be so much fun as well.We have now had around forty homestays. Mostly from Japan, they ranged from 14 to over 60 years old, staying from 2 nights to 3 years. They have given us many happy memories. Many shy girls, barely speaking a few words of English, have joined us in hilariously animated conversations around the kitchen table as we poured over the Japanese dictionary, trying to understand each other. There have been such a range of interests to discuss! There was always lots of noise, confusion, hand-waving, picture-drawing and laughter. It gave us a new perspective on our lives, having to explain everything happening around us.Some of our girls have come back to study at university in Australia, and we are so proud of them. We hope the experience they had with us may have helped them a little, just as we are so much richer for the experiences we have had through homestay.

30 YEARS

15-16 OCTOBER 2011

A delegation from Frankston will be attending the 30th Anniversary celebrations in Susono, which coincide with the 40th Anniversary of Susono City.

The delegation will include the current Mayor, Kris Bolam, council representatives, FSFA members, and a performance group from the Elisabeth Murdoch College. A group of students and teachers from Derinya Primary School will also be attending.

There will be a Skype connection set up from the Susono venue to the Elisabeth Murdoch Colege and Derinya Primary School, so the parents and students of those schools can join in the festivities.

24-26 FEBRUARY 2012

A delegation will be sent from Susono to join Frankston's 30th Anniversary celebrations in February.

School activities during the year have been organised, which will produce a wonderful display for the occasion.

Local businesses will be encouraged to take part - please contact FSFA to confirm your interest.

ASCA In 1978 a group of like-minded people became aware that in the United States of America sister cities across that nation came together annually to discuss matters of mutual interest and benefit. Research disclosed that there appeared to be twenty-six sister city affiliations throughout Australia, but there was no interchange between them. They proposed to bring these cities together. The Newcastle Sister City Committee agreed and hosted the first Sister City Convention in September 1979.It was decided at this convention that the Sister City conventions should continue on a regular basis.The objective of ASCA is to provide an umbrella of support and to promote these affiliations. ASCA also aims to provide a forum for cultural, economic and educational interchange between communities and to encourage friendship, co-operation and understanding to improve peaceful coexistence worldwide.Frankston has been an active member of ASCA for many years and in recognition of our achievements we have been successful on a number of occasions in winning trophies at their Annual Awards:•1994-Community Involvement•1992 and 2002-Cultural Exchange•2000-Tourism Project•2001-2006-Single Project•2002- Overall Program•2007 - Overall Program Frankston City carried off a major national award at the annual Australian Sister Cities Association (ASCA) Conference held in Darwin in 2007. It won Best Overall Program for its relationship with the Japanese city of Susono.This is the sixth time the Association has won this particular Award, which is presented to the member who has best demonstrated continuity of activity, citizen and community involvement at all levels, and imagination in a wide range of projects and activities in building a relationship with its sister city.The 2007 award was presented at the ASCA Conference held in Darwin during October.For more information about ASCA visit their Web site at http://www.asca.asn.au/index.html

SUSONO

SUSONO CITY

SUSONO MAP

SUSONO CITY

Susono is located 175km South West of Tokyo, in Shizuoka Prefecture, a semi-rural rice and tea growing area with some light industry. The most recognised landmark near Susono is the beautiful Mount Fuji which lies around 35km to the north. Susono has a population of approximately 52,000 people and nearby cities include Mishima, Numazu and Gotemba.

Susono consisted of five separate villages, which amalgamated into Susono City on 1 January 1971. The Mayor of the city is Dr Shunji Ohashi. The people of Susono practice both Shinto and Buddhism and their symbolic flower is the beautiful Ashitaka Tsutsuji, a specific Azalea that grows to approximately two metres in height and has an abundance of small blossums in late May or Early June.

Bicycle, train, bus, and on foot are all great ways to explore the many shrines and temples, shops, parks, rivers and waterfalls in and around Susono. You can catch the Shinkanse (bullet train) that will have you in Tokyo in 50 minutes.

Stunning Mt Fuji with an altitude of 3,776 metres is the tallest and most famous mountain in Japan and is visible from Susono. The best season for climbing is July and August, but it is also the most crowded. Mount Fuji can be ascended all year round, but winter months can get very cold and are only for experienced climbers.

SUSONO MAP

NEWSLETTER

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FSFA Newsletter 1.pdf

FSFA Newsletter 2.pdf

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YOUTH

EXCHANGE PROGRAM DETAILS

EXCHANGE PROGRAM APPLICATION

SPEECH CONTEST

EXCHANGE PROGRAM DETAILS Student ExchangeFrankston Susono Friendship Association (FSFA) have run a successful Student Exchange Program for the past 30 years where students stay in Susono for a nine to 12 month period. We have established educational links at various levels including junior primary, primary and secondary schools, technical and further education institutions and schools focusing on special education.Student exchange is a great way to broaden your outlook and experience a new culture first hand. By being home hosted you learn to adapt to day to day situations that are made more challenging by the two languages and a completely different environment. You are introduced to different sports, courses and subjects that you may not ohave the opportunity to try at home. Exchange students act as abassadors by addressing community organisations and other groups in Susono and imparting as much knowledge as they can about their home city and country.FSFA now has an Exchange Student Award provided by a local businessman Bill Oldjohn and his company ECS Pty Ltd. Bill is also an executive member of FSFA and has been part of delegation on a visit to Susono, Japan.The award offers students a reimbursement of some costs such as airfare, but certain criteria must be met to be eligible.This program encapsulates many of the Frankston-Susono Friendship Association's objectives, and it promotes cutural exchange and strengthens the ties between our two cities.

EXCHANGE PROGRAM APPLICATION

For further details of the Exchange program, please Contact FSFA.

Application Form 2[1].doc

SPEECH CONTEST

Speech Contest

An annual Japanese Speech contest is held for Primary and Secondary students in Frankston and surrounding areas. All local schools teaching Japanese participate.

Students are required to give a three to five minute public speech in Japanese without notes. It is a great test of their language skills.

This year's speech contest will take place on 16th September at Monash University Peninsula Campus. Schools will be contacted shortly.

We are delighted that the Japanese Consulate supports this event, sending a representative on the evening.

Please click on the link below for the Japanese Consulate page on the Frankston Speech Contest

JAPANESE CONSULATE LINK

CONTACT

CONTACT FSFA

PO Box 490 FRANKSTON 3199

Phone 9784 1816

Fax 9781 4835

Chairperson: Peter Patterson

Phone/Fax (03) 59 713 692

e-mail: ptpatterson_optusnet.com.au

ABOUT

THE ASSOCIATION

MEMBERSHIP

THE ASSOCIATION THE ASSOCIATIONFSFA is a group of volunteer citizens from the City of Frankston who administer the sister city relationship on behalf of the Frankston Council. The Susono side (Susono Overseas Friendship Association) is administered in a similar way. All the activities/ projects are created and undertaken by the Associations. Its role is:•Enable the citizens of Frankston to become Global citizens by sponsoring and facilitating interaction with another culture; •Promote and assist development of relationships with Japanese related organisations and businesses.•Promote travel to and from Japan;•Promote and celebrate Japanese culture through performances, displays and exhibitions •Create opportunities to promote Frankston globally and give the citizens of Frankston life changing experiences •Promote the continued development of students through cultural exchanges and study abroad programs in both Frankston and Susono

MEMBERSHIP

Please show your support for the Frankston Susono Sister City relationship by joining the Frankston Susono Friendship Association.

It's a great way to make new friends, learn about Japanese Culture and participate in some exciting events.

For further infomation about the Association

contact Chris Hodgins on 1300 322 322

or via e-mail at chris.hodgins_frankston.vic.gov.au

Frankston-Susono Friendship Association

Celebrating the sister-city relationship between Frankston and Susono

FSFA

Mt Fuji

SOFA

Delegations

Susono 2011

Student Exchange

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