Tribute by Peter Patterson (former FSFA Chairperson)
It
is with great sadness that we farewell our dear friend and long-term supporter
of our sister city connection Dr. Shunji Ohashi, who passed away on the 28th February,
2025 at 88 years of age.
Dr. Ohashi made a significant contribution to the strength of the sister city relationship between Susono and Frankston. A medical doctor and hospital owner in Susono, he was involved with the sister city relationship for over 25 years. He served initially as Chairperson of the Susono Overseas Friendship Association (SOFA) and later as the long-serving Mayor of Susono City for 20 years. He was a frequent visitor to Frankston and gave his time with both passion and energy.
The following are extracts from the Frankston Susono Friendship Association (FSFA) annual reports. They give an insight into Dr. Ohashi’s contribution.
Between August 18-21, 1990 Frankston received a delegation of 7 Susono people. The delegation was led by the Chairperson of the Susono Overseas Friendship Association, Dr. Shunji Ohashi, who was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Yoshiko Ohashi. The delegation also included the Co-ordinator of the Susono Overseas Friendship Association, Mr. Hiromichi Sugiyama; Secretary to the Mayor, Mr. Yukihiko Sugiyama; Chief of Student Exchange, Mr. Shingo Onoda; School Principal, Mr. Masaharu Sakata and Mathematics Teacher, Mr. Toyohiko Sugiyama. The visit had an educational focus and included visits to local secondary schools and the Frankston Hospital. The Mayor, Councillor David Lee, hosted a civic reception for the delegation and they also attended the FSFA Annual General Meeting.
Enokido Art Exhibition 15th September to 3rd October 1991:
Mr. Fumihiko Enokido, a distinguished Japanese artist from Susono provided some of his works, in addition to some pieces from his wife Maki Enikido which were the subject of an Exhibition at the McClelland Gallery. The Enokidos together with SOFA Chairperson Dr. Ohashi, Mrs. Ohashi and a contingent of 20 people took this opportunity to come to Frankston and enjoy five (5) days with us. The visit included a function hosted by the Council at the Gallery, a social evening with our members at Frankston Football Club as well as home hosting and a sightseeing tour of the Mornington Peninsula. Two substantial paintings by Fumihiko Enokido and another by Maki Enikido were presented to the Mayor Mr. Michael Fuller. These valuable works are on permanent display in the Frankston Council chamber.
The SOFA are very fortunate in that by the benevolence of Dr. & Mrs. Ohashi a new three (3) storey building with suitable clubrooms as well as residential accommodation is at their disposal for almost unrestricted sister-city group use.
On November 4, 5 and 6, 1992, a delegation from Susono visited Frankston, led by Dr. Ohashi, Chairperson of the Susono Overseas Friendship Association. The main purpose of the visit was for the delegation to be presented with the trophy from the Sister Cities Association. The delegation also made a presentation to Mr. Noel Ferguson and Mr. Adrian Butler to recognise their City relationship.
During 1994, we received two delegations from Susono. The Mayor of Susono, Dr. Ohashi, led a delegation that visited especially for the opening of the new Cultural Centre. Mayor Ohashi presented to the City a donation of a New Norfolk pine, which was named 'The Friendship Tree'. The City also, as a gift to the City of Susono, presented to Mayor Ohashi a baby New Norfolk pine to take back to Susono to be planted outside their Cultural Centre. We have since received photographs of that tree being planted by Mayor Ohashi and Mr. Sugiyama, Chairperson of SOFA.
In 1996/1997, we were able to host a delegation from Susono which included the Mayor of Susono Dr. Ohashi, to share in the weekend of celebrations and festivities that were held to mark this historic occasion for both Cities. It was truly a great weekend and further developed the bond of friendship between the two Cities. A great time was had by all.
Preparations for 25th Anniversary of our Sister City Relationship
Next Year’s Sea Festival weekend will include events to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Frankston Susono Sister City relationship. Events will include a celebration Dinner and function to be hosted by Australian Arrow/Yazaki. Dr. Ohashi, the Mayor of Susono, has indicated that he would be coming and we expect a large delegation to accompany him. We have indications that a musical group of some sort will also be coming. I have had several meetings with Frankston Council on the organisation of events.
25th Anniversary Celebrations
The 25th anniversary of the Frankston and Susono Sister City Relationship is 2007. To celebrate the occasion FSFA organized a number of events on behalf of the Frankston City Council for 19th, 20th and 21st of January 2007. The events coincided with the annual Frankston Sea Festival. The Festival is a key part of our promotion of Japanese Culture and we work in cooperation with Australian Arrow, a major sponsor of the Sea Festival. A delegation of some 25 citizens from Susono led by the Mayor Dr. Shunji Ohashi, visited Frankston for the Sea Festival and to celebrate our anniversary.
2013/2014 saw the retirement of long-time Susono Mayor Dr. Shunji Ohashi. Dr. Ohashi has been to Frankston a number of times and has been a fantastic supporter of the sister city relationship. The new Mayor is Mr. Kenji Takamura.
On behalf of the citizens of the City Of Frankston, thank you Dr. Shunji Ohashi for your profound contribution to our sister city relationship. Our condolences to Mrs. Yoshiko Ohashi, their family, and the people of Susono.
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| Doctor Shunji Ohashi (2009) |
