The Frankston Susono Friendship Association (FSFA) has had an exceptionally active and successful year, strengthening cultural, educational, and community ties between Frankston and our sister city Susono.
Cultural Activities and Community Engagement
The FSFA Taiko Group has continued to grow in both membership and skill. Over the past year, they have performed at Cruden Farm, Frankston Bunnings, Frankston High School’s Best Fest and the Japanese Festival, delighting audiences and sharing the spirit of Japanese culture throughout the community.
FSFA held two highly successful Bunnings sausage sizzles, with funds raised going toward the purchase of new Taiko drums for the group. These performances and fundraising efforts have brought people together and raised the profile of FSFA across the region.
Educational and Cultural Exchange
FSFA held a vibrant Japanese Festival at Frankston High School. Thanks to the wonderful efforts of the FSFA Committee and friends, members of delegations from Susono, and the generous support of Frankston High School, the festival was a huge success. The Japanese Consul-General, along with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Frankston and Frankston City Councillors, attended the event, highlighting the importance of our ongoing commitment to showcasing Japanese culture to the community, and our relationship with Susono.
The Annual Japanese Speech Contest once again provided a valuable opportunity for local students to showcase their Japanese language skills. More than 45 primary and secondary students took part, demonstrating impressive enthusiasm and talent.
The Hanami Party was another highlight of the year, well attended by FSFA members and the wider community. We were honoured by the attendance of the Japanese Consul-General, who enjoyed the festivities in the Japanese Garden at Frankston High School. A huge thank you to Simon Hast for overseeing the care of the Japanese garden and to everyone who assists Simon at the working bees to ensure it always looks so wonderful.
Susono Delegation Visit – August 2025
In August 2025, FSFA proudly welcomed a delegation of 18 from Susono, led by the Deputy Mayor Chisato Onishi, and including representatives from City Hall, SOFA, and the Susono community. A school delegation of 10 students and 2 teachers also visited Frankston during this period.
Many delegates enjoyed homestays in Frankston and surrounding areas, sightseeing on the Mornington Peninsula, and school visits to Derinya Primary School. They were also instrumental in showcasing their culture at the Japanese Festival which concluded with an after-party with the delegates, host families and FSFA Committee members, which provided our friends from Japan to experience an Aussie roast dinner. The evening’s highlight was seeing everyone enjoying Australian Bush Dancing together.
During the delegation visit, a special Sister City Proclamation signing ceremony was held, reaffirming the long-standing friendship and cooperation between Frankston and Susono. The Japanese Consul-General, along with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Frankston, attended the Japanese Festival and the signing ceremony, underscoring the importance of our ongoing partnership.
To conclude the visit, FSFA hosted a formal farewell dinner for the adult delegates, attended by Frankston Mayor Cr Kris Bolam, Deputy Mayor Cr Steffie Conroy, Frankston City Councillors, FSFA Life Members, and current and former FSFA Committee members. It was a fitting and memorable celebration of friendship and cultural exchange.
Representation in Japan
In October 2024, I had the honour of representing FSFA at the International Fair held in Susono, where I assisted the SOFA Committee on the day.
Following the Fair, I remained in Japan for almost a year, teaching English conversation classes for SOFA to both children and adults. Living in Susono allowed me to once again, experience Japanese lifestyle and culture firsthand. Thanks to technology, I was able to continue participating in FSFA monthly meetings online.
FSFA and SOFA committees also maintained regular joint online meetings every three months, enabling both associations to discuss ongoing projects such as delegation visits and Festivals.
International Collaboration and World Expo
In October, a delegation from Derinya Primary School visited Susono and, together with students from Susono and SOFA members, attended the World Expo in Osaka. The group was invited to perform on stage at the Australian Pavilion, showcasing a joint performance by children from both Frankston and Susono. The event was a tremendous success and a shining example of international friendship in action.
On October 10th, the Mayor of Frankston also visited Susono, where he met with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Susono, City Hall representatives, and SOFA Committee members. The visit was a significant occasion, strengthening the civic and community connection between the two cities and reaffirming their mutual commitment to the sister city relationship.
Looking Ahead
The coming year promises to be another exciting period for FSFA. SOFA is already planning the Australian Fair (date to be confirmed), which will provide another wonderful opportunity for a delegation from Frankston to visit Susono and experience Japanese culture.
FSFA is also keen to promote Ground Golf within the Frankston community, with the goal of participating in Ground Golf competitions in Japan in 2026 and 2027.
In February 2026, we will proudly celebrate 44 years of sister city friendship between Frankston and Susono — a remarkable milestone in our enduring relationship.
This year also saw some important operational changes. Frankston City Council (FCC) has requested that FSFA take full responsibility for managing its own budget and funds. In addition, as FCC no longer provides secretarial support (including the taking of minutes), FSFA has moved its regular meetings from the Council offices to the Frankston South Community & Recreation Centre. These changes mark an important step in FSFA’s evolution as an independent, community-led organisation.
Acknowledgements
Heartfelt thanks and appreciation go to all members of the FSFA Committee for their tireless dedication and teamwork throughout the year. Your efforts ensure that our sister city relationship continues to thrive and that our community remains connected to Japanese culture and friendship.
We also pause to remember Vic Walker, FSFA Life Member, who passed away recently. Vic’s long-term contribution and passion greatly enriched the sister city relationship and our Association. Our condolences go to Vic's family and friends.
Earlier this year, we were also saddened by the passing of Dr. Shunji Ohashi, former Mayor of Susono. Frankston City Council sent a Letter Under Seal to his wife, and I was honoured to attend his funeral on behalf of FSFA. His leadership and commitment to the Sister City relationship will be fondly remembered.
Closing Remarks
It is both an honour and a privilege to serve as Chairperson and to continue the great work begun by those who came before us. I look forward to the year ahead — one filled with friendship, collaboration, and the continued celebration of Japanese culture within our Frankston community.
Julie D’Arcy
Chairperson, Frankston Susono Friendship Association
