Wyndham council hosted a delegation of nine officials from Changzhou, China, as part of its friendly city program.
The delegates had a tour of Wyndham, including visiting local industries, before a luncheon at the civic centre.
Wyndham and Changzhou established a friendly city relationship in 2019 and mayor Jennie Barrera said the visit was indicative of how strong relations had grown since.
“Wyndham city has been a member of sister cities Australia for over 30 years and has actively established and fostered ongoing sister city and friendly city relationships during this time,” Cr Barrera said.
“Since the inception of our friendship city agreement with Changzhou, Wyndham city has had the privilege of engaging in numerous cultural, educational, and economic exchanges. These interactions have not only fostered mutual understanding and respect but have also paved the way for collaborative initiatives that benefit both our communities.”
Cr Barrera said Wyndham was known for its diverse community and global outlook and its relationships with foreign cities such as Changzhou were a prime example.
“Our sister cities program, with relationships spanning across Costa Mesa in California, Chiryu in Japan, and Changzhou in China, showcases our dedication to fostering international goodwill, cultural awareness, and global cooperation,” she said.
“Changzhou, a city rich in history, dates back over 3000 years. It’s modern roots and culture are located within the Jiangsu province, Victoria’s sister state and holds a special place in our sister cities program. This relationship, nurtured through delegations and exchanges, exemplifies our commitment to building strong international bonds.”
The July 17 visit was the first post-Covid engagement between the two cities.
Cade Lucas
