1998 Citizen's Delegaton to Nara
On the invitation of former Mayor of Nara, Mr Yasunori Ohkawa, then Chief Minister Ms Kate Carnell MLA led a cultural delegation to Nara in honour of the fifth anniversary of the sister city relationship and the centennial anniversary year of Nara's municipality.
From 21 - 27 October 1998, the 250-strong delegation of Canberra citizens participated in a range of civic functions, cultural and sporting events and sightseeing. The delegation included performers, artists, sporting groups and private citizens.
Then Mayor of Nara, Mr Yasunori Ohkawa hosted an elaborate welcome event comprising a civic reception and dinner function. Entertainment included the Torres Strait Island Dance Company, and Irish folk singer Cassidy Buxton accompanied by guitarist Peter Richens.
A visual art exhibition by Canberra artists was held in the Nara Life Long Learning Centre, making it the inaugural exhibition in the newly-constructed Centre. The Chief Minister presented Mayor Ohkawa and the citizens of Nara with the official gift from Canberra City, a collection of 21 photogrphs of Canberra by local artists.
One of the highlights of the visit was Nara's ‘Friendship Markets’. The event, 'Canberra Day in Nara', was attended by over 8000 who enjoyed Australian entertainment including dance, comedy, pantomime and music. Various stalls and displays promoted Canberra products and the region. Canberra visual artists also showcased their art work at the event.
A friendly soccer match between the Junior Belwest ACT select and Nara select teams resulted in a win to Nara. The ACT team were billeted and hosted by the Nara Junior Soccer Association.
The delegates attended an official anniversary dinner on their last night in Nara. Speeches by the Mayor of Nara and Chief Minister, committed to maintaining the strength of sister city relations and concluded with an invitation from the Chief Minister to the Mayor to visit Canberra for the official opening of Canberra-Nara Park.
Groups Participating
Schools
Canberra High School
Copeland College
St Francis Xavier College
Stromlo High School
Telopea Park High School
Artists, performers & sporting representatives
ACT Belwest Select Junior Soccer Team
ACT Senior Concert Band
Amelia Fielden
Cassidy Buxton & Peter Richens
CraftACT
Full Tilt Performance Troupe
Guides ACT
Jorg & Keiko Schmeisser
John Reid
Kin Harvey School of Dance
Leslie McIntyre
Soccer Canberra
Studio One
Tang Wu Do Karate
Tarquinart
Torres Strait Island Dance Company
Questacon
Supporting organisations
Ansett Australia Airlines (main sponsor)
Canberra Nara Sister City Committee
artsACT
Win TV
Official Party
Kate Carnell MLA, Chief Minister
Simon Latimer, Senior Adviser
Alan Thompson, Chief Executive, Chief Minister's Department
Brian Jones, Chair Canberra Nara Sister City Committee
Jim Murphy, Chair, CanTrade
Air Marshall David Evans, Chair National Capital Authority
Mrs Evans
James Service, Chair CTEC
David Marshall, CEO CTEC
Sue Dobinson