2006-12-06 - Sister Cities Minutes

Section 2

4.   APPOINTMENT – Christine Ballinger, Art Gallery Director:


     1.    “Imagining Papua New Guinea”: Silkscreens Exhibition:
     Christine attended the meeting to inform members about the “Imagining Papua New Guinea”:
     Silkscreens from the National Collection to be exhibited in the Noosa Regional Gallery from the
     9th November to 5th December, 2007.


     As part of the exhibition, Christine has suggested an artist from Alotau be invited to show-case
     their work, with Gallery 3 being allocated for this purpose. Given the proposal to establish a
     Sister City link between Alotau, PNG and Noosa, it was considered to be an excellent opportunity
     to support the culture and artist from Alotau and to promote the link between the two towns.
     Helen to request the Alotau Urban Local Level Govt. staff to provide the names and contact
     details of some of their well-known artists, with a view to their work being displayed in the
     Noosa Regional Gallery during the Silkscreens Exhibition.
     Action:
     Christine undertook to –
     •      write to the recommended artist from Alotau requesting them to provide photographs of
           their work;
     •     contact the local high-schools to explore the opportunity of an exchange of student
           artwork.


     2.    Kitakyushu Forum on Asian Women (KFAW)
     Christine advised that a group of women known as the Kitakyushu Forum on Asian Women
     (KFAW), a combined group of business women from Japan and Korea will be arriving in Noosa
     during the late afternoon of 3 March, 2007 and will possibly leave on the afternoon of 4 March.
     From Noosa, they will travel to Goondiwindi to visit the Euraba Paper Company, Australia’s first
     indigenous paper mill which is based in Boggabilla. The Gallery has worked with Euraba on
     exhibitions over a number of years. The visit is primarily an educational tour.

     Members of the Noosa Sister Cities Committee were invited to host the KFAW during their
     brief stay in Noosa on Sunday, 4th March at a luncheon.
     Action:
     Members to indicate their availability on the 4th March.                            Members


5.   GENERAL BUSINESS:
     SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS:
     1.    Asia:
           •     Japan – It was agreed that the existing links with Japan are being maintained with a
                 focus on Education.
     2.    Europe:
           •     Bologna, Italy

           Lew reported on discussions he had with the President and CEO of Ducati Australia, who
           were present at the Ducati Rally in Noosa involving 250 bikes.




Minutes – Noosa Sister Cities - 6th December, 2006                                         Page 2.

Section 3

     2.    Europe:
           •    Bologna, Italy (Cont’d)

           He discussed with the representatives the previous history of the link between Noosa
           Sister Cities and Bologna and expressed the desire to re-establish the links with the
           Italian Government and the Bologna University. It was agreed that friendship links should
           be established at government level and be greater than individual relationships,
           particularly when a formal process is followed.
            Following the visit to Bologna by Lew and Francesca Grillo, elections took place and the
           principal contacts no longer held their positions making it difficult to maintain contact.
           Distance and expense are recognised as difficulties in maintaining links.
           Action:
           1.    The verbal report from Lew regarding difficulties in progressing the relationship
                 with Bologna be noted. It was agreed that the NSC&FL take no further action to
                 re-establish the links between Noosa Shire and Bologna until such time as there is
                 an indication of firm support from Bologna.

           2.    The NSC&FL undertake a critical review of its activities and existing friendship
                 links to identify the original purpose for which they were developed, progress to
                 date, perceived difficulties in the link advancing and the overall value of it to the
                 Noosa community.

           3.    Given that the existing links between Noosa Shire and its overseas counterparts
                 have been established primarily through Committee Members and through
                 community organisations, it was agreed that the NC&FLA should develop Operating
                 Guidelines setting out the criteria to be followed for the establishment of future
                 links. The Guidelines to include the role and authority of Sub-committee Chairs.

     3.    Latin America:
           •     Uruguay – Where to from here?


     6.    OTHER:
           1.    ASCA Conference – Devonport, Tasmania:
           Marilyn’s report regarding the National Conference held in Devonport, Tasmania was
           noted. In general, the quality of the speakers was aimed more at a Local Government level
           rather than community members of Sister City Associations.

           One of the major issues from the Conference was the change in name of the National Body
           from Australian Sister Cities Association to Sister Cities Australia. This change was
           based on the fact that ASCA is also an acronym used by other organisations, ie. Advocates
           for Survivors of Child Abuse and also Australian School Canteen Association.

           The youth delegates to be invited to attend the next Sister Cities Meeting to provide a
           report on their experience at the ASCA Conference.                               HG




Minutes – Noosa Sister Cities - 6th December, 2006                                          Page 3.

Section 4

           2.    Sister City Projects – 2007:

            •   Noosa Heads Rotary Club 50th Anniversary – there is to be a visit by
                representatives of the Sumoto Rotary Club as part of the NH Rotary Club’s 50th
                Anniversary celebrations.

           •    19th December 2006 – a Civic Reception & BBQ is to be held for the annual Hiji
                student visit and presentation of Hiji Koala Sun Funds.

                Helen to arrange for Jane Powell to address the students following the Civic
                Reception, on the subject of koalas.                                  HG

           •    Thomas Street Fiesta - 2007:

                Arrangements are ongoing for the 2007 Thomas Street Fiesta



7.   DATE OF NEXT MEETINGS – 3rd Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.

     •     21st February                                    •     18th April
     •     20th June                                        •     15th August
     •     October                                          •     19th December




Minutes – Noosa Sister Cities - 6th December, 2006                                   Page 4.