In today's globalised environment, it is important that Swan Hill Rural City Council is outward-looking and keen to grasp new opportunities while building on existing strengths.
Sister city and twin-town relationships is a means for Swan Hill Rural City Council to pursue these new opportunities, both economic and educational, as well as expand international communication, cultural awareness and cooperation.
From its current international relationships, strong ties between Swan Hill Rural City Council and its international partners has been forged, taking in and strengthening its cultural, educational, economic and historical links with these countries.
Swan Hill Rural City Council values the role of these relationships and the opportunities it brings to the community and looks forward to continue to build on and strengthen its international relations with these countries into the future.
The link between Swan Hill and Yamagata officially occurred in 1980 and was one of the earliest Sister City arrangements with Japan. The original concept started through City of Swan Hill’s ex-Councillor Alan Clark and Dr. Yoshio Yoshida being Rotary International Chairmen who began Youth Exchanges between the two countries.
Villers-Bretonneux was adopted as the twin city of Robinvale in 1984-5 although the first contact visits were made in late 1970’s including a youth exchange.
