Chinese Sister City Visit

Shire President to host Haining Delegation

A delegation from the Shire’s Chinese Sister City will visit the region this week, as part of a cultural, business and educational exchange.

On Thursday 27 June and Friday 28 June, Shire President, Julia Meldrum and Acting CEO Nick Byrne will host six representatives from Haining, China including:

• Deputy Mayor (Mr Wan Chengzhao);
• President of the Haining Federation of Literary and Art Circles (Mr Zhu Honggang);
• Director Haining Education Bureau (Mr Hu Xiaoming )
• Principal of Haining No.1 Middle School (Mr Feng Fuhong).
• Vice President Haining Municipal People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (Ms Qian Yaping)
• Interpreter and Deputy Director of the Scientific Research Department at Haining Senior High School (Ms Yin Lan)

The sister-city agreement between Augusta-Margaret River and Haining is part of an international initiative that fosters long-term partnerships between two communities in two countries to promotes cultural and commercial ties.  

The relationship between Augusta-Margaret River and Haining was established in 2010 to explore opportunities for tourism and trade. It also led to a sister school agreement between Margaret River High School and Haining No 1 Middle School in 2012 which provides local students with cultural exchange opportunities.

During the 2-day visit, the delegation will meet our cultural custodians, visit local schools and tour popular tourism attractions and hospitality venues including and Lake Cave, Surfers Point, The Brewhouse and Vasse Felix. 

There will also be an emphasis on the local arts and culture industry. The delegates will visit attractions along the Margaret River Arts Trail, tour Margaret River HEART and meet representatives from Arts Margaret River and Creative Corner. 

Shire President Julia Meldrum said the visit will enhance the relationship between our two cities and provides  positive opportunities for our community.

“Hosting our friends from Haining is a chance to showcase what makes Augusta-Margaret River such a great place to live, build business connections and increase our mutual understanding of each others cultures,” she said.

“The delegates will be visiting the High School to discuss student exchange opportunities with the Haining No. 1 Middle School and they’re hoping to explore similar opportunities with Thomas More Catholic Primary School.”

“There’ll also be a big emphasis on our local arts and culture with a view to creating opportunities for our creative industries to undertake reciprocal art exhibitions in Haining and Margaret River.” 

A delegation from China last visited the Shire in April 2018. In addition to fostering the sister school agreement, the sister city relationship successfully generated trade for the wine industry.

The Shire also has a sister city agreement with Bo Trach in Vietnam.  Haining is located in the Zhejiang province of China and the city is well known for its leather industry. It is located approximately 125km southwest of Shanghai.