General News
1 September, 2026
Cairns and Oyama sisters are doing it for themselves
AS Cairns marks the 150 years of Sister City celebrations this week, Council has formally renewed its twinning with the city of Oyama, Japan, for another 10 years.
The partnership, established 20 years ago in 2006, fosters cultural, educational and community connections between the two cities through student exchanges, community visits, cultural activities and opportunities for economic engagement.
Mayor Amy Eden said the vote to continue the arrangement this week was particularly fitting.
“We’ve invited representatives from our seven international sister cities to join us here in Tropical Paradise, A.K.A. Cairns,” she said at Wednesday’s council meeting.
“Last night we had the privilege of officially welcoming our international delegations and tonight we will come together again for our sister cities dinner at the beautiful Tanks in the Botanic Gardens.
“Among those joining us this week are our friends from Oyama City.”
Councillors also voted to install a plaque to mark the occasion.
Cr Cathy Seigler spoke of a visit she took (as a self-paying tourist) to Oyama City in 2017, and the welcome she had received from the Mayor and staff.
“Our sister city relationship is more than just present exchanges and pleasantries. It encourages tourism, culture sharing, and visitation,” Cr Zeigler said.
“In Oyama they have a whole area in a public office that is designated to promote Cairns, so they value our relationship, and we value ours with them.”
CR Eden agreed sister city relationships “can sometimes look like agreements between governments on paper, but the real value is in the relationship between the people”.
“Cairns and Oyama have shared student exchanges, community visits, and cultural experiences. Young people have travelled between our cities. Families have welcomed visitors into their homes, and friendships have been formed across languages, across cultures, and indeed across borders,” she said.
“This is what gives a sister city relationship longevity. Cairns has always been an outward-looking city. Our international relationships are important to who we are, and this week has also been a wonderful reminder that they don’t sustain themselves. They are built over years through people continuing to show up, to exchange ideas, and invest in those friendships.”
