Ambassador impressed with Lismore flood recovery
By Samantha Elley
Using the stunning views of Southern Cross University’s grounds in Block A as a backdrop, Japan’s new ambassador to Australia, His Excellency Mr Shingo Yamagami, addressed staff and students, both past and present, last week commenting on the friendship between his home country and Australia.
Accompanied by his wife, Mrs Kaoru Yamagami and the Consul-General of Japan in Sydney, Kiya Masahiko, Mr Yamagami passed on the condolences of the Japanese people to flood-ridden Lismore.
He spoke of how during the Japanese earthquake and subsequent tsunami, Australia was quick to send in the RAAF and search and rescue teams.
To reciprocate, Japan supported Australia during Cyclone Debbie and the 2019-2020 bushfires.
“Coming from Japan, which is so susceptible to natural disasters, we are fully aware of the difficulties,” Mr Yamagami said.
“The heart of all the Japanese people is here with Lismore.
“I can see that mates were helping mates.
“Rescues in boats and canoes and caravans given out so people had a place to sleep.
“I am impressed by the pace of recovery.”
Mr Yamagami spoke of mutual respect, economic ties and cultural similarities and differences.
He highlighted the coming 60th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Lismore and Yamato Takada next year.
“Lismore was the first to establish a sister city relationship between Japan and Australia,” Mr Yamagami said.
“It is important to celebrate these milestones.”
The ties are so strong that Yamato Takada also had a float in last weekend’s Lismore Lantern Parade.
Mr Yamagami talked of the importance of having a strong partnership in the Pacific region.
“This is highlighted by one of Australia’s greatest literary works – Neighbours,” he laughed.
“That’s when neighbours become good friends.”
From the gathering of the university community, Mr Yamagami headed over to the university’s Japan-Australia Centre to meet with local mayors Lismore’s Steve Krieg, Ballina’s Sharon Cadwallader, Federal member for Page Kevin Hogan and Bishop of Lismore Greg Homeming.
After musical items by Grace Cockburn and Dylan Curnow, Mr Yamagami was presented with a number of gifts including a book on Father Tony Glynn, founder of the sister city relationship between Lismore and Yamato Takada.
Ambassador 1 – Mrs Yamagami and the ambassador Photo: Samantha Elley
Ambassador 2 – Speaking to the university community against a beautiful backdrop
Ambassador 6 – Receiving a gift from the SCU Vice Chancellor Professor Tyron Carlin Photo: Ronny Susanto