Chairperson's Report 1992/93 - David Lee

On behalf of the Association, I would like to welcome you all to the 1992-93 Annual General Meeting.

The year has been a very busy one for the Executive, with a number of new members, including myself, feeling our way.

Incorporation of Association

As was carried at the last Annual General Meeting, the Association is now an incorporated body.

Cultural Award

The Association was successful in achieving an award from the Australian Sister Cities Association for the best cultural exchange program for the year 1991/92. The Association's Treasurer, John Richards, accepted the award at a presentation ceremony in Penrith, New South Wales. Two trophies were awarded so that one could be presented to our Sister City, Susono.

Susono Visit

On November 4, 5 and 6, 1992, a delegation from Susono visited Frankston, led by Dr Ohashi, Chairperson of the Susono Overseas Friendship Association. The main purpose of the visit was for the delegation to be presented with the trophy from the Sister Cities Association. The delegation also made a presentation to Mr Noel Ferguson and Mr Adrian Butler to recognise their City relationship.

Life Membership

In conjunction with the presentation made to Mr Noel Ferguson and Mr Adrian Butler by Dr Ohashi, the Frankston Susono Friendship Association also awarded them life membership of the Association for their outstanding contribution to the Association as Chairperson and Secretary for over ten (10 years).

 Frankston Christmas Street Procession

The Association entered a float in the Christmas Street Procession. Whilst the Association was not successful in achieving a prize, everybody involved enjoyed themselves, including members of the Susono delegation. It also provided another avenue for promotion of the Association. I would like to thank Graham Thomas for his efforts with the float.

Christmas Progressive Dinner

The Christmas Progressive Dinner was an overwhelming success, made even more memorable by the attendance of the members from the Susono delegation. Many thanks to all members who were involved in the preparation of this very enjoyable evening.

Student Exchange

Debbie Ho and Tara Moorhouse have returned from their year in Susono and Daisuke Aoshima and Yoko Hara have returned home to Susono. Our current students, Natalie and Skye, are dong well as are Kumi and Miki from Susono. Interviews have been concluded for the 1993-94 students and an announcement will be made shortly. Miss Marianne Inchley resigned her position, teaching English, in Susono. Whilst the Association has been making endeavours to replace Miss Inchley with a suitable candidate, this has not yet been achieved for a number of reasons.

Japanese Garden

Progress has commenced once more on this project. The brickwork is nearing completion and it is anticipated that there will be several combined working bees between the Frankston High School and the Association to complete the project.

I would like to take this opportunity to also thank the hard working members of the Executive Committee. Without their input, knowledge and dedication to our Sister City relationship, much of what has been achieved in the past and planned for the future would not have occurred.