Commendation Awarded to Peter Patterson - September 2024

On September 3^rd 2024 the Frankston Susono Friendship Association (FSFA) committee welcomed the Consul-General of Japan to a very special committee meeting held at Frankston City Council Chambers.

Consul-General Shimada, Peter & Margaret Patterson, and Mrs. Shimada

Consul-General Shimada attended FSFA’s committee meeting to present a special commendation award to Mr. Peter Patterson, former FSFA Chairperson. Peter was acknowledged for all his hard work promoting Japanese culture within the community, and for ensuring the relationship between Frankston and its sister-city, Susono, continued to thrive during his many years as Chairperson. Peter was also instrumental in re-writing the rule-book for sister-city relationships, as he was able to come up with innovative ways to ensure the sister-city relationship with Susono continued to flourish.

FSFA Committee with Patterson Family & Special Guests

Consul-General Shimada and Mrs. Shimada spent time mingling and chatting with members of the FSFA Committee, FSFA Life Members and members of Frankston Council. The refreshments provided by Frankston Council were enjoyed by all. After the formal presentation by Consul-General Shimada to Peter Patterson, the FSFA committee delivered a presentation to our special guests which included a brief history of FSFA, followed by current activities and plans and goals for the future.

Current Treasurer & Life Member Bev Hannan with Life Members Vic Walker and Rod Johnston

Currently the FSFA committee are supporting Taiko drumming lessons for members of the Frankston community and are planning to support a delegation from Frankston to attend the 2025 World Expo which is being held in Osaka. Connections between Frankston and Susono continue to grow as our short-term student exchange programs have recommenced following COVID. Members of FSFA and SOFA also meet quarterly via ZOOM to discuss upcoming plans for the future. At the most recent ZOOM meeting, our friends in Susono were delighted to hear of Peter Patterson’s special award and were suitably impressed to hear that the Consul-General of Japan had attended our FSFA meeting.

FSFA Committee Members with Consul-General and Mrs. Shimada

The evening concluded with the presentation to Consul-General Shimada and Mrs. Shimada of a Certificate of Honorary Membership to the Frankston Susono Friendship Association by current Chairperson Julie D’Arcy. Julie also acknowledged and thanked past and present committee members for all their hard work and dedication to FSFA and the sister city relationship, and congratulated Peter Patterson for all his achievements.

Peter Patterson with his Commendation Certificate and Consul-General Shimada

To read further on Peter Patterson's commendation by Japanese Consul-General Shimada, and his further accomplishments, please click this link.