Wyndham City will strengthen its international connections this September with a delegation travelling to China as part of fully funded $20,000 grant from Sister Cities Australia.
The delegation will see Deputy Mayor Councillor Josh Gilligan, Councillor Preet Singh and Councillor Larry Zhao head to Changzhou for two days, followed by two days in Shanghai from 7 - 12 September.
Wyndham City’s Friendly City Agreement with Changzhou – signed in 2019 – was established shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic, limiting opportunities for connection in recent years.
With a delegation from Changzhou visiting Wyndham in 2024, this trip represents an important reciprocal step in building momentum and unlocking the full potential of the partnership.
Changzhou is a major city of more than 5.3 million people, located in Jiangsu Province – Victoria’s Sister State.
During their stay, Councillors from Wyndham will meet with municipal leaders, tour innovate business and manufacturing precincts – and visit cultural and educational institutions.
The program will highlight opportunities in education, enterprise, innovation, and tourism, all of which align strongly with Wyndham 2050’s vision.
Cr Gilligan said the visit marks a significant opportunity to foster greater collaboration.
“Our Friendly City Agreement with Changzhou is about creating opportunities for Wyndham’s community – from education and cultural exchange through to economic development and innovation.”
“This visit will allow us to learn first-hand from Changzhou’s world-class education and technology sectors while showcasing Wyndham’s strengths as a growing and dynamic city.”
“Following two days in Changzhou, we will travel to Shanghai, where we will explore educational, tourism and cultural sites.”
“Education is expected to be a strong focus of the visit, with Wyndham schools already enjoying links with schools in China. These partnerships provide opportunities for student and staff exchanges, cultural immersion, and shared learning that strengthen understanding across borders.”
“The visit also highlights the long-term vision of Wyndham’s international relationships. Sister City relationships create lasting cultural and educational connections, promote mutual understanding, and open doors for trade and investment. By nurturing these ties, Wyndham is building pathways for our community and gathering knowledge to support our growth.”