International Relations & Trade

Sunshine Coast Council recognises the long-standing and underlying concept of goodwill that underpins international relationships.

International Relations & Trade

Council has 1 sister city relationship and 3 friendship city agreements which foster business, cultural and educational exchanges for the Sunshine Coast community.

Sister city agreement

Tatebayashi, Japan Tatebayashi and Sunshine Coast Council (and the former Maroochy Shire Council) have had a sister city friendship agreement since 9 July 1996. The renewed sister city agreement between Sunshine Coast Council and Tatebayashi City was signed on 6 October 2017 for a further period of 4 years. In 2019 Council hosted an official delegation from Tatebayashi Ministry of Education during their visit to Palmwoods and Woombye schools, with whom they signed an MOU supporting student exchanges.

Mutual friendship agreement

March, Fenland District, England March has had a friendship city agreement with council (and the former Maroochy Shire Council) since 22 September 1997. Cr Mike Cornwell of Fenland District Council attended Nambour Museum’s Jim Hocking Remembrance Day on 19 July 2014. Mayor Mark Jamieson and Cr Cornwell unveiled a new commemorative tribute to Jim Hocking which is on permanent display at the museum. Mayor Jamieson visited March in Cambridgeshire on 1 September 2017 for the signing of the renewed friendship city agreement for a further 4 years. On 6 October 2017, Cr Cornwell attended the launch of the 2nd edition of Dot Wittington’s book March Hero in Nambour.
Xiamen, China Xiamen has had a friendship city agreement with council (and the former Maroochy Shire Council) since 29 September 1999. The renewed friendship city agreement between Sunshine Coast Council and Xiamen was signed on 14 August 2018 for a further period of 4 years. Xiamen No 2 High School has hosted the Sunshine Coast Youth Football team in Xiamen for the International Youth Football tournament in 2016, 2018. In August 2019 Sunshine Coast Football will host the Xiamen No 2 Football team on the Sunshine Coast.
Mont Dore, New Caledonia Mont Dore has had a friendship city agreement with council (and the former Maroochy Shire Council) since 2006.