CQU has continued to help support the Sister City friendship between Rockhampton and Ibusuki (Japan) which has now lasted more than a quarter of a century.

As part of that relationship, 19 students from Ibusuki arrived in Rockhampton on Tuesday, July 24,  for a 2-week Vacation English Study Tour with the Central Queensland University Language Centre.

Acting Mayor, Cr Jim Webber presents a gift to one of the Ibusuki students

Acting Mayor of Rockhampton, Cr Jim Webber has fond memories of Ibusuki and said Rockhampton and Ibusuki have been Sister Cities for more than a quarter of a century, after establishing their Sister City relationship on November 21, 1980.

"These students from Ibusuki weren't even born when their City signed the Sister City Agreement with Rockhampton," Cr Webber said.

"We're thrilled they are coming to study English here and to experience the Rockhampton hospitality which earned us the title of Queensland's Friendliest Town in the Ergon Energy Tidy Towns Awards last year," he said.

The visitors have been welcomed at a civic reception at the Botanic Gardens and will also visit many of the attractions the Rockhampton area has to offer including the Zoo, Art Gallery, Capricorn Caves, Dreamtime Cultural Centre, Koorana Crocodile Farm, and Cooberie Park Wildlife Sanctuary.

Cr Webber said a lot had happened in both Rockhampton and Ibusuki during the time of their Sister Cities relationship, and the 2 cities had similarities to be celebrated and differences to be explored.

Ibusuki City, at the southern-most point of Kyushu Island, Japan, lies on the Kirishima Volcanic Zone and is famous for its Sunamushi Onsen, natural hot sand baths which are the biggest resource of their tourist industry, attracting 3.3 million tourists each year.

"Both cities enjoy a tropical climate and I think the Ibusuki students will be surprised at Rockhampton's cold temperatures at the moment," Cr Webber said.

Students from The Cathedral College get to know the students from our Sister City