Lismore, Yamato Takada celebrate 50 years of being "sisters"

LISMORE has the oldest sister city relationship in the country.

Mayors Jenny Dowell and Masakatsu Yoshida at the ceremony. Picture: Mireille Merlet-Shaw

LISMORE has the oldest sister city relationship in the country.

This week was the golden anniversary (50 years) of Lismore's partnership with the Japanese city of Yamato Takada in 1963.

The celebration included unveiling a monument by mayors of Yamato Takada, Masakatsu Yoshida and Lismore, Jenny Dowell.

Lismore City Hall's monument physically reflects the growth of friendship between the cities: it's a Japanese maple tree.

The partnership began under the then-mayor, Alderman Clyde Campbell who, with the help of Father Paul Glynn, signed a friendship agreement.

Cr Dowell said "we stand on the shoulders of giants" thanking the men for instigating the partnership agreement 50 years ago.

Mayor Yoshida, who was accompanied by 50 delegates from the city, said he wanted to express his "deepest gratitude" to Lismore who supported the city with earthquake recovery in 2011.

Page MP Janelle Saffin also recognised the day as the official opening of City Hall which has recently undergone a major improvement in access and facilities for patrons and performers.

The Federal Government provided just less than $5 million and council more than $1.1 million.

Ms Saffin and Cr Dowell unveiled a commemorative plaque.