About Us
Who is the Hawkesbury Sister City Association?
The Hawkesbury Sister City Association was formed in 1984 by the Hawkesbury City Council, with the driving force behind its creation being Bruce “Buster” Brown OAM. A much-loved local identity, Bruce was a WWII fighter pilot whose aircraft “Polly” is proudly displayed in the War Memorial in Canberra.
Another key figure in the Association’s success was Jean Peare OAM, who dedicated over 20 years as President. Working alongside her was Yvonne Whalan, who served as Secretary for almost 30 years. Jean was also well known for her tireless community involvement, particularly her long-standing leadership within the Hawkesbury Netball Association.
Both Bruce and Jean are honoured with plaques at Friendship Park, located along Ham Common opposite the RAAF Base — a place that symbolises and celebrates Hawkesbury’s sister city relationships.
As a not-for-profit organisation fully funded by Hawkesbury City Council, the Association has continued to foster international friendship, cultural understanding, and youth exchange for more than three decades.
The Hawkesbury’s first sister city relationship was formed in 1984 with Temple City, California (USA), followed by a connection with Tamba City in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan, in 1988. After Tamba’s amalgamation with neighbouring towns, the relationship was reaffirmed in 2007 with the newly formed Kyotamba City. Today, our sister cities include Temple City, Kyotamba, Cabonne Shire (Western NSW), and Weddin Shire (South West NSW).
Over the years, many memorable exchanges have taken place. In 1985, the Hawkesbury District Concert Band visited Temple City and became the first international group to march in the city’s Camellia Festival Parade. Two years later, the Hawkesbury Netball Association travelled to Temple City to showcase demonstration games, further strengthening the bond between our communities.
Our student exchange program began in 1989 with Tamba (Japan), followed by the Temple City exchange in 2000. These programs have provided countless young people with the opportunity to experience different cultures, form lifelong friendships, and act as ambassadors for the Hawkesbury.
In 2018, we proudly celebrated 30 years of friendship with Kyotamba, reflecting on a partnership built on mutual respect, cultural appreciation, and shared community spirit.
Today, as we continue to grow these international ties, the Hawkesbury Sister City Association remain.
Another key figure in the Association’s success was Jean Peare OAM, who dedicated over 20 years as President. Working alongside her was Yvonne Whalan, who served as Secretary for almost 30 years. Jean was also well known for her tireless community involvement, particularly her long-standing leadership within the Hawkesbury Netball Association.
Both Bruce and Jean are honoured with plaques at Friendship Park, located along Ham Common opposite the RAAF Base — a place that symbolises and celebrates Hawkesbury’s sister city relationships.
As a not-for-profit organisation fully funded by Hawkesbury City Council, the Association has continued to foster international friendship, cultural understanding, and youth exchange for more than three decades.
The Hawkesbury’s first sister city relationship was formed in 1984 with Temple City, California (USA), followed by a connection with Tamba City in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan, in 1988. After Tamba’s amalgamation with neighbouring towns, the relationship was reaffirmed in 2007 with the newly formed Kyotamba City. Today, our sister cities include Temple City, Kyotamba, Cabonne Shire (Western NSW), and Weddin Shire (South West NSW).
Over the years, many memorable exchanges have taken place. In 1985, the Hawkesbury District Concert Band visited Temple City and became the first international group to march in the city’s Camellia Festival Parade. Two years later, the Hawkesbury Netball Association travelled to Temple City to showcase demonstration games, further strengthening the bond between our communities.
Our student exchange program began in 1989 with Tamba (Japan), followed by the Temple City exchange in 2000. These programs have provided countless young people with the opportunity to experience different cultures, form lifelong friendships, and act as ambassadors for the Hawkesbury.
In 2018, we proudly celebrated 30 years of friendship with Kyotamba, reflecting on a partnership built on mutual respect, cultural appreciation, and shared community spirit.
Today, as we continue to grow these international ties, the Hawkesbury Sister City Association remain.
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Bruce "Buster" Brown with his aircraft Polly
Jean Peare OAM with the Hawkesbury Mayor Dr Rex Stubbs OAM and Japanese Consular representatives