Seikei Exchange Celebrates 55 Years

The last weekend of March saw Cowra host an extended celebration of the longest-running student exchange program between Australia and Japan – recognising the 55th anniversary of the Cowra-Seikei Student Exchange Programme.

Since its inception in 1970 under the auspices of former mayor Ab Oliver, so many in the wider community have been a part of this program, whether by sending or hosting students, or as classmates of Seikei students here in Cowra, teachers, and friends. One of Mr Oliver’s key aims in promoting the exchange was that young people would come to understand each other’s language, culture, and daily life, and that this would enhance enduring peace between our 2 nations.

All these people and more were represented in Cowra over the weekend and enjoyed 3 days of events and excited catchups. The Seikei Principal, Mr Senda, teachers, and former exchange students attended from Japan, and other Japanese guests included the Deputy Consul General, the Australian NZ Manager of Japan Airlines in Australia and his wife, and a representative from Chor Farmer. A representative from Cowra High, which conducted the exchange for most of its history, and the Principal and Japanese teacher from St Raphael’s, Catholic School which is now hosting the exchange, also attended. The highlights of the evening included wonderful speeches by Keiji Takezawa, the first Seikei student to come to Cowra, and Heather Mueller, one of the early students to attend Seikei. They reflected warmly on their time as exchange students and the difference it has made to their lives.

Japanese guests enjoyed a tour of Canowindra on the Saturday, followed by the highlight of the weekend, a formal dinner at Club Cowra, which was attended by over 100 people. As well as the contingent from Japan, special guests included the Mayor and his wife, other Councillors, and Rosemary Southee and Marilyn Hickey, daughters of Mr Tom Plummer, the inaugural Cowra High Principal when the exchange began, and a number of former exchange coordinators. Mr Oliver’s sons Robert and Len and their wives were also honoured guests, along with Mr Neville Armstrong, Secretary Treasurer of the programme alongside Ab Oliver for the 1st twenty years.

Many former Cowra students attended the weekend of festivities and the buzz of excited reunions and chats was palpable at the dinner and at a BBQ at the Japanese Garden the next day.

A wonderful inclusion was young Saya Mizuno, the new exchange student from Seikei. She arrived on Friday and despite her tiredness, participated fully in all events.

The celebrations concluded on Monday 31st with visits to St Raphael’s and Cowra High, where about 20 guests were warmly welcomed and toured the schools. A dinner for special guests at the home of the current committee Chairman, Bob Griffiths, and his wife Maureen, concluded the commemorations.

The deep and enduring friendships formed by this exchange were evident throughout the weekend, and showed that Mr Oliver’s ideals in starting the exchange have fully come to fruition.

In October this year, Seikei High School will be hosting the return leg of the celebrations, and many former students from Cowra have already indicated their keenness to attend.

The Cowra-Seikei Student Exchange Committee would like to thank all who participated in the festivities, including The Cowra Vocal Ensemble who sang both the Australian and Japanese National Anthems, and especially those who assisted financially or in kind with the celebrations. This includes Cowra Shire Council, Rotary of Club Cowra, the Japanese Garden Board, Japan Airlines, Club Cowra Motel, and Windowrie Wines.

IMAGE: Mrs Harumi Takezawa, Jennifer Needham (nee Billington), 1st Student from Cowra in 1971, Dianne Crooks (nee Barker) 2nd Student from Cowra in 1972, and Keiji Takezawa, the 1st Student from Seikei in 1970.

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