Story: Bunbury’s Global Heart: Where Local Life Meets the World!
Episode: 19
Presenter: Carmen Braidwood
Air Date: 8 June 2025

Carmen reveals how Bunbury’s vibrant sister city ties, like its bond with Setagaya, Japan, ignite the city with global flavour, year-round festivals, and a buzzing community spirit that brings the world to WA’s doorstep.

• Bunbury is the third-largest city in Western Australia, located about 175 km south of Perth. It is a key port city, supporting exports in farming, mining, and timber.
• The city actively pursues international relationships to support cultural exchange and economic development, focusing on education, trade, tourism, and the arts.
• Bunbury has had a sister city relationship with Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan since 1992, beginning with a primary school student exchange and expanding into cultural, educational, and sporting collaborations.
• Since 2000, Bunbury has partnered with Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China, initially through port connections, now encompassing trade, cultural, and artistic exchanges.
• In 2015, Bunbury established a sister city connection with Nha Trang, Vietnam, aimed at building community and cultural ties—highlighted by performances such as the Bunbury City Band's visit.
• The Southwest Japan Festival, started in 2018, celebrates Bunbury’s ties with Setagaya through food, performances, and cultural displays, strengthening local community engagement.

For more information, head to:
bunbury.wa.gov.au