President of the Busselton Sugito Sister City Association Pauline Vukelic was formally presented with one of Japan's highest honours, at His Majesty the Emperor of Japan's birthday celebrations and conferment ceremony last Friday evening.
Create a free account to read this article
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Government of Japan announced the conferment of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays bestowed upon Ms Vukelic - also former President of the Bunbury Setagaya Sister Cities Committee - in November 2023, recognising her vital role in laying the foundation for the strong and active sister city relationships that continue to this day.
First established in 1875, the Order recognised Ms Vukelic's efforts in encouraging people-to-people exchanges and cultural understanding between Australia and Japan through the promotion of sister-city exchange.
While several foreigners were handed the honour before World War II, it was not until 1981 that the modern version of the award was conferred upon non-Japanese recipients.
The medal features rays of sunlight radiating from the sun, symbolising energy as powerful as the rising sun.
Mayor Phill Cronin joined City of Busselton councillors and the Consulate-General of Japan in congratulating Ms Vukelic for her exceptional achievements and contributions over three decades of work.
