George Town and Adelaide celebrate 50-year sister city bond

The city of George Town and Adelaide marked a significant milestone as they celebrated the 50th anniversary of their enduring sister city relationship.

Hosted by the Australian High Commission Malaysia, a reception was held at Suffolk House to honour the deep historical connections that unite these two cities.

Fostering cultural and heritage ties

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and the Governor of South Australia, Frances Adamson AC, graced the reception with their presence.

Chow, in his speech, highlighted how the sister city relationship between George Town and Adelaide has allowed them to share in the diverse cultural tapestry, culinary influences, and heritage of each other. Both cities have also earned recognition from UNESCO, with George Town as a World Heritage Site and Adelaide as a City of Music.

Chow emphasized that the strong friendship and historical bonds between the cities serve as a catalyst for enhancing tourism and fostering meaningful collaborations across various domains.

He noted that the reception’s venue, Suffolk House, held special significance as the former home of Captain Francis Light, whose son, Colonel William Light, founded Adelaide.

A legacy of collaboration

Chow paid tribute to the visionary efforts of Don Dunstan and Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu, who, despite being unrelated, laid the foundation for the George Town-Adelaide sister city connection on December 8, 1973. Their foresight has fostered enduring ties that continue to flourish.

Governor Frances Adamson expressed her enthusiasm to be in Penang and looked forward to further enhancing the George Town-Adelaide relationship.

The reception witnessed the presence of prominent figures, including Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo and Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran.

The 50th anniversary reception celebrated the shared history and vision that link George Town and Adelaide. The two cities are committed to nurturing their sister city relationship for years to come, promoting cultural exchange and collaboration.

The Government of South Australia will further commemorate the occasion with a month-long Adelaide food fair at Queensbay Mall from September 1 to 30. This event will provide a platform for cultural exchange and gastronomic delight, symbolizing the strong and enduring bond between George Town and Adelaide.

Source: Buletin Mutiara