Opening of Japan-Australia Centre at Southern Cross University

A new Japan-Australia Centre, that will provide support to over 200 Japanese students annually, will be opened by the Chancellor, the Honorable John Dowd, AO QC in the presence of the Ambassador of Japan, His Excellency, Mr Kenzo Oshima at Southern Cross University (SCU) on Friday.

Mr Viv Carter, Director of the International Office at SCU said “The Father Tony Glynn Japan-Australia Centre will be a hub of cultural exchange and friendship between Japan and Australia.

“Over two hundred Japanese students visit the University each year to study English language and Australian culture. All of them stay with local families and develop close friendships. The cultural exchange that takes place through these visits has enriched many peoples’ lives both here and in Japan.

The Japan-Australia Centre was established by the University and a local community group in memory of Father Tony Glynn, a Marist Brother priest and native of Lismore, who was inspired to dedicate his life to reconciliation between the people of Japan and Australia in the aftermath of World War II.

“The Japan-Australia Centre is a symbol of the fellowship and reconciliation Father Glynn worked so hard to develop between Australia and Japan”, Mr Carter said.

The fundraising contributed by the Japan Centre Committee, a Lismore community group, has enabled the addition of a gallery to display Japanese cultural, literary and historical exhibits.

The Centre is located at the heart of the University and is owned and operated by the University. Nearby stands the monument which marks the 40 year anniversary of the Lismore–Yamato Takada sister city relationship (1963–2003), a relationship instigated by Father Glynns’ work.

SCU has collaborative relationships with several prestigious Universities in Japan that facilitate exchange study opportunities for Japanese and Australian students.

The Japan-Australia Centre opening will be hosted by the University’s Chancellor, The Honourable Justice John Dowd AO QC and Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Clark.

Opening of the Father Tony Glynn Japan-Australian Centre

Date: Friday 24 September 2004
Time: 4.15 pm
Where: Father Tony Glynn Japan-Australia Centre (behind the plaza)
Speakers:
The Honourable John Dowd AO QC, Chancellor, Southern Cross University
His Excellency Mr Kenzo Oshima, Ambassador of Japan
Councillor Merv King, Mayor of Lismore

For more information: Brigid Veale 0439 680 748 or Kasturi Shanahan 0439 858 057