Mackay students heading back to Matsuura

Council is currently seeking applications from students in years 10, 11 and 12 (in 2023) to travel to Japan on June 23, 2023, returning on July 8, 2023.

The estimated cost of the trip is $3500 (plus spending money), and council will subsidise $1000 for each youth ambassador, directly to the travel agent.

Mayor Greg Williamsons said this was a tremendous opportunity for young people, especially those learning Japanese or with an interest in Japan.

“Being welcomed into the home of a Japanese family and having the chance to learn from, and be guided by, citizens of our sister city Matsuura is an opportunity of a lifetime,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Add to that an exciting itinerary that includes a bullet train trip, a visit to Tokyo Disneyland and daily sightseeing activities, and this will be a trip attendees will remember for the rest of their lives,” he said.

Youth ambassador applications must be submitted to mackaysistercities@mackay.qld.gov.au by Sunday, February 12, 2023.

Council is also seeking chaperones for the tour, whose costs will be covered by council.

Chaperones must be at least 20 years old, fluent in Japanese and English and have a first aid certificate.

Chaperone applications must be submitted to mackaysistercities@mackay.qld.gov.au by Sunday, January 15, 2023.

Students and chaperones need to be vaccinated against COVID-19, as per travel requirements, and attend monthly/fortnightly cultural information sessions, which start in March 2023 prior to departure.

All applications are available online.