City of Darwin’s current Sister City relationships are historical and are founded on the global Sister Cities movement.
Through the educational, cultural, professional, economic and humanitarian exchange, it aims to enhance cross-cultural understanding and build vibrant and connected communities and generating mutual benefits for both cities.
- Ambon, Indonesia
-
Signing 28 October 1988 in Ambon, 21 July 1989 in Darwin
The proximity of Indonesia to Darwin and the large Asian community in Darwin form the foundation of the affiliation. The links between Darwin and Ambon date back to World War II and annual delegations have taken place to Ambon to commemorate ANZAC Day and the Gull Force Battalion.
Links have been strengthened with the annual Darwin to Ambon Yacht Race and Ambon Night Celebrations at the Indonesian Consulate in Darwin, resulting in close friendship bonds between the two cities.
More information about Ambon
- Anchorage, United States of America
-
Signing 28 July 1982 in Darwin, 23 September 1982 in Anchorage
Initial moves for a sister city link began when former Darwin Mayor, Dr Ella Stack visited Anchorage in 1976. The Chief Minister at the time, Paul Everingham had also visited Anchorage and was supportive of the linkage.
Darwin and Anchorage share more similarities than you may think, apart from being opposite in climate, both cities are proud of the rich cultural heritage, and diversity of its population. Dena’ina Athabascans lived in Anchorage long before Europeans arrived, fishing, hunting, and living in locations spread across what makes up Anchorage today, similar to the First Nations people in Darwin, the Larrakia.
Anchorage Sister City activities are currently focused on celebrating cultural diversity and reciprocal arts and cultural exchanges. 2016 saw the two cities participate in Walk Together a huge celebration of diversity and a loud declaration that thousands of Australians believe we can become a nation known for our compassion, generosity, and welcome. It was the first year an international partner participated.
More information about Anchorage
- Denpasar, Indonesia
-
Signing 13 June 2022 Darwin
City of Darwin’s Lord Mayor, the Hon Kon Vatskalis led a delegation to Denpasar to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Sister City Cooperation with the City of Denpasar from 13 – 17 June 2022.
The Darwin delegation included representatives from the NT Government, Tourism Top End, Chamber of Commerce NT, NT Farmers Association, Australia Indonesia Business Council NT Branch, Charles Darwin University, and Alana Kaye College.
The signing of the agreement was witnessed by the Vice Governor of Bali Province and Consul General of Australia in Bali. City of Darwin’s Lord Mayor signed an MoU with the Mayor of Denpasar on 13 June 2022.
Both cities agree to work together in the promotion of culture and tourism, the development of a creative economy, and the development of human resource capacity building. An Action Plan included as an Appendix of the MoU, identifies the programs and activities to commence within the first five years.
More information about Denpasar
- Dili, Timor-Leste
-
Signing 18 September 2003 in Darwin
Darwin established its Sister City relationship with Dili on 18 September 2003. The relationship aims to increase understanding between the two regions, particularly in the areas of tourism, sports, economic development, trade, education, and cultural exchange.
Darwin is one of Dili’s closest neighbors and played a crucial role in assisting Dili when violence broke out in 1999 through government and non-government programs that provided support to refugees and financial assistance.
City of Darwin and Dili conducted student and staff exchanges and shared information on waste management and By-Laws. Dili and its businesses participated actively in this year’s Darwin International Virtual Trade Show.
City of Darwin Lord Mayor’s delegation participated in the 2022 NT Timor Leste Trade Mission led by the Chamber of Commerce NT.
More information about Dili
- Haikou, China
-
Signing 5 September 1990 in Darwin
Initial investigations for a sister city affiliation with a city in the People's Republic of China began in February 1987 through Lord Mayor Alec Fong Lim, the Australian-China Friendship Society, and City of Darwin then Sister City Management Committee.
Based on the historical links between Darwin and Haikou, with the assistance of the Australian and Chinese Ambassadors, the Friendship Associations, and the Chung Wah Society.
There have been many successful education, arts, and cultural exchanges between the two cities. In 2016 Darwin received an Award of Honor for exchanges and cooperation with China at the China International Friendship Cities Conference.
More information about Haikou
- Milikapiti, Tiwi Islands
-
Signing 5 July 1999 in Darwin
The Sister City Agreement was signed in Darwin on 5 July 1999 (National Sister Cities Day) City of Darwin Lord Mayor George Brown, Mr Allan McGill the then CEO, and on behalf of Milikapiti, Mr Gibson Farmer, Council President 1999.
In July 2001, the Milikapiti Council was dissolved along with the Councils of Nguiu and Pirlangimpi to form the new Tiwi Islands Local Government. The relationship continues under the new structure.
In 2005, City of Darwin staff traveled to Milikapiti in the wake of cyclone Ingrid to offer practical support to repair some of the damage left by this category 5 system. Locals and staff worked side by side to quickly respond to the various rebuilding efforts.
The Milikpaiti agreement still exists today and is activated in times of need between the two locations.
Tiwi Islands Regional Council
- Kalymnos, Greece
-
Signing 23 April 1982 in Darwin
Darwin has an established Greek community, dating back to the early 19th century and booming in the 1950s when postwar immigrants arrived to work as sponge divers and pearling luggers. The majority of Greek immigrants arrived from Kalymnos, about 300km southeast of Athens in the Aegean Sea.
The Kalymnos Sister City activities are currently focused on participating in the annual Greek Glenti Festival and partnering with the Municipality of Kalymnos to deliver the Greek and English Language Scholarship Awards.
More information about Kalymnos
