Sister Cities Newcastle and Ube: celebrating 40 years commemorates the 40th anniversary of the Sister City declaration between the City of Newcastle, Australia and Ube City, Japan, which took place on 21 November 1980 at Lake Macquarie Municipal Council Chambers. The agreement was co-signed by Lord Mayor of Newcastle, the late Joy Cummings, and Mayor of Ube, the late Mr Hideo Futatsugi. The two port harbour cities, of similar size and population, were henceforth bound in friendship and goodwill, developing strong connections in the areas of economics, education, youth exchange, sport and art over the years that followed. The Sister City link was renewed on 12 April 2010 and remains significant today.
