The Penrith International Friendship Committee aims to foster friendship, communication and understanding between people internationally. It also encourages and facilitates the participation of the people of Penrith in cultural, educational, sporting and social activities with international links established by the City.
2019 Calendar of Events
Download the
Penrith International Friendship Committee Calendar of Events for 2019 (pdf 99kb).
Contact
For information about the Committee, please contact Council’s International Partnerships Officer:
Stephanie Loobeek Wood
Telephone:
(02) 4732 8258
Email:
stephanie.wood@penrith.city
Committee members
- Chair: Jackie Greenow OAM
- Vice-Chairperson: Kerrie Gane
- Treasurer: Sarah Taylor
- Publicity Officer: Veronica Neal
- Executive Members: Tomoko Ward, Clare Ward, Diana Jelovic
Life members
The following people have been honoured with life membership for their contributions to the Penrith International Friendship Committee:
- Mr Brian King, AM: awarded in April 1987 for his role in developing Penrith's international links and for his commitment to the ideals of the Sister City Movement.
- Mrs Cheryl Heley: awarded in April 1989 for her services to the Penrith City Sister Cities Association in furthering the links between Fujieda and Penrith.
- Mr Bruce Weston: awarded in May 1993 in recognition of his outstanding commitment as a founding member of the Association in furthering the links between Fujieda and Penrith.
- Ms Jackie Greenow OAM: awarded in November 2016 in recognition of her long-standing commitment to the International Friends and for her contributions to strengthening the links between Penrith and its Sister Cities.
Documents
PIFC Constitution (accessible pdf 119KB)
2017 Chairperson's Report (pdf 146KB)
History
The Penrith International Friendship Committee (PIFC) was formed in 1984 as the Penrith City Sister Cities Association (PCSCA) just before the formal signing of Penrith's first international agreement - a sister city relationship with Fujieda City in Shizuoka, Japan.
This agreement and the purpose of PCSCA reflected the worldwide Sister City movement and focused on the development of international friendship and cultural understanding through cultural, sporting and education programs.
In 1995 the structure of the PCSCA was reviewed and a new entity called the Penrith International Friendship Committee was formed, with a new constitution, to foster friendship, communication and understanding between people internationally.
Achievements
The PIFC undertakes a major activity each year with Fujieda City, the reciprocal
Student Exchange Ambassador Program. The Committee is also involved in occasional visits to Penrith by other international partners.
Logo
In early 1990 the Penrith City Sister Cities Association ran a competition to design a logo for their association. Over 50 entries were received, and local St Clair resident, Mrs Beverly McLoughlin's design of 3 stylised green leaves on a bright yellow background was chosen as the preferred design. The leaves represent the growth which occurs within the Sister Cities Movement demonstrating the theme "Growing in Friendship". This original logo was also adopted when the Association was reformed and named the Penrith International Friendship Committee (PIFC) in 1995 and while the colour of the logo's background has been changed to white it remains a proud symbol of the PIFC.
Related links
Fujieda International Friendship Society
Hakusan City, Japan
Kunshan City, Jiangsu Province, China
Beijing Xicheng District, China
Gangseo District of Seoul, Korea
Eden District (Penrith), UK
Fujieda City Hall