Foreign Minister’s Commendation commemorating the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Japan and Australia

The Embassy of Japan is pleased to announce that on 16 June, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Japan and Australia (NARA Treaty) this year, the Foreign Minister’s Commendations were awarded to the following 12 individuals and 6 organisations in recognition of their contributions to Japan-Australia relations in various fields, including promotion of mutual understanding between Japan and Australia, the enhancement of economic relations, and the advancement of sister-city exchanges. 

Note: The Foreign Minister’s Commendations are awarded to individuals and groups with outstanding achievements in international fields, in order to acknowledge their contributions to the promotion of friendship between Japan and other countries and areas. The Commendations also aim to promote the understanding and support of the Japanese public for the activities of the recipients. 

Ms. Anita Byrnes 

President of the Australia-Japan Society (New South Wales Branch) 

Ikebana International, Melbourne Chapter #29 

Victoria, Australia 

Dr. Emerald King 

Lecturer in Humanities at University of Tasmania 

Dr. Kaori Okano 

Emeritus Professor at La Trobe University/Former President of the Japanese Studies Association of Australia 

Mr. Christopher Whitecross 

Former President of the Queensland Japan Chamber of Commerce & Industry 

Dr. Shiro Armstrong 

Director of the Australia-Japan Research Centre, The Australian National University 

Ms. Akiko Stockton 

President of the Fukushima Society in Perth 

Ms. Dianne Fitzpatrick 

President of the Australia-Japan Society (ACT) Inc. 

Darwin Memorial Uniting Church 

Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia 

Mr. Naomichi Hirano OAM 

President of the Japan Community of Queensland Inc. 

Mr. Ben Wholagan 

President of the Australia-Japan Society of Western Australia Inc  

Ms. Margaret Rackemann 

Former President of the Australia Japan Society - Queensland Inc. (AJS - QLD) 

Matsuri in Sydney Inc. 

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 

The Melbourne International School of Japanese 

Oakleigh South, Victoria, Australia 

The Japanese Saturday College of Melbourne 

Sandringham, Victoria, Australia 

Mr. Haruki Yoshida 

Former Principal of the Canberra Japanese Supplementary School 

Lismore City 

Lismore, New South Wales, Australia (Sister City of Yamatotakada City in Nara Prefecture) 

Mr. Richard Andrews 

CEO of the Australia Japan Business Co-operation Committee