We are proud to take part in a variety of sister city projects throughout the year, creating opportunities for our community to get involved.
These projects foster cultural understanding and support skills development, with initiatives ranging from language scholarships and sporting exchanges to knowledge sharing, arts and cultural programs.
Details of upcoming opportunities will be shared here. In the meantime, if you’d like more information, please email mayoralir@goldcoast.qld.gov.au
Assistant Language Teacher Program, Takasu
As part of our sister city program, the Town of Takasu in Hokkaido invites a resident of the Gold Coast who is interested in the culture and lifestyle of Japan, to live in Takasu for 12 months and be employed as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT).
The position of ALT involves teaching English to school-aged Japanese students in Takasu. It also includes working as a Liaison Officer for Takasu Town Council and City of Gold Coast on cooperative projects.
Expressions of interest
The 26th Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) in Takasu, Japan has accepted a contract extension and will remain in Takasu for 2 years. Applications for the 27th ALT will now be called in September/October 2026. Details will be posted here closer to the date.
Taipei International Dragon Boat Championship
The Taipei International Dragon Boat Championship is held in Taipei annually during June or July. The championship is an exciting event which attracts thousands of athletes and tourists to Taipei to experience the culture and carnival celebration. As part of Taipei's sister city program, an exciting opportunity exists for a Gold Coast dragon boat team to compete internationally.
On behalf of Taipei, City of Gold Coast extends an invitation to local dragon boat teams to express their interest in participating in this championship. One Gold Coast team (of up to 28 participants) will be chosen to represent the city internationally in either the Men's Open, Women's Open or the Mixed Open Group category. Generous hospitality is provided by Taipei City including complimentary accommodation and on-ground transportation covering the dates of the championship.
Expressions of interest
If you are interested in applying for this opportunity, details will be listed here in February.
Taipei City Scholarships for Foreign Learners of Chinese
Taipei City Government generously awards 10 Chinese Language Scholarships to students from its sister, partner and friendship cities around the world.
The program aims to promote international exchange and cultural understanding, offering students the chance to study Chinese in Taipei while experiencing Taiwanese culture.
Each recipient will receive a monthly stipend of NT$25,000 for 12 consecutive months, from September to August. This allowance is intended to cover tuition, accommodation, insurance and general living expenses.
Applicants must possess a genuine desire to study Chinese, and must not have previously received a scholarship in Taiwan.
Expressions of interest
Details about this annual program will be released in February/March.
Chengdu International Sister Cities Youth Music Festival
As a component of Chengdu, China's sister city program, an exciting opportunity exists for Gold Coast musicians, performers and music groups to participate in the annual Chengdu International Sister Cities Youth Music Festival, usually held in July.
This annual music festival is sponsored by the Chengdu Municipal People's Government and is aimed at enhancing international friendship and exchanges by offering a platform for musicians, performers and music groups, aged 15 to 44 years, to showcase their artistic talents (singing, dancing, instruments, etc.).
The program runs for 7 days and features a grand opening, creative and diverse music shows, outdoor performances and other cultural activities. Generous hospitality is provided by Chengdu including all on-ground expenses including accommodation, meals and transportation.
- 2017 – Emmanuel College Big Band
- 2018 – Emmanuel College Big Band
- 2019 – Emmanuel College Big Band and String Quartet
– Serotonin, a Capella choir (Griffith University)
- 2024 – Youth Music Venture pop band
- 2025 – Emmanuel College Music Collective
Find out more about their experiences.
Expressions of interest
Details about this annual program will be released in February/March.
Lifeguard Exchanges with Kanagawa Prefecture
Since 1995, City of Gold Coast has hosted lifeguards from the Kanagawa Prefecture in Japan to participate in a specialised training program coordinated by City of Gold Coast Lifeguard Services branch. This program runs biennially and provides an opportunity for City Lifeguards to share their expertise and lifesaving techniques with a group of lifeguards from Kanagawa Prefecture.
Every other year, Kanagawa Prefecture invites 2 City of Gold Coast lifeguards to Kanagawa to provide information and training on the latest surf lifesaving techniques and to participate in an annual lifesaving competition held by the Kanagawa Lifesaving Association (subject to dates).
Taipei Book Exchange
Annually since 2005, City of Gold Coast Library participates in an annual book exchange with Taipei City Library. The exchange involves the donation of approximately 30 English books to Taipei City Library, and in return, a donation of 30 books printed in Traditional Chinese are given to City of Gold Coast Libraries. A variety of children's books, youth books and large print books are chosen for the exchange.
This is a wonderful opportunity to add to the diversity of books available in the foreign language collections of the libraries in both cities and helps to promote our Indigenous and Australian authors to a new audience.