Published on Monday, 26 February 2024 at 2:38:39 PM
The Government of Japan announced the conferment of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays bestowed upon Ms Pauline Vukelic back in November 2023. This prestigious award was formally presented to Ms Vukelic at His Majesty the Emperor of Japan’s birthday celebrations and conferment ceremony last Friday evening.
As President of the Busselton Sugito Sister City Association and former President of the former Bunbury-Setagaya Sister Cities Committee, Ms Vukelic has played a vital role in laying the foundation for the strong and active sister city relationships that continue to this day. Her efforts have contributed greatly to the promotion of people-to-people exchanges and cultural understanding between Australia and Japan.
The Order of the Rising Sun Gold and Silver Rays is one of the highest conferred orders bestowed by His Majesty the Emperor of Japan. Ms Vukelic recognised for her outstanding achievements in enhancing inter-regional exchange between Japan and Australia through the promotion of sister-city exchange.
The award was first established in 1875 and while several foreigners were given the honour before World War II, it was not until 1981 the modern version of this honour was conferred on non-Japanese recipients. The medal features rays of sunlight radiating from the sun, symbolizing energy as powerful as the rising sun.
The Consulate-General of Japan, City of Busselton Mayor and Councillors would again like to congratulate Ms Vukelic for her exceptional achievements and contributions made, spanning over 30 years.
Objectives outlined in this statement are aligned with the City of Busselton’s Strategic Community Plan (2021 - 2031) Key Themes Opportunity: A vibrant City with diverse opportunities and a prosperous economy.
Picture supplied for general use: Ms Pauline Vukelic with her medal pictured with Mayor Phill Cronin at The Consulate-General of Japan’s WA residence.
Ends. Media enquiries can be directed to pr@busselton.wa.gov.au
Photo: Busselton Mayor Phill Cronin, Pauline Vukelic, Consul General Yasushi Naito and Governor His Excellency Chris Dawson.
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