Agreement Date: 1982
Population: 55,000
Mayor: Bob Westbury, Deputy Mayor: Sally Dover
Sister City Chairperson: Ted Tindall, et@nelsonbay.com
Major Industries: Tourism, aluminum smelting, light industry, oyster farming and fishing.
Tomaree Peninsula (photo courtesy of Peter Jarver)
About Port Stephens
Port Stephens is called the “Blue Water Wonderland” because of the beauty of its marine surroundings. It is located about two and a half hours north of Sydney, on the East Coast of Australia, and has a population of about 50,000. With over 19 miles of clean, white, sandy beaches, Port Stephens boasts a vibrant tourism and fishing industries. The city caters to almost every facet of sport including tennis, golf, scuba diving, fishing, surfing, skiing and sailing. The climate is warm year round with no winter frosts, and cool sea breezes keep the temperature mild in the summer.
The Sister City Relationship
The Port Stephens-Bellingham Sister City relationship dates back to 1978 as a result of business ties between the Intalco Aluminum refinery and an aluminum company in Port Stephens. The agreement did not result in much activity until the late 1980′s. Since then, the Port Stephens area has provided many enthusiastic participants in exchanges with Bellingham. The Pacific Rim Yachting Challenge has been held in Port Stephens twice, in 1990 and in 2000, and Port Stephens has been a big supporter of this biannual event. Several members of the Port Stephens Council have visited Bellingham, some even participating in the Ski-to-Sea race. Also during the 1990′s, numerous exchanges of high-school dancers and musicians have taken place.
Port Stephens Links
Port Stephens Homepage
About Port Stephens
Dunenet.com: Information resource for Port Stephens
Travel Australia: Tourist info on Port Stephens
Photos and content by BSCA Members