Leading a delegation to Australia for the first time, Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che visited the Mayor of Gold Coast City. The visitors from Tainan were received by Mayor Tom Tate and Senior International Engagement Adviser Katrina Metcalfe in Queensland. The two mayors, who had previously met in Tainan earlier this May, greeted each other like old friends. They exchanged views on urban features, sports, and tourism promotion, highlighting the close ties between the two sister cities.
During his opening remarks, Mayor Tate recalled that after he returned from Tainan in May, he told his wife, “I’ve found the perfect holiday spot - Tainan.” He also shared news about the biggest event that was taking place that weekend in the city: Gold Coast’s rugby team finally reached the finals for the first time in 15 years. A large screen will be set up at the plaza, where 4,000 fans are expected to gather to watch the game. Tate further emphasized that baseball is also popular in Australia and expressed interest in future exchanges with Tainan’s baseball teams.
Mayor Huang replied that the Chinese Taipei team had just won the BFA XII U15 Asian Baseball Championship 2025 in Tainan and looks forward to working with Gold Coast in baseball training. He also invited Mayor Tate to attend the Tainan International Travel Fair this November and introduce the City of Gold Coast to more Tainan citizens. Mayor Tate responded that he would be delighted to visit Tainan with his family if his schedule allows.
As a gesture of friendship, Mayor Huang presented Mayor Tate with an orchid artwork featuring the Australian flag spray-painted on its petals, prompting audible admiration from the Australian Mayor. He also gifted Tate a bottle of “The Walls of Tainan” fragrance, a scent symbolizing the city and offering a reminder of Tainan whenever it is used.
Located on the east coast of Queensland, the Sunshine State, Gold Coast City is a globally renowned tourist destination with a pleasant climate and beautiful scenery. Tainan and the Gold Coast became sister cities on October 27, 1982, and have maintained a close friendship ever since. In 2022, the two cities celebrated the 40th anniversary of their sister-city partnership by exchanging congratulatory video messages. Mayor Tate has also visited Tainan on many occasions during his tenure, reflecting his deep affection for the city.