Houston-Perth Sister Cities Association
Established: 1984, under Mayor Kathy Whitmire
About the Relationship
The ties between Houston and Perth can initially be traced to the World War II Battle of Sunda Strait, where both the USS Houston and HMAS Perth attacked a superior force of Japanese ships in an attempt to stall their advance towards Australia. Both ships were lost along with many men, but their sacrifice allowed the American and Australian navies to halt the Japanese advance and helped forge the relationship that Houston and Perth have today. The bond between the two cities was further strengthened during John Glenn’s 1962 spaceflight, when the city of Perth turned on all their house and street lights allowing the astronaut to view the city from orbit. Perth repeated this friendship gesture in 1998 on John Glenn’s Space shuttle flight.
In the 1980s, when Houston sought to expand its global ties, Perth was an attractive partner for a Sister City partnership based in large part on these historical ties and the strong synergies between the two cities’ energy sectors. The association was formally created under Mayor Kathy Whitmire in 1984 and for its first fourteen years the Houston-Perth Sister Cities Association (HPSCA) was a standalone organization. Since 1997 the HPSCA has served as a Committee of the Australian-American Chamber of Commerce, Houston (AACC).
In 2019, the HPSCA is celebrating the 35th Anniversary of the relationship between these two cities, as well as the 77th Anniversary of the Battle Of Sunda Strait which is the foundation of the Sister City relationship. In addition to participating in activities of the AACC, HPSCA is an active member of Sister Cities of Houston organization and is involved in the programs and activities they offer throughout the year.
The ties between Houston and Perth can initially be traced to the World War II Battle of Sunda Strait, where both the USS Houston and HMAS Perth attacked a superior force of Japanese ships in an attempt to stall their advance towards Australia. Both ships were lost along with many men, but their sacrifice allowed the American and Australian navies to halt the Japanese advance and helped forge the relationship that Houston and Perth have today. The bond between the two cities was further strengthened during John Glenn’s 1962 spaceflight, when the city of Perth turned on all their house and street lights allowing the astronaut to view the city from orbit. Perth repeated this friendship gesture in 1998 on John Glenn’s Space shuttle flight.
In the 1980s, when Houston sought to expand its global ties, Perth was an attractive partner for a Sister City partnership based in large part on these historical ties and the strong synergies between the two cities’ energy sectors. The association was formally created under Mayor Kathy Whitmire in 1984 and for its first fourteen years the Houston-Perth Sister Cities Association (HPSCA) was a standalone organization. Since 1997 the HPSCA has served as a Committee of the Australian-American Chamber of Commerce, Houston (AACC).
In 2019, the HPSCA is celebrating the 35th Anniversary of the relationship between these two cities, as well as the 77th Anniversary of the Battle Of Sunda Strait which is the foundation of the Sister City relationship. In addition to participating in activities of the AACC, HPSCA is an active member of Sister Cities of Houston organization and is involved in the programs and activities they offer throughout the year.
These events include:
Annual Fall Concert
Annual Fall Concert
- The Sister Cities Annual Fall Concert has been recognized as one of the top events of its kind with curated musicians and dancers representing all parts of the world. Artists and performers from across the globe take the stage in Houston for a magical night. Tickets are open to the public, as well as Sister City Organizations.
- Attendees of the Fall Concert include the Houston Mayor, VIPs from the Consular Corp, Members of the 18 Sister City Organizations, members of the many local and international Chambers of Commerce.
- Past performances have included: Eliot Stone (Didgeridoo Performer), Mariachi Luna Llena, Kim Kuja Korean Dance, Treble Choir of Houston, and Anjali Center for Performing Arts.
2020 Young Artists/Young Authors /Young Film-makers Competition - OPEN TO ALL
There are two opportunities for students ages 13-22 to get involved with the Sister Cities in 2020.
1. Sister Cities International Young Artists and Authors Showcase - this is open to all students worldwide!
2. Sister Cities of Houston Youth Talent Showcase - this is open to all Houston area students.
Click HERE for more information about these 2020 Showcases.
There are two opportunities for students ages 13-22 to get involved with the Sister Cities in 2020.
1. Sister Cities International Young Artists and Authors Showcase - this is open to all students worldwide!
2. Sister Cities of Houston Youth Talent Showcase - this is open to all Houston area students.
Click HERE for more information about these 2020 Showcases.
Learn more about our cities & sister city organizations
