Bishop of Bathurst Richard Hurford presided at the renaming ceremony and paid tribute to Fudeko's lifelong passion for fostering a cultural bond with Japan.

This bond opened the door for cultural visits and exchanges that many have enjoyed over the years.

Members of the college community, council, foundation, staff, parents and former students gathered to witness the unveiling of the plaque and Fudeko planting a Japanese Cherry tree.

On a beautiful spring day the Japanese gardens proved to be the perfect setting.

Fudeko Reekie grew up in a small country village in Japan and worked in Tokyo, Canada, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand before taking a position as a Japanese teacher at All Saints' College in 1975.

In 1992 Fudeko established a Sister School relationship between All Saints' College and Yachiyo Shoin Gakuen (Chiba), which is still in place today.

The Osaka Japan Expo Funds provided most of the money to build the Japanese Centre, and the remainder was provided by the All Saints' College Foundation.

Mr Iizuka, a friend of Fudeko's, funded the cost of the surrounding gardens.

The centre was officially opened by the Japanese Consul-General in 1992.

Fudeko assisted in the establishment of the Sister City relationship that Bathurst enjoys with Okhuma.

It is through this relationship that Fudeko secured funds to build the Japanese Garden on the banks of the Macquarie River in Bathurst. Okhuma Town Council also donated ornaments for the Japanese Centre.

Fudeko was also instrumental in obtaining funds for the Bathurst City Library from the Osaka Japan Expo Funds.