The comments were made during an official welcome where invited guests heard from Mayor Gary Rush, Ohkuma delegation group leader Masayuki Yoshida and Bathurst’s Wiradyuri elder Dinawan Djirrbang.

The Ohkuma students were invited to share their thoughts of their time in the city at the function, with Bathurst resident Fukedo Reekie translating on their behalf.

“The nature is beautiful, the surroundings is beautiful and everyone, the people here, are also beautiful,” one student said.

Another shared the sentiment, saying, “The town is beautiful and I made friends at junior high school, so I am very happy.”