Building International Friendship
since 1968
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Our History
Upland’s Sister City program was established in the late 1960’s to promote cultural, educational, and economic ties with the people of Caborca, Mexico and the people of Mildura, Australia.
These partnerships, built on shared history and mutual respect, have strengthened cultural ties and enriched our communities through private citizens and local officials.
Who We Are
The Sister City organization is an outgrowth of the "People to People" program launched by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1956 to promote global peace and understanding. Noting the failure of international diplomacy in keeping peace, he said that if people of the world would get to know each other on a personal basis, developing friendship and mutual respect, much of the mistrust and lack of understanding which causes wars would be greatly diminished.
Through shared history and continued collaboration, the Upland Sister City Association has strengthened ties with Mildura and Caborca, proving that geography is no barrier to friendship. Whether through student exchanges, cultural festivals, or historical commemorations, these relationships continue to thrive, honoring the vision of the Chaffey Brothers and the enduring spirit of international unity.
Upland Sister City is dedicated to the development of friendship and understanding while promoting world peace.
Our Sister Cities
A sister city is a long-term friendship between communities in different countries. Upland's sister cities are Mildura, Australia and Caborca, Mexico.
Mildura, Australia and Upland, California formed a Sister City relationship in 1969.
This story begins with brothers, George and William Chaffey, visionary Canadian brothers, who transformed arid landscapes into thriving agricultural hubs. In the late 19th century, the Chaffeys pioneered irrigation techniques that shaped both Upland, California, and Mildura, Australia. Their expertise in water management turned barren lands into fertile orchards, laying the foundation for prosperous communities.
Recognizing this shared heritage, Upland and Mildura officially became sister cities in 1969. Over the decades, delegations from both cities have exchanged visits, celebrating their intertwined histories. Mildura, located along the Murray River, continues to honor the Chaffey legacy, much like Upland does with its historic Euclid Avenue, both grand boulevards designed by the Chaffey brothers.
Chaffey High School in Ontario and Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga were both named after these brothers.
Caborca, Mexico became a Sister City with Upland in 1968
A year before Upland’s partnership with Mildura, the city established another sister city relationship—this time with Caborca, Mexico. Founded in 1688 as a Jesuit mission, Caborca has a deep-rooted history, shaped by indigenous cultures and Spanish settlers. Over the years, Upland and Caborca have exchanged cultural programs, fostering friendships through art, education, and civic engagement.
Despite periods of inactivity, the bond between Upland and Caborca has been revitalized in recent years. Delegations have traveled between the two cities, celebrating traditions and exploring economic opportunities.
Featured in the Daily Bulletin
In 2019, the Daily Bulletin covered a visit from Upland’s sister city of Mildura, Australia, highlighting the Chaffey-family connection that links the two communities and the people-to-people spirit behind the Association.