Building International Friendships
since 1968
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Welcome to Upland Sister City Association
Welcome, and thank you for visiting the Upland Sister City Association website.
It is my honor to serve as President of an organization dedicated to building lasting friendships, promoting cultural understanding and creating educational opportunities through our international partnerships. Our Sister City relationships with Mildura, Australia and Caborca, Mexico enrich our community by connecting people across borders through cultural exchanges, student programs, educational activities and community events.
For many years, our Association has worked to foster goodwill and mutual respect while celebrating the unique traditions and histories of our sister cities. These relationships remind us that although we may live thousands of miles apart, we share common values of friendship, learning and service.
There are many ways to become involved. Whether you choose to become a member, volunteer at one of our events, host or welcome visiting delegates, or support our educational and cultural programs, your participation helps strengthen these important international connections. Every contribution of time, talent and financial support allows us to continue providing meaningful experiences for students, families and our community.
We invite you to explore our website, learn more about our sister cities and join us at our upcoming events. Together we can continue to build bridges of friendship that span generations and continents.
Thank you for your interest in the Upland Sister City Association. I look forward to welcoming you as part of our growing family of volunteers, members and friends.
Warm regards,
Desiree Herrera
President
Upland Sister City Association
Announcing New Logo
The Upland Sister City Association is proud to announce the adoption of its new official logo, created by former Upland High School senior and talented young artist Racquel Mangindaan.
(See details on the “News” page)
Thank you to recent Upland High School graduate Matthew Cabrera for creating this website. His work has been invaluable. In recognition of his contribution, the Upland Sister City Association awarded Matthew a $250 scholarship. We congratulate him on his acceptance to UCLA and wish him every success in his studies and future endeavors.
Sister Cities International
The Sister City program was founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956 to promote peace through people-to-people diplomacy. Noting the failure of international diplomacy in keeping peace, he believed that if people of the world would get to know one another on a personal basis, developing friendship and mutual respect, much of the mistrust and lack of understanding which causes wars would be greatly diminished.
Sister Cities International operates directly under The United States State Department. For nearly seventy years, Sister Cities International’s leadership and volunteers have established thousands of partnerships between U.S. cities and cities worldwide.
Who We Are
The Upland Sister City Association is an outgrowth of the "People to People" program launched by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1956 to promote global peace and understanding.
Through shared history and continued collaboration, Upland Sister City Association has strengthened ties with Caborca, Mexico and Mildura, Australia proving that geography is no barrier to friendship. Whether through student and professional exchanges, cultural festivals, or historical commemorations, these relationships continue to thrive, honoring the enduring spirit of international unity.
Upland Sister City Association operates under the auspices of the Upland City Council and is dedicated to the development of friendship and understanding while promoting world peace.
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 cultural, educational and professional exchanges.
Our Sister Cities
A sister city is a long-term friendship between communities in different countries. Upland's sister cities are Caborca, Mexico established in 1968 and Mildura, Australia. Mildura and Upland formed a Sister City relationship in 1969.
Mildura, Australia
Upland, California and Mildura, Australia formed a sister city relationship in 1969. Their story began with 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 later Mildura, Australia. Their expertise in water management turned barren lands into fertile orchards, laying the foundation for two prosperous communities. Their foresight in city planning resulted in a similar design and layout for both cities.
Upland’s grand central boulevard, Euclid Avenue, became the grand central boulevard named Deakin Avenue in Mildura. Chaffey High School in Ontario and Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga were both named after these brothers and the George Chaffey statue stands in front of Upland City Hall.
Mildura has the George Chaffey Bridge over the Murray River, the Rio Vista House built by W.B. Chaffey and the Chaffey Historic Trail as well as the W.B. Chaffey statue on Deakin Avenue.
Over the decades, delegations from both cities have exchanged visits and hosted student exchanges celebrating their intertwined histories and shared heritage.
Caborca, Mexico
In 1968 Upland established their first sister city relationship 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.