The group is made up of people living with disabilities, parents, carers, volunteers and support staff. Their aim is to find out more about disability services in Australia.

Macarthur Disability Services general manager Anne Thorn said the local service was excited to meet with the Wings of Hope delegation.

``After a fun and interesting morning everyone had a picnic lunch at Koshigaya Park with, of course, lamingtons and pavlova,'' she said.

Ms Thorn said her service had organised a number of opportunities for information sharing and joint activities. ``The visitors will get the

opportunity to experience indigenous art, while the visitors from Japan will be teaching origami,'' she said.

Ms Thorn described the event as a good learning opportunity.

``It provides a fantastic opportunity to really get to socialise and learn so much about people with a disability and their families in Japan,'' she said.

``Our service participants are really excited and have put a lot of thought into the activities they have arranged. They are also learning some Japanese to be able to say `hello' and `thank you'.

``It is hoped that this visit will foster an ongoing friendship and networking between Saitama Wings of Hope and Macarthur Disability Services.''

For more information about Macarthur Disability Services please call 46218400.