Papua New Guinea 30th Anniversary of Independence

31 August 2005

The Governor-General has accepted an invitation from His Excellency Sir Paulias Matane GCMG OBE KStJ, Governor-General of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea and will represent Australia at celebrations marking Papua New Guinea’s 30th Anniversary of Independence.

Prior to the celebrations in Port Moresby on 16 September, the Governor-General and Mrs Marlena Jeffery will visit Wewak, Madang and Kokoda.

Their Excellencies’ visit also coincides with the 60th anniversary of the end of World War Two in Papua New Guinea. The anniversaries are significant and shared milestones in the histories of both countries. Papua New Guinea and its people hold a special place in the hearts and minds of a great many Australians.

The Governor-General will attend World War Two commemorative services at the Bomana War Cemetery in Port Moresby and at Wom Point, Wewak. A party of Australian veterans will also attend both services.

The Independence Anniversary celebrations include a state dinner, a flag ceremony and festival.