Australian High Commission
Papua New Guinea

MR 080122 HOMDAP

MEDIA RELEASE

22 January 2008

For immediate release

Australian Government funds music project

 

The Australian High Commission has provided funding for an innovative musical project that promotes positive messages about people living with HIV/AIDS.

Through the Head of Mission Direct Aid Program (HOMDAP), the High Commission was able to fund the production of CDs and tapes featuring songs composed by Hervey Sebea as part of the ‘Friends that care’ campaign. Songs on the album include ‘Friends that Care’, ‘Mi still biliv long yu’, and ‘Sapos yu bin save’.

Sebea visited the High Commission last week to meet with the Australian High Commissioner, Chris Moraitis, and HOMDAP Committee members Pamela Cernaz, Louise Baker, Sarah Goodall and Steve Brancatisano.

Sebea said: "We’d like to thank the Australian High Commission for funding our project. Through our music, we hope to promote positive messages about people living with HIV/AIDS."

Sebea also works with Wantok newspaper on the Wantok Stap AIDS Fri Kupon Kempen in Tok Pisin, with questions and a quiz related to HIV/AIDS education, prevention and treatment.

Sebea hopes to produce Volume 3 of the Friends that Care album series soon, and is aiming to hold a Friends that Care concert at the end of the year.

HOMDAP is a small discretionary fund aimed at development in PNG by assisting disadvantaged people and communities. Projects must benefit communities, rather than families or individuals.

 

Media Inquiries: Francina Thomson, Public Diplomacy Officer, T: 325 9333 ext 276