As Australia has proudly joined Papua New Guinea in marking the 50th anniversary of its independence — a milestone of enormous symbolic significance for both nations.
Around Australia, the anniversary has been celebrated through art, culture, history, and people-to-people connections that highlight the depth of the Australia–Papua New Guinea relationship.
In Canberra, a Papua New Guinea Community Day brought together diaspora communities, Somare-Whitlam scholars, academics, and Australians with close PNG ties. The event featured dance, music, art and culture, and launched the National Archives of Australia’s 50th Anniversary Collection alongside the National Gallery of Australia’s Bilong Papua New Guinea exhibition.
In Cairns, The Invisible Line exhibition at Mulgrave Gallery showcased the deep cultural ties between Australia’s First Nations peoples and communities in Papua New Guinea, only four kilometres apart across the Torres Strait.
Australia has also supported the restoration of Tukana — Papua New Guinea’s first feature film — as a gift to mark the anniversary. Restored by Australia’s National Film and Sound Archive, the film stars Hon. Francesca Semoso MP, Member for North Bougainville and the first woman to preside from the Speaker’s chair in PNG’s National Parliament.
Media and storytelling remain central to the relationship. The ABC and PNG’s National Broadcasting Corporation have partnered to release a new documentary, PNG: Road to Independence. Produced by the ABC, the film explores PNG’s path to nationhood and will premiere on ABC TV on 16 September, coinciding with Independence Day.
The National Archives of Australia and the National Gallery of Australia, working with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, co-hosted a public event to celebrate. National Archive curators gave talks, displayed records and other documents to show how Papua New Guinea's achieved independence and help connect the community with history.
Recognising the contribution of Australian Kiaps to PNG’s nation-building journey, both governments have committed to establishing a Kiap Memorial on the grounds of Australia’s Parliament. Design work is underway, with construction to commence in 2026.
Travellers passing through Cairns and Brisbane airports will also see special anniversary signage marking the enduring friendship between Australia and PNG.
For 50 years, Australia has walked side by side, step by step with Papua New Guinea. These celebrations reflect a relationship built on shared history, cultural ties, and human connection — and a shared commitment to the next 50 years of partnership.
Yumi stap wantaim.
Ends.
To mark the anniversary the National Archives of Australia has preserved and digitised over 5,500 records, including early 20th century glass plate negatives recognised by UNESCO’s Australian Memory of the World Register. Remarks at the event were given by the NAA's Deputy Director-General and Chief Operating Officer Gill Savage, and PNG's Deputy High Commissioner to Australia Mr Joe Warisan.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100