The Australian flag lowered on Papua New Guinea’s Independence Day in 1975 at Ossima Primary School, West Sepik, has been returned to the Australian Government – and is now on display at the National Museum and Art Gallery (NMAG).
Eighty-four-year-old retired teacher Mr Peter Kanawi, who lowered the flag on 16 September 1975, has been the guardian of the historic artefact for 50 years.
The existence of the flag became apparent after a social media post went viral. His family had put a call out asking for help to give it back to Australia and the Australian High Commission contacted them to retrieve it.
As a token of Australia’s deep appreciation for his custodianship of this piece of history, the High Commission exchanged the pre-independence Australian flag with a flag of Papua New Guinea for the school to fly proudly in remembrance of 16 September 1975, and Australia and Papua New Guinea’s strong partnership.
As part of the exchange on 25 August at Ossima Primary School, a letter from Australian High Commissioner and Special Envoy for the Pacific and Regional Affairs, Mr Ewen MacDonald, was also presented to the Kanawi family.
The flag is an important reminder of a pivotal moment in Papua New Guinea’s history. It is currently on display with the Wok bung wantaim exhibition, an exhibition which features archival photographs for the National Archives of Australia’s collection. This exhibition captures the spirit of independence celebrations and the path that led to it. It is a tribute to the architects of independence and the people of Papua New Guinea.
Quotes attributable to Mr Peter Kanawi
“Australia has been good to us. I kept the flag to honour the relationship and the journey we’ve shared.”
“I believe God kept me alive to see this day... I am happy and blessed to be here, to return the flag as a sign of respect for my country, for Australia and for leaders like late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare who inspired me.”
Ends.
Australian High Commission representative, Mr Nicholas Kittel, Counsellor Strategic Communications and Public Diplomacy (third from left), handing the flag to the Acting Director of the National Museum and Art Gallery, Mr Alois Kuaso (second from right), and NMAG staff.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100