MEDIA RELEASE
1 December 2008
For Immediate Release
AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL IN WAU RESCUED FROM THIEVES
Residents of Wau, Morobe Province, were dismayed when the town’s official Australian War Memorial had its plaque stolen. But by a stroke of luck and some determined negotiations, local tourism operator Tim Vincent and his mates will soon have the Wau Memorial back in pristine condition.
Mr Vincent told the story to the Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea Mr Chris Moraitis, who visited Wau, Bulolo, Snake Valley and Hidden Valley on Sunday and Monday last week.
“Thieves have stolen numerous memorial plaques around Wau and other areas. These have included not only the Wau Memorial, but also family graves and other historic markers,” Mr Vincent said.
“During a visit to Lae, some of my colleagues discovered the Wau Memorial plaque for sale at a scrap metal dealership. The dealer took some persuading to return the plaque but we are very happy to have it back. I have been restoring it and we will soon have it re-mounted at its rightful place – the Wau Memorial.”
“Unfortunately, I have been told a lot of metal is stolen from monuments simply to be sold as scrap,” Mr Moraitis said. “If this is true, then it is obviously cause for concern.”
“These memorials are very meaningful to the people of our two countries as they mark past events of extraordinary significance to both Australia and Papua New Guinea. We ask anyone that is aware of other memorials being looted to please contact local authorities,” Mr Moraitis added.
“On behalf of the Australian Government, I’d like to sincerely thank Tim Vincent and the others involved in restoring the Wau Memorial.”
The Wau Memorial commemorates those who fought a desperate defensive battle against a Japanese force which advanced from Salamaua in early 1943. The Japanese, having failed to reach Port Moresby by advancing over the Owen Stanley Range, reinforced Salamaua and made a rapid march on Wau and its strategic mountain airfield. That thrust was repulsed by a force composed of Australians and New Guinea Volunteer Riflemen who drove the Japanese back towards the coast.
Media Inquiries: Francina Thomson, Public Diplomacy Officer, T: 325 9333 ext 276, Email: [email protected]