For immediate release
19 March 2009
CHRISTINE ANU: “THANK YOU PNG!”
This year’s Australia Week may have come and gone in a blur but some of the activities of the week have certainly left a lasting impression here in Papua New Guinea. Among the standout events of the week were the appearances made by the very talented Christine Anu.
Australian High Commissioner Chris Moraitis was impressed. “It has been a truly memorable experience witnessing Christine’s extraordinary voice and beautiful presence – we have been absolutely delighted to have this opportunity,” he said.
“There was a real community focus to many of the events this year which I think was very popular and that is what it is all about – showcasing Australia to the people of PNG and celebrating the close relationships and people-to-people links between our countries,” he said.
“Christine and her band really got into the spirit of Australia Week, getting out and meeting people from all walks of life and sharing her gifts with them.”
Anu and her band made numerous appearances and impromptu performances at non-profit events throughout Port Moresby, including a performance to the public at the Lamana Hotel on 11 March and a special performance on 12 March to competition winners and guests of the Australian High Commission.
Local audiences really connected with the singer: Emmanuel Narokobi from Rotaract said: “Her songs in her Kalaw Kawaw Ya language and other popular hits made me feel as though I could quite possibly miss her island home of Saibai as well. Even if it is only 4 km from PNG”.
“The tok pisin words she dropped in when she spoke to us made me feel as though she really wasn’t only Australian, but really a sister from another part of PNG that had dropped in to sing to us wantoks”.
“I hope that she always remains a Salt Water, Island Girl… because maintaining her traditions in her songs is not only good for her and her children but for all of us who are still trying to fit into somewhere yesterdays culture… bring it into today’s city life”, he said.
Christine was inspirational and spoke about key issues between her songs encouraging men to treat women with respect and say no to violence. Sharing the story behind the song is a tradition in indigenous Australian performances.
PNG left a lasting impression on Christine, too. “I have had such an amazing experience during my week here in Port Moresby, the people here are so humble and generous and I have been honoured by the welcome I have received,” she said.
“I love this country and its people and I hope to be coming back in January next year”, she said.
“I also had the privilege of my own personal performance by a trio of very talent young men out at the Sabama settlement – this was a very moving experience for me as it reminded me of my own struggles as a budding artist”, Christine said.
The trio, lead by Emannual Mailau, are yet to come up with a name for their band, but were tagged “Fact 3” by Christine when she invited them on stage to play a surprise set during the Australian High Commission show at the Lamana Hotel.
“This country is teaming with talent and everybody deserves a chance in life”, Christine said. “We were delighted to showcase some of that talent to the public.”
Asked what message she had for the people of PNG after her visit, Christine didn’t hesitate with her response.
“I’d just like to say thank you to everyone for an amazing week. I’m looking forward to visiting again as soon as possible,” she said.
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The Australian High Commission would like to express its sincere appreciation for the support Australia Week has received from a number of PNG and Australian corporate sponsors. The major sponsors of Australia Week 2009 were Qantas, EMTV, Lamana Hotel, ANZ, Westpac and Casella Wines, without whom the main events would not have been possible.
We are also grateful to NBC, Brian Bell, Pacific MMI Insurance, FM100, The Post Courier, The National and The Wantok for getting behind the week’s events and to everyone else who helped and got into the spirit of the week.
Media Inquiries: Oliver Nombri, Ph : 3259333 ext 454, or [email protected], or Francina Thomson, Ph : 3259333 ext 276, or [email protected]