MEDIA RELEASE
7 July 2009
For immediate release
Indigenous education resources donated to UPNG for NAIDOC Week 2009
A suite of Indigenous education resources, including books and DVDs, has been donated by the Australian Government to the Michael Somare Library at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG).
At a donation ceremony yesterday at the UPNG, the Australian High Commissioner Mr Chris Moraitis presented the books and DVDs to the University for inclusion in the library.
“These education resources are intended to provide users of the library with access to current and accurate information about Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture”, Mr Moraitis said.
During the ceremony, the High Commissioner also spoke about the strong cultural links between people from the Southern Region of Papua New Guinea and Australian Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Accepting the education resources on behalf of the UPNG and the Michael Somare Library was Vice-Chancellor Professor Ross Hynes and Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Alan Easton.
Professor Hynes thanked the Australian Government for the generous donation and also mentioned the historical and cultural links that exist between PNG and Australia’s Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander people.
The donation ceremony marked the commencement of NAIDOC Week 2009, an annual event held across Australia and internationally each July to showcase the history, culture, achievements and contribution of Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Australia.
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