Australian High Commission
Papua New Guinea

110307_MR_Australia Week 2011 lauched....The 'Decade of Independence' exhibition opened

7 March 2011

For immediate release

 

Australia Week 2011 launched
…The ‘Decade of Independence’ exhibition opened

 

The Australian High Commission is staging it fifth annual Australia Week from 7 to 13 March 2011.

Australian High Commissioner, Ian Kemish AM, when launching Australia Week 2011 this morning said, “Australia Week is a chance to showcase modern Australia in Papua New Guinea, and to reflect in a public way on the current state of the relationship between our two countries.

“Some might be tempted to say that Papua New Guinean’s are already well acquainted with Australia; that they are more familiar with Australian politics, society and culture than those of any other country.

“But it’s precisely because we are so close that we need to make an extra effort to ensure that our assumptions about each other are up to date.”

During the launch Mr Kemish also opened The ‘Decade of Independence’ Photographic Exhibition, which is free and open to the public, will be on display at the Australian High Commission from 7 to 18 March 2011.

The photographs, taken by David Eastburn, present a glimpse of the diversity of Papua New Guinea and its people in the snapshot of time leading up to and immediately following Independence in 1975.

The exhibition is just one of many Australia Week events, including a concert featuring Australian band Little Red and ‘The Wantok Musik Showcase’ featuring George Telek, Richard Mogu, and Airi Ingram. Other events include performances by Aboriginal dance group The Thullii Dancers, separate business and media addresses by award winning Australian journalist Rowan Callick, and sport days, including the Newcrest AFL Australia Week match.

These events and others aim to share Australian culture with PNG and strengthen the close ties between both countries. It is a time when both countries can celebrate their proud histories and cultural heritage.

The Australian High Commission thanks all the sponsors who contributed to making Australia Week 2011 possible.

Platinum Sponsors: Newcrest Mining Limited, SP Brewery, Air Niugini and Pacific MMI Insurance; Gold Sponsors: NASFUND, Hastings Deering, Westpac, Chemcare Group Limited, Australia-Papua New Guinea Business Council and Lamana Hotel; and Silver and In-Kind Sponsors: AVIS, ANZ, Advance Signs PNG, Brian Bell and Post Courier.