As the first light of Anzac Day broke across Papua New Guinea on Saturday, communities gathered in quiet reflection at sites woven into our shared wartime history. Dawn services were held in places of historic military significance across the country from Port Moresby to Wewak, honouring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and reaffirmed the enduring bonds forged through shared history and service. The breadth of these commemorations highlights the extent to which this shared history remains part of communities across Papua New Guinea.
After several days hiking to the site, Australian Minister for Defence Personnel and Minister for Veterans' Affairs the Honorable Matt Keogh MP spoke at the Dawn Service in Isurava in honour to those who served on the Kokoda Track during World War II. Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Mr Ewen McDonald, made remarks at Bomana War Cemetery in Port Moresby, along with Australian Defence Force Major General Matt Burr, Commander of 2nd (Australian) Division.
Papua New Guinea and Australia continue to stand side by side, as they did during World War II, continuing to develop the strong partnership that was founded in these areas decades ago.
Quote attributable to Australian Minister for Defence Personnel and Minister for Veterans' Affairs, the Honorable Matt Keogh MP:
“The Australians were greatly supported by the Papua New Guinean people during the Kokoda Campaign. Some served as soldiers in the Australian Army or as police, while thousands more carried supplies and helped evacuate the sick and wounded. Others assisted with the construction of airfields, roads, and buildings in base areas and on the supply lines.”
“We remain forever grateful to our Papua New Guinean friends for the assistance they provided, and today we honour the enduring relationship between our two countries and our shared sacrifices on the Kokoda Track. Papua New Guinea remains one of Australia’s closest and most important partners.”
Quote attributable to Mr Ewen McDonald, Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Special Envoy for the Pacific and Regional Affairs:
“This moment represents a bridge between the present and what was a defining moment in our nations’ shared history. Every year on 25 April, the stillness of the early morning is broken by the same solemn vigil. Australians and New Zealanders come together in the darkness, awaiting the dawn of a new day.”
Quote attributable to Australian Defence Force Major General Matt Burr, Commander 2nd (Australian) Division:
“Anzac Day in Papau New Guinea reminds us that Australia did not fight alone. Papua New Guinean soldiers, carriers, and villagers stood by Australians, fought shoulder to shoulder, guiding them, supporting them and saving lives. That contribution was decisive, and it is remembered with the deepest gratitude and respect.”
ENDS
Mission Hill – Australian Defence Force personnel Private Ashton Lewis FL, Private Charlie Highes BL, Private Kurt Stuenkel BR, Private Archer Morison FR.
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