48th Papua New Guinea Independence

Twelve teams participated in the tournament over the Independence weekend at Vovosi Village in Hoskins, West New Britain Province.

Sports were among the main events of the celebrations – bringing the young and the old together. It was an event aimed at putting local youth talent out there and keeping others out of trouble.

Teams came from Galeoale, Porapora, Vovosi, and Valoka villages in Hoskins. Kilu Village was the only village from Talasea District invited to participate.

Cultural performances, live bands, food stalls and arts and craft markets were hosted concurrently at the Lae Botanical Gardens, DCA beachfront, the University of Technology and Butibam Village. Even each ward within Lae district hosted mini shows as funding was given to respective councillors by the Lae City Authority.

Despite the heavy downpour on Saturday, September 16^th, a large number of residents took part in the provincial government’s usual Independence Day commemoration at the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium.

These youngsters carried the Papua New Guinea flag around the sports oval. In tow, were teams taking in the Rugby 7s tournament. It was a momentous and memorable occasion, put together by village elders.

Villages of Galeaoale, Porapora, Gavaiva, Valoka and converged at Vovosi to have a joint celebration.

Some of the highlights including a game of tug-of-war for men and women.

There was also the usual traditional dance performances. Adding flavor to that, elderly women also put on a show by singing their traditional songs to depict self-governance and independence.

Special Project Officer Francis Tavatuna on behalf of the Governor’s Office called on all that gathered to reflect on how PNG gained its independence, 48 years ago.

He said PNG can achieve change and development, and the onus was on everyone to contribute meaningfully in nation building.

Tavatuna encouraged people to change their mindsets and start to show change personally, within their families and through communities to foster a bigger change within the country.

Pelgen urged his electorate, in Morobe Province, to reflect on the past, make decisions today and work towards the future.

“The state of the country now depends on proactive leadership,” the first-term MP and prominent Lae businessman said.

“For too long we have talked much and taken for granted how development should take place.

“As we approach 50 years, PNG will be more matured to make more independent plans, actions and implementations.

The province commemorated PNG’s 48^th Independence Anniversary as well as celebrated the EPG Enga Mioks’ victory in the provincial capital of Wabag on Friday, September 15^th.

The event started with a motorcade from Wapenamanda to Wabag, covering over 40 kilometres and led by Enga Provincial Administrator, Sandis Tsaka, on his motorbike.

Governor Sir Peter Ipatas joined on his motorcycle, to the excitement of more than 10,000 people who attended the event.

Social services chief executive officer of the New Ireland Provincial Administration, Benson Apelis, issued the challenge during the commemoration of PNG’s 48^th Independence anniversary on September 16^th.

“New Ireland is rich with its diverse cultures – such as malangan, kabai, tubuan – flora and fauna, white sandy beaches, best tourism spots in PNG, two gold mines, high human intelligence and peace and tranquillity stretching across our beautiful Bilas Peles,” Apelis outlined.

He said the reason being the government has yet to mitigate the nation's youth bulge pandemic, create safe communities, leverage its geopolitical strength to rapidly create mass employment through foreign direct investment, and promote sustainable resource management that benefits landowners.

He made this remark as the country’s flag was lowered during the Flag Lowering ceremony on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium.

The Governor General reminded Papua New Guineans that PNG is a Christian nation but has seen little change due to the uprising of conflict, and law and order issues.

He challenged all citizens to start treating each other with respect and work together for the better.

“We must build a peace-loving national character within ourselves and among our citizens. We must have a change in our Mindset.

They reflect on Papua New Guinea’s 48th Independence anniversary from Australia.

Despite the challenges and negative news surrounding their homeland, this day remains a beacon of patriotism for PNG citizens worldwide, a day to cherish their hard-won freedom.

This year's event also showed support to local PNG businesses in Townsville, fostering a sense of home for both local and international JCU students. It's an effort to bridge cultures and nurture a sense of belonging.