Australia’s national day was on 26 January. It’s a day where we take the opportunity to understand where we’ve been so that we can shape where we want to go. On Australia Day, we take stock of who we are as a nation, recognising our achievements, embracing our national identity and welcoming new Australians while honouring those who have contributed to building Australia, especially Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

As Australia’s High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, I am both humbled and privileged to reflect on the meaning of Australia Day and its relevance in the context of the enduring bond between our two nations. In 2025, this reflection carries resonance as Papua New Guinea approaches an historic milestone: the 50th anniversary of its independence on 16 September 2025.

In 2025, we celebrate together as neighbours, friends and partners in our region. No relationship is as close and important to Australia as our relationship is with PNG. And in this year, celebrating PNG’s 50th anniversary of independence, we are reminded further of our shared history and shared future.

Australia and PNG are the nearest of neighbours and closest of friends. Since before independence and over many generations, we have remained steadfast in our shared values of democracy, sovereignty and the rule of law and our shared vision for a peaceful, stable, prosperous, and unified region.

In 1906, Australia and Papua were under one Australian administration. Together, we went through WWI, the Great Depression and WWII where the Kokoda spirit was born. After WWII, our people-to-people links remained strong with Australian teachers, missionaries, health care workers and public servants working across the country. Then, on 16 September 1975, through the efforts of the Somare and Whitlam governments and in the presence of the then Prince and now His Majesty King Charles III, the Australian flag was lowered and the PNG flag raised over Port Moresby. PNG gained its independence, and Australia gained a friend.

Australia is as enthusiastic about PNG’s Golden Jubilee as we were about independence in 1975. Now, like then, we look to the future and the significance of the next 50 years.

As Papua New Guinea’s 50th anniversary is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the Papua New Guinean people and their commitment to their nation. The celebrations are an opportunity to reflect on the journey so far, one in which Australia has accompanied its neighbour side by side, step by step and we will continue to do so as we envision a future of even greater progress and collaboration between our nations.

Our strong friendship and our forward-looking trajectory make our relationship unique.  Among our shared cultural bonds is our unrivalled love of sport. In December the Australian and PNG governments announced their support of a PNG NRL team, Australians will sit up and take notice as PNG enters the international stage. I can’t wait to come back to attend their first match in 2028.

PNG Prime Minister James Marape and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese walking side by side on the Kokoda Track in April 2024

Our cooperation across defence, policing, health, education, economic growth and business development, sports and environment continue to grow from strength to strength. This year, we will continue a strong focus on supporting the delivery of quality infrastructure in PNG. Recent examples include the Metoreia Urban Health Centre in Hanuabada in Port Moresby, and the upgrading of the Kimbe Port in West New Britain (part of a comprehensive plan to help upgrade ports across PNG using local contractors and in consultation with communities).

While our governments’ work is important, it’s the connections between individual Australians and Papua New Guineans that make our partnership so special and, in recognition of this, Australia is launching its Yumi Stap Wantaim campaign, which highlights our cultural, defence, security, development and economic ties—and goes beyond simple recognition of PNG’s independence.

Yumi Stap Wantaim is not merely a celebration; it is a tribute to the success of the Papua New Guinea which has emerged in the last 50 years. It is a celebration of its vitality and its resilience and of the deep friendship and partnership between our two nations and our two people. While our contemporary relationship is anchored in our shared history, it is enlivened and given meaning by our shared values and faith. 

Throughout 2025, Yumi Stap Wantaim will deliver a series of high-profile events, showcasing our close partnership through activities that focus on education, sport, film, music, dance, art, and food.

As part of the festivities, Australia and PNG talk about new avenues for co-operation and partnership. Events, forums, and exhibitions will be held across both countries to celebrate our shared achievements and aspirations. Australians and Papua New Guineans alike are invited to take part in these events, reaffirming our commitment to a bright and inclusive future.

It will be a year to remember. We look forward to reflecting on our history, celebrating with the people of PNG, and continuing to build a future based on friendship, respect, and collaboration.

John Feakes

Former Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea