PNGAA Canberra Dinner to celebrate PNG’s 50th Independence – 30 August 2025
The Papua New Guinea Association of Australia invites you to a Canberra Dinner to Celebrate 50 Years of Independence
This is an opportunity to gather together to share this golden anniversary and to connect with others who have enjoyed the rich culture and experiences of the Papua New Guinea/Australia relationship.
PNGAA is delighted that His Excellency John Ma’o Kali CMG OBE and his wife, Mrs Vavinenama Kali, will be attending, and His Excellency will make some opening remarks. His Excellency, PNG High Commissioner to Australia, will address guests for a short time about the contemporary PNG/Australian relationship and the significance of this special golden anniversary year.
Enjoying such a dynamic and close history between our two countries means that we are especially thrilled to also have highly regarded historians Dr Ian Howie-Willis OAM and Mrs Margaret Howie-Willis, as Guest Speakers.
They will share their unique experiences as teachers in New Guinea, and as independent professional historians. Their journey is an opportunity not to miss!
In 1968, following 3 years at Brandi High School near Wewak, Dr Ian Howie-Willis was appointed to lecture English at the Papua New Guinea University of Technology. While lecturing at ‘Unitech’, Ian completed a MA degree in Papua New Guinean History at the University of Papua New Guinea in 1972–73, and a PhD in Papua New Guinea History followed at the Australian National University in 1977. He has written 23 books.
Date: 30th August 2025
Time: 6.30pm for 7.00 pm start
Venue: Pavilion on Northbourne, 242 Northbourne Ave, Dickson ACT 2602 (Canberra).
Cost: $86.00 includes a 3-course sit-down dinner, with drinks available from a cash bar. Additionally, the Pavilion will be hosting a ‘Happy Hour’ from 6.30pm to 7.30pm
RSVP essential by: 18 August 2025 – Please book via the form below.
