PNG community to come together to celebrate independence

USQ will host a celebration in recognition of PNG's Independence Day at the University's Toowoomba campus this Saturday (September 13).

The Darling Downs Papua New Guinean (PNG) community will come together at the USQ this Saturday (September 13) to commemorate the country's Independence Day.

Papua New Guineans from across the region are expected to travel to the University to mark PNG's independence, which was attained from Australia on 16 September, 1975.

USQ student Geoff Korowa who, with the assistance of the USQ Multicultural Centre, helped organise the event, said that it was the most important day on his country's calendar and gave the Darling Downs PNG community the opportunity to celebrate the nation's history.

'The day is in recognition of PNG's 33rd anniversary of our independence from Australia,' the Mechanical Engineering student said.

'It is celebrated every year and having an event at the University allows us who are away from home to meet up and celebrate something that we have in common.'

With a number of PNG students currently studying at USQ, Mr Korowa expected a good attendance.

'There are about 15 PNG students at the University and a lot of them have families as well," he said.

'We aren't just expecting people from Toowoomba to show up however as we have had interest from other places in the surrounding region.'

Throughout the day those who attend the event will be treated to a PNG themed program, which will give people an insight into the country's history.

'There will be a flag raising ceremony and our national anthem, songs, traditional dancing and a guest speaker as well as plenty of other entertainment.'

Saturday will not be the first time that USQ has celebrated PNG Independence Day with interest in the event strong over the past few years.

'This will be the third year running that something of this size has been held at the University,' Mr Korowa said.

The celebration will get underway from 8.00am this Saturday (13 September) in the USQ refectory and is expected to finish at 2.00pm.

For more information on the event contact the USQ Multicultural Centre on +61 7 4631 1678.

Media Contact: Josh Ada, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2559