Port Moresby, along with towns and villages across Papua New Guinea, came alive for PNG’s 50th anniversary of independence (PNG50), with celebrations marking the historic milestone and highlighting enduring partnerships with Australia and Pacific partners.

The celebrations marked September 16, 1975, when Papua New Guinea’s flag was first raised, signalling its emergence as an independent nation. 

Chief of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) Rear Admiral Philip Polewara said the anniversary reflected the nation’s journey and its future.

“It’s been 50 years that we have come together as a nation since September 16, 1975,” Rear Admiral Polewara said. 

“Ours was a rare independence, gained without bloodshed, unlike many others.”

He reflected on the independence ceremony itself. 

“The Australian flag was lowered, folded and handed back, and then our flag was raised – that was one of the rarest moments in history,” he said.

Looking ahead, Rear Admiral Polewara said the celebrations were also a call to prepare for the decades to come. 

“The next 50 years start now, we cannot wait until 50 more years pass before planning for the future – it begins today,” he said.

'Ours was a rare independence, gained without bloodshed, unlike many others.'

The week-long PNG50 program commemorated key historical moments, including a retracing of the 1975 independence march from Wewak to Port Moresby, symbolically connecting current PNGDF personnel with the nation’s founding. 

Activities included a Naval Fleet Review, presentation of new colours, Air Force flyovers and static displays, all showcasing PNGDF capability.

Australia’s contribution connected past and present, with personnel, aircraft and ceremonial support provided across multiple events to reinforce the significance of the week-long celebrations.

Australian defence adviser to Papua New Guinea, Australian Army Colonel Nick Trotter, said this contribution demonstrated the strength of the bilateral partnership.

“Australia contributed personnel, aircraft and ceremonial support across multiple events, helping make PNG50 a truly historic milestone,” Colonel Trotter said.

Events ranged from Exercise Antap Longal, which retraced the 1975 independence march, to air displays by multiple aircraft including the C-27J Spartan, C-130 Hercules, Beechcraft King Air and F-35 Lightning II, and a multinational military tattoo.

“The tattoo brought together 11 nations performing as one, firing ceremonial guns to the 1812 Overture and ending with fireworks, it was a remarkable display of unity,” Colonel Trotter said.

The PNG50 celebrations showcased both Papua New Guinea’s history and PNGDF capabilities, while highlighting Papua New Guinea’s regional leadership and partnerships.