[ANU Pacific.Institute] PNG 50th anniversary of independence events that may be of interest to Pacific Institute members

[Amanda H A Watson]

Hi.

There are multiple upcoming events here in Canberra to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Papua New Guinea’s independence that may be of interest to Pacific Institute members. I provide a list below. Some of these have been sent to Pacific Institute members already but I thought this list might be of use. It includes both ANU and non-ANU events.

Amanda




DPA Seminar Series: Gendered Experiences and Challenges in Political Participation and Labour Mobility in Papua New Guinea

Date & time: Tuesday 9 September, 10.30 - 11:30 am

Venue: Coombs Building, Seminar Room E and Online

Registration link available here<https://events.humanitix.com/women-s-experiences-and-challenges-in-political-participation-and-labour-mobility-in-papua-new-guinea?_gl=1*o58nl5*_gcl_au*MjA5MTczNDcwNy4xNzUyMTIyMzkxLjEzNjMyODQ1MzUuMTc1NjI3MzExMi4xNzU2MjczMTEx*_ga*ODcxNjcwMjMuMTcxNjQzODg1OA..*_ga_LHKW5FR9N6*czE3NTY3Nzc2MDYkbzI0OCRnMSR0MTc1Njc3ODUxMCRqMTEkbDAkaDA.>

Speakers: Geejay Milli, Natasha Turia and Dr Mercy Masta



Papua New Guinea (PNG) faces complex gender dynamics that impact women's participation in both the formal labour force and in political leadership. Whether moving from rural villages to urban centres or pursuing international opportunities through schemes like the Pacific Engagement Visa, women, as well as men, face a complex web of barriers—entrenched gender roles, cultural expectations, and systemic inequalities. Labour mobility isn't just about economics; it's about who gets to move, who gets left behind, and who gets to decide. In a nation grappling with high rates of gender-based violence and chronic underrepresentation of women in governance, this panel explores the powerful intersection between gendered labour migration and political participation. How do mobility and politics reinforce—or resist—each other in shaping women’s agency in PNG?



Symposium: PNG 50 for 50

Date: Thursday 11 September 2025

Venue: Weston Theatre, J.G. Crawford Building 132, ANU

Registration form is available here<https://events.devpolicy.org/20250911-register>.

Theme: ‘Papua New Guinea’s 50 years of nationhood and the future 50 years ahead’

As Papua New Guinea marks 50 years of independence, this symposium provides a crucial moment to reflect on the journey since 1975 and strategically envision the next fifty years. It convenes diverse voices to critically assess past achievements and failures, confront future challenges, and explore opportunities leading to PNG's centenary. The goal is to spark vital, forward-looking dialogue essential for shaping the nation’s path to centenarian. #PNG50



50 years of Independence: Community Day

Collaboration of PNG community day events to be held at the National Archives, National Library and at the National Gallery on Saturday 13 September 2025:

  *   National Archives of Australia – speeches and a performance<https://www.naa.gov.au/visit-us/events-and-exhibitions/celebrating-50-years-papua-new-guineas-independence> at 10am, followed by morning tea.
  *   National Gallery of Australia – special performance at 1pm to mark the opening of the Bilong Papua New Guinea: 50 Years of Independence<https://nga.gov.au/events/50-years-of-independence-community-day/> display.
  *
National Library of Australia – view the 1975: Living in the Seventies<https://www.library.gov.au/whats-on/exhibitions/1975-living-seventies> exhibition, which showcases Papua New Guinea's path to independence.


PNG Slideshow

9 September- 19 September: PNG Slideshow, commemorating 50 years of PNG's independence, the Pacific Manuscripts Bureau and Immersia present a very special Papua New Guinea Slideshow. Details here<https://immersia.anu.edu.au/event/2025-immersia-papua-new-guinea-slideshow>.

Tok Pisin lunch
11 & 18 September: Tok Pisin Conversation and Language Taster (bring your own lunch or coffee) - forget about English for an hour and chat in Tok Pisin instead! Details here<https://immersia.anu.edu.au/event/immersia-edition-tok-pisin-lunch-conversation-and-language-taster-0>.

Tinpis Run screening
16 September: Special Screening of Tinpis Run - step back to a pivotal moment in Papua New Guinea’s history with the nation’s first-ever feature film. This landmark adventure captures a country in transition—where ancient traditions meet modern realities. Register here<https://immersia.anu.edu.au/event/movies-menzies-special-screening-tinpis-run>.


National Film and Sound Archive of Australia Restores: Tukana-Husat i asua

Date and time: Tuesday 4 November at 6:00 PM

Venue: Arc Cinema with Allocated Seating

Price: Free

Registration link available here<https://tickets.nfsa.gov.au/events/nfsa-restores-tukana-husat-i-asua?utm_medium=email&utm_source=outreach&utm_campaign=acton_media>



Tukana–Husat I asua (who’s to blame) follows the story of a university dropout who returns to his village in Buka Passage, Bougainville. He drifts into rootlessness among bad companions, becoming progressively alienated from his parents and village life, with tragic consequences.



Considered Papua New Guinea’s most significant feature film, Tukana is the result of a unique collaboration between Australian director Chris Owen, who was instrumental in the establishment of the National Film Institute in Goroka, Papa New Guinea, and Albert Toro, a celebrated writer, director, actor and MP, known as the father of PNG film.


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