By Vicky Baunke in Goroka, EHP
The Goroka District Development Authority (DDA) has presented K150,000 towards hosting the 69th Goroka Show this year.
The presentation was made by Goroka DDA CEO, Benson Imara, to the Chairlady of the Goroka Show Committee, Karyn Hargreaves, in the presence of Goroka MP, Aiye Tambua.
Tambua said it was only fitting for the Goroka DDA to support the event, as the Goroka Show carries the district’s name and generates revenue for the local economy. He explained that the funding was sourced from the District Services Improvement Program (DSIP). He added that games would also be hosted at schools throughout the district a week before the Show to keep people engaged in their villages and communities.
Hargreaves expressed gratitude for the support, noting that the Goroka Show, now in its 69th year, is 19 years older than the country itself. She said the event is a platform where the world comes to see Papua New Guinea, and PNG is showcased to the world.
She highlighted that tourists begin arriving in Goroka a week before the Show and spend foreign currency in the town. According to her, about K10 million in revenue is generated in spin-off benefits for Goroka during the Show weekend alone.
Hargreaves also appealed to residents to take ownership of the event as preparations continue. She confirmed that this year’s Goroka Show will be staged from 19th to 21st September at the National Sports Institute, coinciding with the Independence weekend celebrations.
She further revealed that 74 local singsing groups had already registered, a significant increase compared to previous years where fewer than 30 groups from Eastern Highlands took part. In total, 150 singsing groups are expected to participate this year, along with skydivers from Australia.
