By Lorraine Jimal
The Papua New Guinea National Museum and Arts Gallery officially opened its center that holds the shared history of Papua New Guinea and Australia back in the days.
As described by the National Museum and Arts Gallery Board of trustees Terence Moka, this center is one of the world’s most diverse region in Arts Gallery established in 1977.
“This museum stands as a living testament to our national identity,” he said.
Moka said the 48 years old center is one of the Papua New Guinea’s true national treasures.
“A guardian of our history, traditions and our identity as a people and nation,” he said.
Moka further stated that the opening is a celebration of PNG story as a people and nation, the struggle, resilience and achievements.
“It is the time and moment our past and present are connected and more importantly lights the part of our generations who will follow,” he said.
The center also tells a powerful story of the nation’s aviation story from the first missionary and explorers with the first flight in 1922 during the colonial era.
He thanked the Royal Australian Airforce for making this possible for PNG to house its history.
“We could not have an Aviation center without the core sides and the generosity of the Royal Australia Air Force, our partnership is longstanding, we worked together over the years to retrieve our numerous air crafts and the fallen soldiers.” Moka said.
Royal Australian Air Force Marshall Stephen Chappell said this center is a gift from their era to PNG.
“It is a gift of friendship, thank you for being a good friend, showing up for us and for your mutual respect,” he said.
