I WOULD like to wish the Australian High Commissioner and his staff, and the Aussie community in PNG, a belated Happy Australia Day!
I join my fellow Papua New Guineans to thank the Australian government and people for their generous support to PNG, before and after independence.
Over the years, Australia’s actions have always spoken louder than words in various capacities, through their government and private organisations; Australians have always been there for us in more ways than we care to remember.
Moreover, despite many misunderstandings over the years, the Australian government has always come out big to help us in times of great need, whether we ask for help or not.
For this, we are forever grateful to our Aussie mates down under.
Papua New Guineans will always remember and value Australian generosity for years to come.
PNG’s development has come this far mainly due to Australia’s generous support in many ways.
I assure Australians that we will always be mates forever.

Reginald Renagi
Port Moresby