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AUSTRALIAN Governor-General Michael
Jeffery was conferred the title of “Chief” or Honorary Grand
Companion of the Order of Logohu at Admiralty House, Sydney,
last Friday.
Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare bestowed the honour on the
governor-general for his “significant contribution” to fostering
friendly relations between PNG and Australia.
“The Governor-General’s close association with PNG goes back to
the early 1960s. He is truly our wantok,” Sir Michael said.
Sir Michael, who has personally known the Governor-General, said
the Australian-PNG relationship runs much deeper than many
people realise.
“The people-to-people relations is what best typifies this
unique relationship,” he said.
Mr Jeffery said “our relationship goes back 40 years” when he
was company commander of the First Battalion of the Pacific
Island Regiment based at Moem Barracks.
He was also a member of the Eminent Group that recently reviewed
the PNG Defence Force.
“Marlena and I have a real love of PNG,” he said. He met and
married his wife Marlena in PNG.
He said during a State visit to PNG in 2005, the reception he
and his wife got from the people was “something we will always
remember”.
The Governor-General travelled to PNG with several ex-servicemen
to commemorate the end of the World War II in Wewak and to
celebrate PNG’s 30th Independence anniversary.
He and his wife captured the hearts of ordinary Papua New
Guineans by their fluency in Tok Pisin and the many friends they
still have in the country.
“This award will also serve as a memento of a wonderful and
special relationship,” he said.
 
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