GG visits AusAID projects in Kokopo

 AUSTRALIAN Governor-General Quentin Bryce visited health and education projects funded by her country in Kokopo on Tuesday. 

Bryce took a day-long trip to Kokopo accompanied by  Australian High Commissioner to PNG Deborah Stokes. 

She met and spoke with former PNG governor-general Sir Paulias Matane and East New Britain Governor  Ereman ToBaining Jr. 

Bryce was delighted to meet locals who were committed to some of the Australian-funded projects that were  providing service to local people, who had limited resources.

Her first stop was at the Butuwin urban clinic based in the building funded by Australia and then Kokopo Primary School, where Australia funded two  classrooms,  the Kokopo Magistrates Court and the Royal PNG Constabulary family and sexual violence unit.  

Bryce said she was proud of the Australian support for PNG as it showed a significant aspect of the Australian- PNG relationship. 

Sir Paulias, in welcoming Bryce, said it was a momentous day for East New Britian to have the first woman governor general visit them.  

He said it was a timely visit by the two Australian women as PNG was promoting women and trying to fight violence against women.

“We are grateful for your visit as your visit here will help our people to change their mindset and the view of women in our communities,” he said. 

Bryce also visited the Bitapaka war cemetery to lay flowers in memory of 400 Australian soldiers who were laid there after the two worlds wars. 

She is expected to return home tomorrow.