Locals and Aussie rotarians celebrate Anzac Day

 By ELIAS LARI

THE people of Nondugl in Jiwaka celebrated Anzac day last month with a team from the East Maitland Rotary Club in Australia.

The Rotarians arrived on April 16 led by Geoff Hicks and wife Judy. 

They celebrated Anzac day on April 25 at the Nondugl Administration Primary School.

Betha Tongamp, wife of Jiwaka Governor Dr William Tongamp, said holding such ceremonies on Anzac Day would help educate students on the significance of those who fought in World War II.

Hicks said he was happy to celebrate with students, members of the public and public servants in Nondugl.

Hicks who was visiting Nondugl for the third time said celebrating Anzac day in Jiwaka was what he had been planning for.

Nondugl Rotary project coordinator Paul Tunn thanked the Australian Rotarians for their continued support.

Tunn said they had received many benefits from the Australian Rotary such as the Nondugl health centre water tanks and pump, Nondugl Adminstration Primary school classroom maintenance and library books.

He said the most important was the students’ exchange programmes where four Grade 6 students from the Administration Primary School were selected to study in Australia.

He said two boys and two girls would travel to Australia and study at the East Maitland School for a month.

The students are Jenifer Walep, Ata Moli, Jeremaiah Okul and Sem Daniel. The first lot of students travelled in 2011.

“Under the exchange programme, a teacher and a nurse will also travel to Australia this year,” Tunn said.

“I would like to thank the community, students, parents and also Jiwaka Governor Dr Tongamp for his assistance.”