More Australian gifts call for celebrations on Kokoda

Main Stories

VILLAGERS of Buna in Northern celebrated the opening of a new double classroom and a new health centre funded by the Australian Government on Monday.
Representatives from the Australian High Commission, No Roads Foundation, Kokoda Track Foundation and local authorities gathered at the village for the event. Australian High Commission counsellor Alistair McEach told villagers that the new facilities highlighted Australia’s commitment to the development of the Kokoda Track and the surrounding areas.
“Given Buna’s unique connection to Australia during World War Two, the Australian Government is now supporting the community with education and health facilities delivered under the Kokoda Initiative in partnership with the Government of PNG.”
The new double classroom completes the Australian Government’s K10 million package of education infrastructure to mark the 75th anniversary of the Kokoda campaign. The package included eight fully-furnished double classrooms, five upgraded classroom buildings, and nine new staff houses in Central and Northern.
The new facility will replace the existing health centre, which covers 12 catchment areas and a population of up to 7000 people.