Today I was honoured to launch The Invisible Line art exhibition at the Mulgrave Gallery, which celebrates the deep connections between Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG).
The Exhibition – supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade – is one of dozens of celebrations across PNG and Australia marking PNG’s 50th anniversary of independence from Australia in 1975.
The anniversary, which falls on 16 September, is significant for both countries. We are not just close partners with a shared history. We are deep friends with a shared future. Our connections are particularly profound in Cairns and Far North Queensland, where Papua New Guineans form an important part of our local community.
Standing with my local Cairns community, we celebrated the tens of thousands of years of connections between Australia and PNG, dating back to ancient times when we were linked by a land bridge through the Torres Strait. The artworks at the Mulgrave Gallery are a true demonstration of our genuine connections and mutual respect. As our Prime Ministers have said, Australia and PNG will continue to walk together, ‘side by side, step by step’.
Quote attributable to PNG Artist, Lesley Wengembo
“It’s so good to see all eight artists of both countries come together. The moment they all met during their visit in POM [Port Moresby], it’s almost like they already knew each other.
“This exchange has been the highlight of their creativity process that is now being displayed at the Mulgrave Gallery.”
Quote attributable to Ambassador Mohamed
“The Invisible Line highlights the deep cultural ties and shared resilience between First Nations peoples and our neighbours in Papua New Guinea. It’s a powerful celebration of identity and connection.”