“What makes you people stick together with the many languages, cultures and the geographical spread of your country?” commented a young Australian as he watched the celebration commemorating 34 years of independence in Brisbane, Australia.

The beautiful setting of the Roma St Parklands, added to the color of the program as Papua New Guineans assembled in display of a diversity unique to our 34 year old nation.

The young Australian watched in admiration as Papua New Guineans mingled, the notable difference in complexion, languages and the art and culture adding to the wonder and amazement of my captivated Australian friend.

“This is really unique,” he said as the Tolai dancers took center stage with color and vigor involving the young and the old. Papua New Guineans from all over Queensland including some from nearby states congregated in a show of patriotism to our beloved nation. No matter where or what life has destined them to be, the link to home is never fading and true to the adage, “Once a Papua New Guinean, Always a Papua New Guinean.”

While NRL premiers St George Illawarra took up one section of the Roma St. Parklands to finalise preparations for the battle against the Brisbane Broncos, Papua New Guineans were preparing to celebrate on the other side of the park. It was a typical Papua New Guinea setting with the favorite Buai in abundant supply and the handshakes, hugs and greetings springing up everywhere in the true spirit of unity in diversity.

Still, I had not answered my mates query on the fascinating unification we had when Consul General Paul Nerau started on his Independence speech.

“On this auspicious day 16^th September 1975, our first Governor General Sir John Guise, a distinguished Papua New Guinean when handing over the Australian flag to his counterpart, he uttered the following very profound statement, I am handing over the flag and not tearing it down.

“This profound statement has stood tall for the last 34 years.

“Papua New Guinea and Australia will always be together and the relationship is getting deeper and growing more mature everyday,”

As the Consul General continued with emphasis on the friendship PNG has enjoyed with Australia as truly representing “the shared history, the bond, love and affection” between the two countries, a thought was already shaping in my mind to provide in answer to the pending query.

The relationship stressed by the Consul General highlighted the strong cordial ties enjoyed ever since independence in appreciation of the perceived “Big Brother” status accorded to Australia.

The recent Kokoda air crash incident was one case in point. “At the official church service our Prime Minister thanked the Australian government for its quick response with the words, We knew you will be the first to come and help, thank you.”

A friend in need is a friend indeed attest to this situations as Papua New Guinea’s contribution of AUD $2 million to the Victoria Bushfire and the North Queensland floods was acknowledged.

“The Lord Mayor of Ingham described it (PNG’s assistance) as the largest single contribution from an outside donor.”  And in an expressive feeling Mr. Nerau said “…the people to people link is growing everyday…..”

Certainly we as a nation, has stayed true to the words of the late Sir John Guise and have not torn up the relationship.

Such was the analogy appropriate I thought, as I simply explained to my Aussie brother,

“We consider ourselves as brothers and sisters and as friends and acquaintances. Our diversity is disregarded and with pride we regard ourselves as one country, one nation one people.”

It was then that he understood.