Papua New Guinea Independence Day - 16 September

The nation of Papua New Guinea achieved its independence from Australia on 16 September 1975. Independence Day is celebrated with flag raising ceremonies, open air music, dances and markets, and fireworks. The national colours gold, red and black feature prominently in the streets, shops and homes (Public Holidays Global).

James Cook University has strong connections with Papua New Guinea, including:

• the University of Papua New Guinea Twinning Project
• a significant number of research outputs , accessible through Research Online
• special collections, including the Bragge Collection

The Bragge Collection features two intimately connected components - more than 600 material culture artefacts collected by Laurie Bragge during the time he lived and worked in Papua New Guinea, and the extensive personal library he amassed containing various resources, which he used extensively when writing his multi-volume history of the Sepik. Selected artefacts from the collection are on display for a limited time in the Cairns Library and the Cairns Institute.

Both Cairns and Townsville local communities are hosting Independence celebrations- everyone is welcome to attend these free events.