Throughout 2025 and 2026 Yumi Stap Wantaim is delivering activities, events and seminars that focus on our shared history, culture, academic exchange, sporting events, and activities across our defence, security, economic and development partnerships and programs.
Side by side
As near neighbours, regional partners and close friends, Australia and Papua New Guinea share a strong relationship.
Step by step
Yumi Stap Wantaim celebrates our close and enduring partnership between Australia and Papua New Guinea.
We Stand Together
This event will touch on Australia and Papua New Guinea’s shared history, but it won’t focus on it, preferring to focus on the people, places and pieces of history that have played a role in Papua New Guinea’s self-determination and independence. It will focus on our shared future and acknowledge our history.
Side By Side
As near neighbours, regional partners and close friends, Australia and Papua New Guinea share a strong relationship that is underpinned by our history, geographic proximity, common strategic interests, deep cultural links, mutual respect, and broad cooperation.
Australia and Papua New Guinea have always stood together side by side, and — as part of the Yumi Stap Wantaim campaign — we want to celebrate the people, places and pieces of history that have contributed to our bilateral relationship.
Step By Step
Yumi Stap Wantaim celebrates our close and enduring partnership. Yumi StapWantaim will showcase a series of high-profile events throughout the year, including a film competition and festival, music festivals, cultural performances, a celebrity chef event, art exhibitions, speaking tours and much more.
These events will provide an opportunity to showcase the contemporary Australia–Papua New Guinea relationship, as we walk together step by step towards our shared vision for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Pacific.
- News
27 August 2025
Wan Kantri
In commemoration of this milestone, the ABC and PNG’s national broadcaster, the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), worked closely for the past 18 months to deliver the landmark documentary titled Wan Kantri: The Next 50 Years.
- News
20 August 2025
Debating the Nation: the words of PNG’s Third House of Assembly
As Papua New Guinea celebrates 50 years of independence in 2025, the Australian Government has proudly supported Deakin University, in collaboration with the University of Papua New Guinea, to publish Debating the Nation – Speeches from the House of Assembly 1972-1975.
- News
8 July 2025
Meganesia celebrates First Nations connections
More than 12,000 people gathered at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in Port Moresby on 28 June to experience Meganesia, a spectacular live concert hosted by the Australian High Commission as part of Papua New Guinea’s 50th anniversary of independence celebrations.
- News
26 June 2025
Yumi Stap Wantaim Film Challenge
Last week, in partnership with Pasifika Film Fest, the Australian High Commission in Papua New Guinea held the Yumi Stap Wantaim Film Challenge and Festival at the Moresby Arts Theatre where emerging filmmakers created and showcased their microfilms.
- News
10 June 2025
Saying “G’day” at Community Day
A little piece of Australia came to Port Moresby this week as part of the Amazing Port Moresby 50th Anniversary Celebrations. It was a fantastic turnout with large crowds enjoying footy, cricket, sausage sizzles and classic Aussie tunes.
- News
30 May 2025
Australia and PNG set to celebrate 50 years of independence and enduring partnership
Yumi Stap Wantaim, side by side, step by step celebrates Papua New Guinea’s Golden Jubilee and the close relationship between our countries.
- News
14 May 2025
Official Launch of the Yumi Stap Wantaim Campaign
Australia is proud to launch Yumi Stap Wantaim – Side by Side, Step by Step, a year-long celebration marking Papua New Guinea’s 50th anniversary of independence and honouring the close and enduring partnership between our two nations.
- News
13 May 2025
The Invisible Line
In 2025, we are celebrating PNG’s 50th Anniversary of Independence with several cultural activities. We are collaborating with Cairns Regional Council’s Mulgrave Gallery to bring together PNG and Australian artists for a special exhibition celebrating the deep ties between our people.
- News
8 May 2025
Yumi Stap Wantaim
Papua New Guinea and Australia have stood side by side for generations, as neighbours, friends, partners. As Papua New Guinea looks to the future, Australia stands ready to walk together, step by step.
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Yumi Stap Wantaim and Australia now: PNG edition
Yumi Stap Wantaim is made possible through the support of Australia now – Australia’s flagship public diplomacy program which aims to strengthen bilateral relationships and showcase the creativity, diversity and innovative capability of our people.
Yumi Stap Wantaim cultural elements will be co-branded Yumi Stap Wantaim and Australia now: PNG edition.
The Australia now program has been delivered in more than 20 countries since 2001. For details about the program, visit the Australia now website.
From Port Moresby to Lae, Canberra to Cairns and across Australia and Papua New Guinea more broadly, we look forward to celebrating Papua New Guinea’s Golden Jubilee, honouring our shared history, deepening bilateral ties, and supporting initiatives that contribute to Papua New Guinea’s continued growth and success.