Welcome Home reception for the third Mateship Trek; State visit to Papua New Guinea

On Friday 26 April 2013, at Government House, Sydney, the Administrator of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, received the Minister of Industry and Trade in the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, His Excellency Dr Vu Huy Hoang, and the accompanying delegation.

Afterwards, the Administrator hosted a Welcome Home reception for participants in the third Mateship Trek along the Black Cat Trail, Wau to Salamaua, Papua New Guinea, commemorating the 70th Anniversary of the World War II campaign.

Earlier, at the University of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, the Governor-General Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO, as guest of the Founder, Mrs Anne-Sophie Hermann, visited the Buk Bilong Pikinini Children’s Library and met with children, teachers and parents. During a ceremony, the Governor-General donated Australian children’s books and then, as Patron, presented a cheque on behalf of Make A Mark Australia to fund a new mobile library.

Afterwards, at the Begabari Sexually Transmitted Infections Clinic, the Governor-General, as guest of the Chair of Anglicare, Bishop Peter Ramsden, and the National Director of Anglicare, Ms Heni Meki, met with staff and clients, and presented medical supplies funded by the Australian Government.

Later, at Jacksons International Airport, the Governor-General met with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration, the Honourable Rimbink Pato MP; the Minister for National Planning, the Honourable Charles Abel MP; and the Minister for National Events, Sports and South Pacific Games, the Honourable Justin Tkachencko MP.

Then, the Governor-General, as guest of the Commander of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, Brigadier General Francis Agwi, inspected a guard of honour and attended a ceremonial farewell.