27 September 2023
Culture and colour filled the air in Wewak, Papua New Guinea, on National Independence Day as the community celebrated 48 years of independence.
Soldiers from Townsville’s 3rd Brigade attended the event to support Australia's Pacific partners, as well as soldiers from the Papua New Guinea Defence Force 2nd Battalion, Royal Pacific Islands Regiment, on parade.
Private Mateo Goytizolo Butrica, of the 3rd Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment, was one of many soldiers who posed for photos with community members and said it was an honour.
“It was such great experience,” he said.
“I really enjoyed interacting with all the locals, especially the local kids who are so nice. They kept running up to us wanting to give us gifts and take pictures. We felt like celebrities.”
Private Goytizolo Butrica was even given a traditional handmade gift.
“One of the local kids gave me his headdress. His father made it and wanted one of us to have it. That was really special,” he said.
“This has been an amazing opportunity that most civilians would never get to experience.”
The Australian soldiers were warmly welcomed by thousands who came to watch the parade, cheering, dancing and celebrating their culture as proud Papua New Guineans.
Reflecting on his experience, Private Goytizolo Butrica said he wished he had learned more about Papua New Guinea in school.
“Sometimes you don’t realise how close we really are. They’re our closest neighbours and we share so much history,” he said.
Originally from Peru, South America, Private Goytizolo Butrica noticed similarities between the two nations’ independence celebrations, and said there was actually a common thread between all three countries, despite their geographic and cultural differences.
“In Peru, we also celebrate Independence Day in a similar way. The two countries are really patriotic when it comes to gaining their independence, but at the end of the day they all go back home after the big events and celebrate together with friends and family, like we do on Australia Day,” he said.
