WHO WE ARE

The Papua New Guinea Australia Association Inc (PNGAAV) is a not for profit community organisation. PNGAAV is an administrative body for all PNG related groups that wish to exist under the umbrella a of our Association. We strive to provide a welcoming and inclusive PNG community and family as home away from home for Papua New Guineans living in Victoria. Our members are Papua New Guineans living in Melbourne and regional Victoria, and friends who have some affiliation with Papua New Guinea.

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BACKGROUND

Our Association started in mid 1970s by Australian men who went to work in Papua New Guinea and got married to Papua New Guinean women namely late Jim Tarr, late John Standing, Michael Cox, Brian Thomas , John Growat and Mark Davis and others. They formed the Association as a social club for their wives who came to Melbourne with them during pre and post Independence in the 1970s to reduce social isolation and help them stay connected with other PNG women and men who worked in PNG. 

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The Association has grown over time in membership as more Papua New Guineans move to Melbourne to further their education and pursue career opportunities. The Association has and is providing support to international PNG students in welcoming and connecting students to services and other organisations, and in fare welling them back to PNG after completion of their studies.

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The Association actively participates in annual Moomba Cultural Parade in showcasing Papua New Guinea's diverse cultural heritage. The Associations also participates in Pacifika Fesitivals and performs dances, demonstrates cultural cooking and food, and practices Tok Pisin with the Australian Defence Force School of Language in Williams Landing, Melbourne.

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The Association  holds various activities and events through the year. The Association organises PNG Independence celebration every year in the weekend of 16 September, check our Events page for information.​