Lae, Morobe Province — Cairns Mayor Amy Eden says her recent visit to Lae was both “humbling and inspiring,” reinforcing the friendship between the two cities while joining in Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence celebrations.
The trip, extended at the invitation of PNG’s Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Lae Open Hon. John Rosso, came as Cairns marked 41 years of its Sister City relationship with Lae. From the moment the delegation arrived, the warmth and generosity of the Lae community stood out. “Flags flying, waves and smiles everywhere displayed a Morobean brand of hospitality that makes you feel so much at home,” the Mayor said. “Mr Rosso’s invitation and the way he guided the delegation throughout the visit speaks volumes about the value Lae places on its Sister City relationship,” she said.
A Week of Shared Events
The delegation took part in a full program of civic, cultural, and community activities. The Morobe Show, held across two vibrant days under the theme “50 Years Forward,” brought together agriculture, trade, and culture. Mayor Eden joined DPM Rosso, the Governor-General, Australian Consul General, major sponsors, and community volunteers at the official opening, where she reflected on the warmth of her reception in Lae. “The singsing groups in their traditional bilas showcased the diversity of Morobe and Papua New Guinea’s cultures. I had never seen anything quite like it before. Such unity in diversity, and such a powerful connection between people, land, and identity. It was a true joy to witness and an experience I will never forget.”
At the Independence Gala Ball, the delegation joined leaders, businesses, and community representatives to reflect on Lae’s place in Papua New Guinea’s history and to celebrate the nation’s journey. The evening was attended by DPM Rosso and Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, emphasising the strong partnership between both nations.
Strengthening the Sister City Bond
Alongside cultural events, the Cairns delegation, including Sister Cities Ambassador Sim Hayward, Curator Botanic Areas Dr Charles Clarke, and Tony Sheehan of Tradelinked Cairns-PNG, and advisor Natalie Richards, visited civic sights and leaders, provincial officials, and business groups to build on long-standing connections.
The Lae Chamber of Commerce, under the stewardship of President John Byrne (JB), played a key role in facilitating the program, ensuring the visit deepened commercial networks and highlighted new opportunities for growth.
With Lae’s new international airport now operational, both cities are optimistic about the prospect of direct flights between Cairns and Lae. Mayor Eden said such connectivity would expand opportunities in trade, tourism, education, and cultural exchange.
Independence and National Pride
Towards the end of the trip, Mayor Eden joined DPM Rosso and thousands of Lae residents at the official Independence Day parade and celebrations at Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium, describing the atmosphere as one of overwhelming pride and unity. The Independence float parade that preceded the official event brought the city’s streets to life with vehicles decorated, participants in traditional bilas, and cheering crowds gathered along the roadside. “The effort taken to represent PNG’s cultures was extraordinary,” Eden said. “The pride was palpable.”
A Momentous Groundbreaking
The final event of the visit was the groundbreaking ceremony for the Lae Market redevelopment, a PGK155 million partnership between Lae City Authority, Australia, and Aotearoa New Zealand. Mayor Eden joined DPM Rosso, Australian High Commissioner Ewen McDonald, and New Zealand High Commissioner Peter Zwart for the occasion.
The redevelopment will provide a modern, safe, and accessible market that supports thousands of vendors and reinforces Lae’s role as one of PNG’s major economic hubs. For Cairns, the project also highlights the opportunities that stronger infrastructure and connectivity in Lae can bring for business, trade, and cultural exchange under the Sister City relationship. Mayor Eden said the event captured Lae’s spirit of progress and the Deputy Prime Minister’s vision for his community.
Looking Ahead
“Our Sister Cities bond is not just about years gone by,” Mayor Eden said. “It’s about building opportunity into the future, so Cairns and Lae families in years to come can benefit from the strong foundation today.”
She extended heartfelt thanks to the Lae City Authority, the Morobe Provincial Government, the Australian Consul General’s Office, and all local partners for their collaboration and hospitality. She also made special mention of the Deputy Prime Minister.
“We are especially grateful to Hon. John Rosso for his leadership and generosity in hosting us,” Mayor Eden said. “His commitment to Lae and his dedication to strengthening international friendships is inspiring. The welcome we have received is extraordinary. We depart with deep gratitude and a renewed commitment to strengthen this Sister Cities bond.”
For Mayor Eden, the visit reaffirmed that the heart of the Cairns-Lae relationship is built on people, shared culture, and mutual respect, and the belief that through that bond, both communities can prosper together.
