The Australian flag has flown over Papua New Guinea (PNG) since 1906, symbolising Australia’s 69-year rule over the territory. However, on the eve of PNG’s independence, on September 15, 1975, a significant event took place at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in Port Moresby. The Australian flag was ceremonially lowered, marking the end of colonial rule. The flag was lowered by the first battalion of the Pacific Islands Regiment and handed over to PNG’s Governor-General, Sir John Guise, who then presented it to the Australian Governor-General, Sir John Kerr.

This historic moment was witnessed by around 10,000 people, including prominent figures such as Prince Charles (now King Charles), PNG’s first Prime Minister, Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, PNG’s Governor-General Sir John Guise, Australia’s Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, and Australian Governor-General Sir John Kerr.

As the Australian flag was lowered, Sir John Guise made a powerful statement, reminding the people of Papua New Guinea that the flag was “lowered,” not “torn” down. His words emphasised PNG’s peaceful and bloodless transition to independence.

The following day, on September 16, 1975, PNG’s new national flag, adorned with the colours red, black, and gold, was raised for the first time, officially marking the country’s status as an independent nation.

Nearly five decades have passed since that symbolic event, but the lowering of the Australian flag and the raising of PNG’s flag remains a profound moment in the nation’s history, signifying the peaceful end of colonial rule and the beginning of PNG’s journey as an independent state.

​​As Papua New Guinea approaches five decades of independence, how has the nation upheld the vision of peace and unity symbolised by the lowering of the Australian flag and the raising of its own?