Our Federation

The Papua New Guinea community in Queensland has grown significantly over the years, with several thousand PNG citizens now calling the state home. These individuals have come together, often forming local community groups that reflect the regions and provinces they come from back in Papua New Guinea. The largest population centers include Brisbane, Logan, the Gold Coast, and Cairns, with a presence in many other parts of Queensland as well.

Together, we are building a strong, supportive community where culture, history, and connection thrive.

In addition to Papua New Guinean citizens, there is a vibrant network of former expatriates who grew up in PNG or spent significant parts of their professional lives there. Many of them maintain a strong connection to the country, holding deep affection and fond memories of their time in Papua New Guinea. This shared history and enduring bond help to enrich and broaden the Federation’s community, creating a unique multicultural network bound by common values, experiences, and a love for Papua New Guinea.

Papua New Guinea Federation Queensland Inc. was incorporated on 13 February 2013 as an umbrella association to bring the Papua New Guinea Community together under a National Identity and to take responsibility for major Events such as Annual Papua New Guinea Independence Day celebrations in September each year and other fundraising activities held throughout the year.

How the PNG Federation QLD Inc Logo Came to Life

From 2008, PNG Students, PNG interest groups throughout the community had been meeting at the PNG Consulate Office during Mr Paul Nerau’s term as PNG Consul General for Queensland and Northern Territory. The various groups came together to organise events. The underlying motivation for this groups coming together was Mr Paul Nerau who had given the community his office to have meetings and raise funds towards a PNG Cultural Centre that would have a conference centre and outdoor space to host the annual Independence day celebrations. The facility was also going to have a museum to transfer all cultural artifices currently held at the QLD State Museum/GOMA to be permanently displayed at this museum within the PNG Cultural Centre.

A Community Inspired by unity

In 2012 Mr Paul Nerau who was finishing off his term as PNG Consulate General (he was there from 2002-2012) and challenged the community to set up a community organization. It was called the PNG Federation QLD Inc after fair trade Queensland rejected other names that had “PNG QLD Community Group” or other variations of this name. This was because there used to be another group that died/went dormant.

Designing the Emblem: Meteorite and Meaning

Wangian Manihia who was then the PNG Student Leader at that time was elected as the PNG Federation QLD Inc Treasurer in 2013 and was asked to look at logo designs. He came up with an earlier version of the current logo that had a fiery meteorite with the PNGFQI initials in it heading for a black shade outline of the State of Queensland in the background. Around it, we’re the words of the name of the Group “Papua New Guinea Federation Queensland Incorporated”. This design was brought to the 2nd Meeting in 2013 and the attendees asked to also add the term “United As One” at the bottom

A Fiery Symbol of Unity

So in summary, a Meteorite with Fire and the words PNGFQI symbolising individuals with fire in their hearts for their county PNG coming to Queensland and Uniting as One to form the Papua New Guinea Federation Queensland Incorporated. The logo was accepted at the 3rd meeting and used on our letterheads, social media and other merchandise to represent the group.