Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) observed ANZAC Day with a Dawn Service hosted in Tabubil.
A number of employees, contractors, local dignitaries and members of Papua New Guinea and Australian Defence Force attended the Dawn Service.
OTML General Manager People and Capability, Mark Stone, said the ANZAC tradition has inspired future generations and each year people pay homage to those who have died, injured, or suffered in their service to their countries, including PNG.
“We remember with pride their courage, their passion, and their comradeship,” said Mr Stone.
Captain Tom Folley, of the ADF said it was an opportunity to reflect on the spirit of ANZAC forged at Gallipoli and has continued in the jungles and mountains of PNG.
“We also remember the brave Papua New Guineans who, as part of the Papuan Infantry Battalion and the Royal Pacific Islands Regiment in World War II, fought alongside the Australians. The Australian Army was assisted by about 50,000 Papua New Guinean civilians who carried supplies, evacuated the sick and wounded, and built bases, airfields and other infrastructure. The service and sacrifice of these brave Papua New Guineans should never be forgotten,” he said.
OTML General Manager Processing, Greg Moore, recited the ANZAC Day poem while OTML Acting Chief Executive Officer, Kedi Ilimbit, was among those who laid wreaths.
Today is a day of remembrance that commemorates all Australians, New Zealanders and Papua New Guineans “who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations” and “the contribution and suffering of all those who have served”.
Tabubil was among seven other centres, which hosted a dawn service in commemoration of ANZAC Day.
Other centres included Port Moresby, Alotau, Popondetta, Kimbe, Rabaul, Wewak, Lae.