West Papua's 64th Flag Raising Anniversary - Melbourne 1st December 2025
1 December marks a bittersweet anniversary for West Papua, commemorating the 1961 declaration of independence that was met with brutal suppression by the Indonesian government. Despite the short-lived declaration, the day remains a symbol of resistance and resilience for the West Papuan people, who continue to face human rights abuses and oppression.
In Melbourne, the West Papua community was joined by solidarity groups from the Solomon Islands, Fijian, and East Timor communities, as well as local youth and activists, to stand together in solidarity with West Papua. The gathering remembered the lives lost in the 64 years since Indonesia's occupation began, and reaffirmed commitment to supporting West Papua's right to self-determination and freedom.
It was an honor to have Sampari Andy Korwa from the Nether-lands join our community for the anniversary. Sampari traveled to Melbourne to promote his late father Eddy Korwa's book, "The Stowaway", written with Endie Van Bindbergen. The me-moir tells the fascinating story of a young Biak Islander who hid in a Dutch cargo ship in 1964 to escape Indonesian-occupied West Papua.
Endie Van Bindbergen a co-writter of "The Stowaway" shared excerpts from the book , offering the community glimpse into the extra ordinary story of Eddy Korwa. This book is available for sale at the West Papua Women's Office in Docklands, Melbourne. It is also available through their website https://westpapuawomensoffice.square.site
Papua New Guinea's 50th Independence Anniversary - Melbourne 13th September 2025
The Victoria West Papua Association was honoured to be invited to take part in the 50th Independence Anniversary celebration of Papua New Guinea.
The unique sounds of the PNG and West Papuan drumming , dancing and singing groups filled the air as the crowd gathered to witness the spectacle from different province and areas of Papua New Guinea. The Victoria West Papua Association members performed Aster and Wisisi dances.
The invitation for the West Papua Community to part take in this milestone celebration is a testament to the strong bonds between the PNG and West Papuan communities sharing their Melanesian kinship, celebrated their , cultures, and struggles, while promoting unity and solidarity.
Erwin Blesskadit, a member of the West Papuan Community in Melbourne, also a proud Ayamaru man from West Papua. Proudly represent his culture and his people in show casing and sharing West Papuan culture to his Melanesian Wantoks from Papua New Guinea while passing it down to younger generation.
William and his sister Dianna Omabak were also present among the crowd to support their parents, uncles aunties and the community. They are among younger generation of West Papuans, born, raised and living in Melbourne and learning a lot about their West Papuan roots from the parents and older generation like uncle Erwin