MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
McMullan
The refurbished Papua New Guinea National Library will be officially opened by Bob McMullan, Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance today, 30 years after its official opening in 1978.
The National Library was Australia's gift to Papua New Guinea on independence in 1975. In 2005, Australia announced it would fund the refurbishment of the National Library to mark 30 years of independence.
Bob McMullan said the Australian Government is proud to have contributed to the construction and upkeep of such an important national institution and its irreplaceable historical collection, with some items dating back 200 years.
'A national library plays a vital role in documenting a country's history,' Mr McMullan said. 'With PNG's 850 languages and 200 cultural groups, the collection of books, maps, manuscripts, videos and photographs preserve important traditions for future generations.
'The National Library was constructed with funding from the Whitlam Government, and was officially opened in 1978 by the Prime Minister of PNG, Sir Michael Somare and then Prime Minister of Australia, Malcolm Fraser. Mr Whitlam this week said, 'I am delighted that Bob McMullan is opening the refurbished PNG Library.'
The $3 million refurbishment - including upgrading of air-conditioning, plumbing, insulation and replacement of the damaged roof - commenced in March last year. The National Library provides an important outreach service for the whole country, with publishing services, promoting literacy, and encouraging reading and information sharing across PNG.
An important component of the refurbishment was improving access for staff and library users with a disability. Disabled toilets and two paved entrance ramps have been added and interior walls have been replaced with an open plan design.
'Improving services to people with a disability is an important element of the Australian Government's aid program,' said Mr McMullan.
Forty new computers have been provided, along with an intranet service linking the library to the PNG Department of Education.
Mr McMullan will also open a photographic exhibition at the library titled: Australia's Response to Oro, which depicts the Australian Governments response to PNG's request for assistance during the November 2007 floods that devastated the Oro region. Australia's ongoing assistance includes rebuilding two schools destroyed in the floods.
Media Contact: Sabina Curatolo (Mr McMullan's Office) 0400 318 205
AusAID Public Affairs 0417 680 590