09/10/2026
LAE DELEGATION STRENGTHENS AUSTRALIAN TIES DURING CAIRNS 150TH ANNIVERSARY CIVIC VISIT
CAIRNS, Australia — A high-level delegation from the Lae City Authority (LCA) has successfully concluded an official civic mission to Cairns, marking a significant milestone in the strengthening of the Lae–Cairns Sister Cities Program.
The bilateral visit, which took place from August 25 to 31, 2026, came in response to a formal invitation from Cairns Mayor Amy Eden to coincide with the historic celebration of the city's 150th Anniversary.
The August Lae delegation was led by John Byrne, President of the Lae Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and Chairman of LCA Tourism and Events. He was accompanied by a dedicated team from the Lae City Tourism Bureau, including Manager Maine Winny, Tourism Officer Janis Banjoi, Alfred Pogo Junior, Rosso Mountain Bike Race Coordinator.
The LCA delegation engaged in strategic meetings aimed at deepening cross-border cooperation across several key socio-economic portfolios, including tourism, arts and culture, cycling infrastructure, local governance, and bilateral trade.
A central highlight of the cultural and technical exchange planning mission was the finalization of logistical and preparatory arrangements for the permanent installation of the Lae PNG Friendship Gardens totem poles. The cultural artifacts are slated for a high-profile, official launch at the prestigious Cairns Botanic Gardens this December. The December delegation team will be led by Robin Calistus, CEO of the Lae City Authority, and the gardens will be jointly unveiled by LCA Chairman, alongside Mayor of Cairns Amy Eden.
The partnership between Lae and Cairns has seen a powerful resurgence since 2019 under the leadership of Hon. John Rosso, MP for Lae and PNG Deputy Prime Minister. Through targeted cultural knowledge transfers and trade excursions, the bilateral relationship has successfully transitioned from a conceptual agreement into a highly active and productive international alliance.
By reinforcing these ties, Lae continues to elevate its international profile, standing alongside Cairns’ elite global network of sister cities, which includes Zhanjiang (China), Riga (Latvia), Scottsdale (USA), Sydney (Canada), and Oyama and Minami (Japan).
Photos. Lae Tourism Delegates participate in the 150th anniversary street parade, leading the Cairns Regional Council float, joined by Mr. Damien T. Arabagali. PNG Consul Cairns. Presentations by Mayor Amy Eden and Sim Hayward; Ambassador Cairns Sister Cities Mr Alfred Pogo Junior, Rosso Mountain Bike Race Coordinator Lae/Morobe Flag Bearer in Cairns Streets,
