CRICKET PNG AND PACIFICAUS SPORTS HOST JUSTIN MOHAMED, AUSTRALIA’S AMBASSADOR FOR FIRST NATIONS PEOPLE

 Australia’s Ambassador for First Nations People Justin Mohamed & Co-Chair of Cricket Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Council was warmly welcomed to Hanuabada Village by Cricket PNG’s Barramundis and Lewas who live in the “Big Village”.

In a casual setting, while children played cricket in the background, Ambassador Justin Mohamed met Cricket PNG’s Kumul Petroleum Barramundis and Lewas elite cricketers.

Official welcome speeches were made by Cricket PNG Board Member and Poreporena-Laurabada Councilor, Rarua Dikana, and CPNG Domestic Cricket Manager Lakani Oala, who stood in for CPNG CEO Richard Done who was away in Melbourne meeting with ICC and Cricket Australia. Also representing the Motu Koita was Elevala-Laurabada Councilor, Gavera Arena. 

First Nations Ambassador, Justin Mohamed, said, “We know how important sport is, not only just for the younger people in the community, but also the older people, like myself, who watch, and stay connected with it. Also, what it does in the community as far as, it brings people together to enjoy each other. The Australian Government has continued to support sports through the Pacific, where Sports plays a real important role, so I want to encourage you as you are the role models here in the community and to the young ones, as you are an inspiration to older people who link up and see the joy as you younger people are coming through, so don’t take it for granted that you are here. I’m hoping to keep building in my new role, and connect sport and Indigenous People-First Nations people of countries in the Pacific together through sport and cricket”

Cricket PNG Board Member and Poreporena-Laurabada Councilor, Rarua Dikana, welcomed the Ambassador, “On behalf of Motu Koita Government, our Chairman Hon Dadi Toka Jr and the entire MKA Council members, I warmly welcome you to our humble but proud village. A village that has produce a lot of champion athletes in sports. We are delighted and privilege to have hosted a very important person of your calibre. This engagement today we believe will pave way for many opportunities for the benefit of the people of Motu Koitabu as we seek to strengthen ties with the outside world and Australia is no exception. We look forward to further relationship in the future which is the step in the right direction for the prosperity of our people through this relationship. Your role as the Ambassador of the First Nations people to visit our village is a first of its kind and historical in itself. This of course adds value as we keep pushing for the plight of the Motu Koita people as the indigenous land-owners of our nation’s capital. Once again on behalf of the people of the mighty Poreporena Hanuabada and Elevala Village welcome and we wish you an enjoyable time here in our beautiful Port Moresby City. Tanikiu bada herea.”

Cricket PNG Domestic Manager, Lakani Oala, said “On behalf of the Cricket PNG management, staff and players, I welcome you Ambassador Justin Mohamed, and your delegation to our very humble village of Hanuabada. Cricket was brought to Port Moresby by the Missionaries from the London Missionary Society (LMS) in the late 1800's. The local people fell in love with the game and up until today we play and participate in it with great passion. Hanuabada and Elevala villages have produced many international cricketers both male and female with a number present here this afternoon to greet and meet you and your delegation. Cricket PNG has four international teams that represent the country around the globe, and I am proud to say many of them come from this village. It excites us to have your presence here today as we know that you are part of the Australian Indigenous Cricket Establishment in Australia. Your suggestion of a Tri-Nation Series between the Australian Indigenous Team, Vanuatu and PNG would be an exciting addition to our playing calendar and would significantly help our player development. We greatly value your choice to come to Hanuabada & Elevala Villages to meet our players and learn first-hand about our daily lives and our society. “

Ambassador Justin Mohamed exchanged gifts with Motu Koita representatives, CPNG’s Lakani Oala, and was presented with a Cricket PNG Kumul Petroleum polo shirt and cap by Vice-Captain Lega Siaka. This was followed by a tour along an Elevala walkway to current Barramundi Sese Bau’s family home. Sese explained to the Ambassador how life in a house above the sea is being affected by changing tides and weather that impacts their daily lives. He also explained how as a contracted professional cricketer with Cricket PNG he attends practice daily and competes at both local and international levels. When asked about the outboard motor on the veranda, Sese Bau told Ambassador Justin Mohamed when he is home, he takes care of his elderly mother, his wife, and young family of 4,and when he does have time, he goes out to sea, fishing with his brothers.

Lewas in attendance: Sibona Jimmy, Brenda Tau, Isabel Toua, Tanya Ruma, Kevau Frank, Buruka Vicki, Geua Tom, Hane Tau, Henao Thomas, Naoani Vare. Barramundis in attendance: Lega Siaka – Vice Captain, Sese Bau, Riley Hekure, Sema Kamea, Alei Nao, John Kariko, Gaudi Toka, Tau Nou, Ila Ware

31/10/23-Ends

For further information contact: Megan Taureka mtaureka@cricketpng.org.pg #PacificAusSports

Cricket PNG Kumul Petroleum polo shirt and cap being presented by Vice-Captain Lega Siaka to Ambassador Justin Mohamed