Australia's High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea (PNG), H.E. Ewen McDonald acknowledged a vibrant 50-years of Partnership between PNG and Australia at the Meganesia Cultural Celebration in the Hubert Murray Stadium on Saturday 28th 2025. Amid laughter and excitement, High Commissioner McDonald praised the cultural richness on display, describing the atmosphere as “deadly,” an Indigenous Australian term for “fantastic.” The Meganesia Cultural Celebration came alive with color, rhythm, and unity, with PNG artists, Australia’s Indigenous community and wider Australia, as crowds at the event’s opening night stood together to celebrate the Meganesia show to commemorate the Nations’ upcoming 50th Independence Anniversary. High Commissioner McDonald expressed deep appreciation to Governor Powes Parkop and his organizing team for hosting such an impressive event, emphasizing the symbolic significance of the shared milestones leading up to PNG’s 50th Independence Day on September 16th. Quoting Australia’s Prime Minister, “Our nations are joined at the hip, they are a part of the same earth’s crust,” said High Commissioner McDonald underscoring shared heritage and deep regional ties. Meanwhile, High Commissioner reflected on recent diplomatic milestones, such as Prime Minister James Marape’s historic address to the Australian Parliament, the first by a Pacific leader. Furthermore, he connected this growing partnership with cultural diplomacy, expressing excitement over performances by renowned acts like Yothu Yindi, which now includes four PNG members, and local favorite Sprigga Mek, a 2019 Pacific Break winner. Ending on a spirited note, McDonald urged all to celebrate music, culture, and friendship. He ended his speech by rallying the crowd with enthusiastic chants of “Meganesia!” The evening was not just a cultural celebration; it was a powerful reminder of enduring unity between neighboring nations.