A special new documentary released by KTF to mark PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary highlights the enduring partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia. The documentary is titled Trek to 50: 50 Years of Independence, A Lifetime of Friendship follows a journey along the Kokoda Track to the historic Isurava Battlefield, a site of deep significance to both nations. Produced by KTF, the film captures personal stories of Papua New Guineans and Australians whose lives and friendships reflect half a century of shared history. Senior PNG business leader and KTF Board Director Peter Aitsi shared his reflections on the milestone. “I have wonderful memories of the period leading into and after 16 September 1975. I left PNG in 1972 at the age of six to live with my adopted family in Melbourne. The significance of Independence did not really dawn on me until a school holiday visit to Port Moresby in 1976 when I was presented with my first PNG passport.” Mr. Aitsi recalled the memory as he believes the documentary is a wonderful way to contribute to PNG 50th Independence celebrations. “Over the 50 years, the bond between the two countries has matured and deepened, as can be attested by the many Papua New Guineans who have built lifelong friendships with Australians, even beyond friends to becoming family.” The film features reflections from trekkers, community health workers, teachers, students and people that are committed to shaping the country’s future. Among them was Courtneyella Dotson, a 2023 KTF Archer Leader and one of PNG’s emerging young voices. She shared on the impact of Aus-PNG partnership as a proud Papua New Guinea. “Australians and Papua New Guineans have been standing by each other before PNG got independence. We have a friendship that has lasted decades. I am proud of PNG’s independence.” Courtneyella as a young voice of change, she believes that Papua New Guineans are resilient people. “If we’re just as resilient as we have been over the last 50 years, we can go places, and I hope our friendship with Australia continues this journey over the next 50 years.” KTF Chair and former Australian High Commissioner to PNG, Ian Kemish, also joined the trek and offered his experience before PNG gain independence. “I remember Papua New Guinea before independence, and that spirit of hope in the air in the lead up to September 16, 1975. People with goodwill from Australia and PNG were working together in great excitement to prepare the way for this new independent land.” Ian believes that hope is still alive among this younger generation. “Walking to Isurava with these young Papua New Guineans, I see so much potential and thoughtfulness. I have no concern at all about PNG’s future if it’s in the hands of these people.” As Papua New Guinea marks its golden jubilee of independence, Trek to 50 honors the past, celebrates the present, and looks forward to a future built on friendship, partnership, and hope between Papua New Guinea and Australia.