As Papua New Guinea celebrates 50 years of independence as a nation, Mayor Amy Eden visits Lae, the sister city of Cairns. The Cairns delegation experienced firsthand the impact of Mission Aviation Fellowship, a charity with a presence in Cairns and a global reach.
Story by Aquila Matit
“Flying in a small MAF aircraft over the mountains of Morobe Province was absolutely breathtaking,” said Cairns Mayor Amy Eden. “It gave me a real sense of how challenging it can be to reach these communities, and how vital the services of MAF are in connecting people to the rest of the country.”
Mayor Amy Eden visited Lae, the sister city of Cairns, and was given the opportunity to visit a remote community with Mission Aviation Fellowship, an organisation with regional headquarters in her own city of Cairns.
“Marking the 50th anniversary of independence in Lae was truly an amazing experience. But going to Yawan and hearing how the community celebrated 50 years of independence was really beautiful,” Mayor Eden said.
New Zealand pilot Bridget Ingham flew Mayor Eden and the Cairns delegation to the small community of Yawan, landing on a hillside airstrip tucked between steep mountains. The village has no road link to the outside world and is four days’ walk from Lae.
For these communities, the MAF plane is more than just a flight. The MAF service is a lifeline to these communities.
“You could feel the awe when the aircraft arrived at Yawan,” Mayor Eden said. “For these communities, the MAF plane is more than just a flight. The MAF service is a lifeline to these communities. It’s connection, it’s news, it’s goods. And today, it was certainly excitement.”
Yawan is just one of around 1,000 destinations that MAF serves worldwide.
Mayor Eden saw the remnants of a painted Papua New Guinean flag on the cheek of a little girl.
“That’s just so beautiful,” she said. “And I heard about the soccer tournaments, the dancing and all the different things that happened in the community. And really, it brought home to me something about this country that is so diverse, yet so united under this one flag.
“The national anthem was just truly humbling and a very profound experience – profound emotions that I just don’t know if I’ll ever have anywhere else in the world,” she said.
The mayor was given a tour of the Yawan airstrip and village. She saw the need to connect remote communities and cities, and the impact of supporting local growers.
“Today, a survey was carried out on the airstrip, which was really interesting and obviously vital because it makes sure that this community stays connected to the wider world,” Mayor Eden added.
“The MAF planes carry coffee, fresh produce and vital goods… that they can get the money that they need to be self-sustaining, which is really empowering.”
The visit to Lae and Yawan offered the chance to build on the long-standing relationship with Cairns’ sister city.
“The Cairns sister city relationship is more than just a signature on a piece of paper,” said Mayor Eden. “It really is about relationships. We’ve been sisters for 41 years, and this trip really marks the beginning of a renewed friendship.
“It’s really exciting, in fact, and this trip, with all of the experiences, including this MAF flight, have opened my eyes, my mind, and indeed my heart to how we can better support one another.
“There’s mutual support for Cairns and for Lae, but really importantly, for our broader communities. It’s just brilliant. I can’t put words around it.”
The mayor was grateful to the country and its people.
“To Papua New Guinea, to Lae, Morobe Province, to Yawan community: Thank you for having me,” said Mayor Eden.
“Thank you for making the Cairns delegation feel welcome. And to MAF – the most amazing pilot, Bridget – thank you so much. Looking forward to the next flight!”
