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Welcome to Our Association
The University of Southern Queensland Papua New Guinea Students Association welcomes you to our official website. This is a place for all Wantoks living and studying in Toowoomba to keep updated and in contact.
Wan Peles
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News and Events News and Events
Images of all events are available in the Gallery, and videos and newspaper articles are available through Media Releases.
PNG Independence Celebrations 2011
PNG Independence celebrations were held in Toowoomba on the 10th September 2011 at the University of Southern Queensland. The event was a great success with around 300 people in attendance. This is another massive increase on previous years, as the event continues to grow annually. The Toowoomba Wantoks came out in full force to show our pride for our home and our culture. The event showcased traditional dances, traditional songs, a video presentation of special guests best wishes to us in Toowoomba, a big feast of traditionally cooked food, and concluded with an afternoon of rugby touch and soccer. The celebrations were a great success and enjoyed by all! The Independence celebrations were featured in the Toowoomba Chronicle newspaper, on the USQ homepage and on Radio Australia.
PNG Consulate General's Official Independence Reception
Outgoing President and VP, Matt and Johannes along with the new President and VP, Vele and Nathan attended this event on behalf the USQ PNGSA. The reception was a great chance to meet and network with the Brisbane PNGSA's.
USQ Harmony Day 2011
PNG was represented very well at the 2011 USQ Harmony Day with a PNG food stall, the girls (Brianne, Geraldine, Delmah and Chantelle) performing a North Solomons dance on the main stage and Chantelle participating in the international traditional fashion show with her Morobe bilas. We were able to raise $141.70 toward our Independence day celebrations in September.
Spotlight Sausage Sizzle - April 2011
Raised $411.55 through sales of sausages in bread and can drinks in front of Spotlight Toowoomba in the Harvey Norman Centre.
Toowoomba Languages and Cultures Festival 2010
PNG was represented very well at the Toowoomba Languages and Cultures Festival in 2010. At an event that attracts around 10 000 people in a single day, the Papua New Guinea stall sold items such as bilums, meri blouses, coconut woven bags, highlands beanie, meri blouses, PNG shirts, PNG caps, and cassava cakes. We used this event as a fundraiser for our independence celebrations and as a base to promote our culture to the local community. The event was very successful.
About Us About Us
The USQ PNGSA
There are currently approximately 30 Papua New Guinean students studying oncampus at the University of Southern Queensland Toowoomba campus. In addition there are a large number of high school students attending numerous boarding schools in Toowoomba. Furthermore, there are approximately 20 PNG families residing in Toowoomba as well as the many expats you run into around the place. Toowoomba is a place with a strong connection to PNG and our aim is to continue this.
The objectives of the association as stated in the USQ PNGSA Constitution are; unity amongst members of the association with the hope of creating a peaceful and harmonious social and academic life here in the university, to establish a meaningful relationship between the members of the association and the member of the other international student organizations here in the university, and finally to create and encourage a supportive and communal relationship between the students and the local community members.
Our aim is to bring the local wantok community together and this is achieved through numerous fundraising BBQ's in the park. These family friendly events allow for members to come together and enjoy an afternoon of socialising and fun play.
Membership fees are $5 for singles and $10 for families. Members receive merchandise upon becoming a member.
USQ PNGSA CONSTITUTION 2011.pdf
The USQ PNGSA Constitution
Please also check out our friends at the QUT Student Guild Wantoks Association .
The Board Executives (2012)
President - Vele Ravugamini
This is Vele's first term as President of the USQ PNGSA but with his passion and the whole PNG community behind him he is looking forward to great things in 2012. Vele aims to better what the 2011 Executives implemented and build a stronger Association and community. He is a second year Business student.
Vice President - Nathan Sar
Nathan reigns from Madang and was elected Vice President for 2012. He has been a community member for the past three years and is excited to hold an Executive role this year. He brings great ideas and will add another dimension to this year's Executive Board.
Treasurer - Mona Trappe
Mona was elected as Treasurer for 2012. Like the other Executives this is her first term in the position.
Secretary - Joyce Sar
Joyce takes up the role of Secretary for 2012. As a PNGSA member over the past few years she bring's her experience to the Association.
Register of Past Presidents
2012: Vele Ravugamini
2011: Matthew Igo Ball
2010: Matthew Igo Ball
Members Members Representing the Association and PNG Proudly
This section celebrates the successes of USQ PNGSA members.
Maureen Ewai - Recipient of the 2011 Prime Minister’s Pacific-Australia Award
Story available here: http://www.usq.edu.au/newsevents/news/maureensf11
Matthew Igo Ball - Recipient of the 2011 Toowoomba Regional Council's William Groom Scholarship Presented by Julia Gillard
Contact Contact
If you are interested in contacting the USQ PNGSA feel free to send an email to association President, Vele Ravugamini. His email address is u1015792_umail.usq.edu.au.
Alternatively, you can contact USQ Multicultural Centre Manager, William Conwell, whom helps in organising many of our events. His email address is William.Conwell_usq.edu.au.
