This week, Port Moresby will welcome a significant shipment of children’s books from Australia, generously donated by Randwick City and Bayside Council in Sydney. The books, destined for the Sir Buri Kidu Library, mark a heartfelt tribute to the late Sir Buri Kidu, an esteemed Papua New Guinean jurist and the first indigenous Chief Justice of Papua New Guinea.
Former APNGBC President Peter Taylor with Dame Carol Kidu.
Established by Dame Carol Kidu, the Sir Buri Kidu Library stands as an early learning resource centre, serving as a beacon of education and opportunity for pre-schoolers, young school children and youth of Port Moresby. Dame Carol, an Australian native from Queensland, has dedicated her life to supporting communities in Papua New Guinea, earning national and international recognition for her work in areas such as education, health, and community safety.
“I am very excited that my community resource center will open soon,” Dame Carol said in a message to the Australia Papua New Guinea Business Council communications team. “Among other facilities, the Centre will have a library named in honour of my late husband Sir Buri. It will provide a learning facility for children, open to all.”
Sir Buri Kidu made significant contributions to Papua New Guinea’s judiciary system during his tenure as Chief Justice from 1980 to 1993. His untimely passing in 1994 at the age of 48 left a void in the legal and social fabric of the nation. Dame Carol’s commitment to continuing his legacy through educational initiatives speaks volumes about her dedication to uplifting communities.
The logistics of transporting the donated books from Sydney to Port Moresby were made possible through the efforts of Peter Taylor, a seasoned professional with 30 years of experience in corporate life in Papua New Guinea. Taylor, who served as President of the Australia Papua New Guinea Business Council for six years, facilitated the collection and shipping of the books, along with his wife Denise, and with support from Vanguard Logistics, a freight company.
“I am thankful to all who have supported the project,” Dame Carol remarked. “People like Peter and Denise, now living in Sydney, have played a crucial role in making this initiative a reality. With the generous assistance of Sydney City, Randwick, and Bayside Council libraries, along with Vanguard Logistics, children’s educational books have been donated and transported to PNG.”
As the Sir Buri Kidu Library prepares to open its doors, the arrival of these donated books serves as a symbol of hope and opportunity for the children of Port Moresby, enriching their educational journey and honouring the enduring legacy of Sir Buri Kidu.
