Divine Word University, Madang Campus, officially launched the ExxonMobil FOCUS: 50 Years of PNG Through the Lens Exhibition at the Friendship Library this evening, welcoming staff, students, invited guests, and members of the Madang community to a remarkable photographic journey through five decades of Papua New Guinea's history, culture, identity, and development. The exhibition, spearheaded by Ms Bertha Somare, will be open to the public from 4 August to 16 August 2026 and features more than 200 historical photographs by renowned photographers Rocky Roe and Dinah Halstead.

On behalf of DWU President Professor Fr. Philip Gibbs, SVD, Vice President of Operations Mr Joe Williams Lalie delivered the opening remarks, welcoming guests to the exhibition and acknowledging its significance as Papua New Guinea continues to commemorate its 50th Independence Anniversary. He noted that the exhibition is more than a collection of photographs; it is "a moving tribute to Papua New Guinea's past, a reflection of its present, and an investment in its future storytellers through photography and art." He also thanked ExxonMobil PNG for sponsoring the exhibition tour and commended the organisers for bringing the national exhibition to Madang.

Speaking at the launch, Ms Bertha Somare reflected on the origins of the exhibition, which was first launched during Papua New Guinea's 50th Independence celebrations last November. She acknowledged the challenges involved in transporting a world-class mobile exhibition across the country, noting that logistics and freight costs in Papua New Guinea remain significant obstacles. Despite these challenges, she emphasised the importance of ensuring that Papua New Guineans have the opportunity to experience and appreciate their country's story through photography.

Ms Somare encouraged visitors to view the exhibition with an open mind and to reflect on the nation's progress over the past five decades. While acknowledging the challenges Papua New Guinea continues to face, she reminded the audience that there is also much to celebrate. "We hear a lot of negative stories about Papua New Guinea, but this exhibition invites us to look at our country differently and appreciate how far we have come," she said. She noted that at Independence in 1975, Papua New Guinea had a population of around 2.8 million people, compared to more than 10 million today, creating growing demands for classrooms, health services, and infrastructure across the country.

Ms Somare also introduced the exhibition's featured photographers. She shared the story of Rocky Roe, who arrived in Papua New Guinea in the late 1970s to work at Bougainville Copper Limited before discovering a passion for photography that would become his life's work. His images document key moments in the nation's history and capture the beauty, resilience, and diversity of PNG. She also highlighted the work of Dinah Halstead, whose passion for photography led her to document Papua New Guinea's people, culture, landscapes, and marine biodiversity through thousands of photographs taken across the country.

Emphasising the importance of art and culture, Ms Somare encouraged young people to appreciate their heritage and pursue their passions. She noted that understanding where we come from is essential as the nation moves forward and stressed that art has the power to inspire, heal, and connect people. "We need to know where we came from as we move forward," she said, adding that Papua New Guinea's rich cultural traditions and natural beauty remain among its greatest strengths.

Following the official launch, guests were invited to tour the exhibition and view the collection of photographs on display. The exhibition offers a unique opportunity for students, young creatives, aspiring photographers, and the wider community to explore Papua New Guinea's story through visual storytelling and gain a deeper appreciation of the nation's journey over the last 50 years.

Divine Word University extends its sincere appreciation to ExxonMobil PNG, Ms Bertha Somare and the FOCUS Exhibition Team, the participating photographers, and all partners who made this exhibition possible. The University encourages staff, students, schools, and members of the public to visit the exhibition during its time at the Friendship Library and experience 50 Years of PNG Through the Lens for themselves.