PNG church leaders visit our workers in Cootamundra

In September 2026, Sir John Cardinal Ribat MSC, Archbishop of Port Moresby, led a delegation of Papua New Guinea church leaders on an ecumenical visit to Australia. Bishop Justin Ain Soongie of Wabag Diocese travelled with him. In Sydney and Canberra the delegation met the Governor-General and federal ministers.

During the trip, the delegation came to Cootamundra in New South Wales and visited Cootamundra Uniting Church. While there, they invited our Papua New Guinean employees at Whales to a session with them at the church. Papua New Guinea's Deputy High Commissioner also attended, and the Whales team was invited to take part.

The session with our PNG employees at Cootamundra Uniting Church

The leaders spent time with the workers, shared fellowship and offered pastoral support and encouragement. For people working a long way from home and family, a visit like this means a great deal.

The PNG church delegation at Cootamundra Uniting Church

Thank you to Cardinal Ribat, Bishop Soongie, the church leaders, the Deputy High Commissioner and Cootamundra Uniting Church for hosting this time together and for caring so much about the PNG community here. We are proud to stand with our PNG workers, at work and in the community.

Read the full story from the Catholic Bishops Conference of PNG and Solomon Islands.