Independence Day, 1980

Michael Robin Ovington was the Australian Consul (Consul d'Australie in French) in Noumea from 1978 to 1980, prior to Vanuatu's independence in 1980. On 31 July 1980 he took up office as the first Australian High Commissioner to Vanuatu. Michael Ovington and his wife Lorraine attended the independence celebrations. The photographs are from their personal collection.

 

Independence celebrations with President Sokomanu, Prime Minister Walter Lini and Chief Justice Fred Cooke
Independence celebrations with President Sokomanu, Prime Minister Walter Lini and Chief Justice Fred Cooke, 1980
President Sokomanu takes the oath
President Sokomanu takes the oath, 1980
Prime Minister Walter Lini and Mary Lini, 1982
Prime Minister Walter Lini and Mary Lini, 1982
Program of Events
Program of events for the Vanuatu Independence Day Celebrations, 26 July - 2 August 1980 (ANUA 270-92)
Program of Events
Program of events for the Vanuatu Independence Day Celebrations, 26 July - 2 August 1980, showing national song, pages 14-15 (ANUA 368-213)
Fact Sheet
A fact sheet on the transfer of power on Vanuatu's Independence Day distributed by British Information Services (ANUA 368-213)
Program of Events
Program of events for the Vanuatu Independence Anniversary Celebrations, 1996 (ANUA 345-49)
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