East New Britain Governor Hon. Michael Marum has called on the people of Rabaul to transform the painful memories of the 1994 twin volcanic eruptions into a renewed commitment to local leadership and community development.
Speaking at the 32nd anniversary commemorations of the devastating eruptions of Tavurvur and Vulcan on 19 September 1994, Governor Marum emphasized that while the disaster changed Rabaul forever, it did not diminish the resilience and determination of its people.
“The volcanoes destroyed homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods, but they did not destroy the spirit of Rabaul,” Governor Marum stated.
He urged the community to view the anniversary as an opportunity to remember the past while looking forward to building a safer, stronger, and more prosperous future.
One of the highlights of the commemoration was the opening of new community facilities at the Gelagela resettlement site. These include ward halls at Rabuana, Rapolo, Malex 2, Iawakaka, and Matalau, as well as a police post, a mediation hall, and a new fitness and training centre.
Governor Marum described the ward halls as the “ward parliaments” of their communities, emphasizing their importance as spaces where residents can gather, hold meetings, raise issues, discuss priorities, and plan local development.
He highlighted the vital role of grassroots development, stating, systems at the community level must be strengthened to allow development in the province. The governor further stated that the ward is where government meets the people, and the ward hall must become a place where voices are heard, and decisions are made.
Governor Marum encouraged ward leaders, women, youth, churches, and community organizations to utilize these facilities actively, transforming them into centres of community participation and decision-making. He also acknowledged the contributions of local volunteers from Gelagela, who helped construct the new fitness and training centre, illustrating that development is a collective effort.
“Our people must also take ownership of development. Government support is essential, but community effort is what drives real progress. The fitness and training centre is a prime example of what can happen when government and community work hand in hand,” Governor Marum said.
He further stressed that the facility would serve as a platform for young people to develop sporting, fitness, and personal skills, creating positive pathways for the next generation.
Reflecting on the history of Rabaul since 1994, Governor Marum described resilience as the defining trait of the community.
“We must not simply rebuild what was lost; we must build forward. We must create new opportunities for our youth, strengthen infrastructure, support business and investment, promote tourism, and ensure our communities are better prepared for future disasters.”
He called for ongoing collaboration with the national government, districts, local-level governments, development partners, churches, traditional leaders, businesses, and the community at large.
“We cannot wait for Waigani to solve every problem for us. We must lead where we can, work with government where we must, and take responsibility for our future,” Marum stated.
The new ward facilities symbolize practical investment in grassroots leadership, as Governor Marum stressed that the ward parliaments must remain active, with community members meeting regularly, discussing issues, setting priorities, and holding leaders accountable.
Governor Marum reaffirmed that the anniversary was both a time to remember those affected by the 1994 disaster and an opportunity to renew the commitment to rebuilding Rabaul for future generations.
“We remember the past. We learn from the past. But we will not live in the past. Rabaul is rising, East New Britain is rising, and together, our people will build the future we deserve,” concludes Governor Marum.