As many of you may know, I recently travelled to Papua New Guinea to play at my first stadium, and I have to say it was a dream come true.

Chris & I on the main stage

It all started when Chris Cobb, my amazing friend and mentor, invited me to perform alongside him at the We Are One Mother’s Day Charity Festival. It was held at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in Port Moresby. There were 18 of PNG’s most popular artists all playing at the event, as it was to raise awareness for women’s breast cancer.

18 of PNG's Best Artists & Me

It was a six-day trip, so we got there a bit early before the festival so we could meet the full band and have a few rehearsals.

We stayed at Airways Hotel and were treated so well by everyone. I had never been to Port Moresby, so I was not sure what to expect, but it was just the best experience.

The locals were all so friendly and welcoming, and it was good to speak to them and learn more about their country and lifestyle.

We only had six days there, but we packed so much into each day.

Day 1 

Was just travel and arrive at the hotel and Chill, so not much to tell. 

The welcoming committee

Day 2

We went to the Port Moresby Hospital and visited the maternity and children’s wards and dropped off a heap of clothes and toys for the kids. We got them all donated before we left home from some generous Maleny locals. Chris and I played a few songs for the mothers and kids. It was sad to see so many of them in hospital, but nice to see them smile when we sang.  It was then off to a full rehearsal with the band. I couldn’t believe how talented these guys all were. They didn’t have any charts and just went with feeling, and they sounded incredible.

Arriving at the PNG Hospital with donations from Australia. 

Day 3

Chris took us downtown to central Port Moresby, and we then went off to another rehearsal, but this time with his old band he used to play with. It was so much fun, and while we were there, Dad decided to try betel nut. Apparently, it’s like a strong nicotine or coffee hit (I wouldn’t know), but what I do know is that Dad acted a bit funny. His mouth and teeth went red, and he said his head was spinning. He just sat there grinning for about 20 minutes. It was quite funny actually. After the rehearsal, we headed off to the Royal Papua Yacht Club for a three-hour gig. The club was right on the water, which the sun set over. It was so beautiful.

Chris, Me and Wesley @ The Royal PNG Yactch Club

Day 4 

A haircut for Chris, then a visit to the local markets, followed by a full rehearsal at the stadium. It was my first look at the stadium, and it was huge, and so was the stage. I got to meet a few of the other amazing artists, and we did a sound check for a couple of songs. It was so good to be up on that big stage.

Rehersal the night before the Festival

Day 5

Mother’s Day and the actual event. So, so good. We went in early and went in the back way to the Green Room. It was set up so nicely with couches, drinks, and food. We watched a few of the other acts, but I was getting a bit nervous to be playing in front of so many people. But once I got on stage, it was awesome and went too quickly.

Chris and I played four songs, two of his originals and a couple of covers. He chose the song Down Under by Men at Work and told the crowd I was the man from Down Under. They loved it, and the song was a hit, with so many of them singing along. I don’t think I will ever forget this experience.

Main stage on Sir Hubert Murray Stadium 

Day 6

We were supposed to rest up after a busy few days, but instead we headed off to the Santos National Football Stadium. Sean is the manager there and asked us to visit the stadium. He showed us around and organised a spur-of-the-moment gig. They set us up in The Locker Room Café & Bar, fed us the most beautiful meal, and we played a few songs for everyone there. Sean then gave us a tour of the stadium, including going out into the middle of the playing field with our guitars and playing a song. The acoustics were amazing. Then, for some unknown reason, we decided to run the whole length of the football field with our guitars. I still don’t know how it happened, but Chris managed to beat me.

Me & Chris standing in the middle of the Santos Stadium 

We then had a final trip to the markets to get a bit more food and souvenirs, then back to the hotel for a final catch-up with the boys from the band and a sad goodbye.

My trip to PNG is something that I will never forget. I can’t thank Chris enough for introducing me to his country and culture, and all the beautiful people of PNG who were so welcoming and supportive.