04/06/2026
The Governor-General and Mr Beckett were honoured to be guests of the Government of Samoa for the nation’s 64th Independence Day celebrations, including a church service, parade, and the ceremonial opening of Samoa’s parliamentary buildings.
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During the parade, they joined Samoa’s Head of State, His Highness Tuimaleali’ifano Vaʻaletoʻa Sualauvi II, Her Highness Masiofo Faʻamausili Leinafo Tuimalealiʻifano, Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt, Australian High Commissioner Will Robinson, and representatives from New Zealand, Fiji, American Samoa, Tonga and Tokelau.
The parade was the largest community celebration of Samoan independence, joy and pride, attended by tens of thousands with thousands more marching — representing schools, community and government. The Royal Samoa Police Band was also joined by members of the Royal Australian Navy, marching side by side.
🏢 The Governor-General then joined the Prime Minister for the ceremonial opening of the new parliamentary precinct. In her remarks, she spoke of Australia and Samoa’s shared commitment to strong democratic institutions and governance, reflected in the new Australian Government-supported Parliament of Samoa and Legislative Assembly Office buildings.
The ceremony included a ribbon-cutting, the planting of a fetau tree, and a performance by Samoan-Australian Taitu’uga Wesche and his sons, featuring First Nations Gungarri culture and highlighting the enduring relationship between the people of Samoa and Australia.
🚣♀️ Later, the Governor-General joined the Prime Minister and international representatives for lunch before cheering on participants of a traditional Samoan fautasi (longboat) race with Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, the Honorable Ale Vena Ale and thousands from the local community, congratulating rowers including Australian-Samoan Mares Junior Tim’e.
🤝 On behalf of all Australians, the Governor-General and Mr Beckett congratulate the people of Samoa on 64 years of independence.