In Episode 133 of The Unkles Podcast, we sit down with the organisers and contestants behind the inaugural Miss Hiri Hanenamo Queensland Program, a cultural leadership initiative dedicated to preserving, promoting and passing on Motu Koita culture to future generations living in Australia.We speak with program organiser Lillian, Assistant Director and former Hiri Queen Allison Exton, and contestants Pauline and Wendy about the vision behind the program, the importance of cultural identity, and why connecting young Papua New Guineans to their heritage is more important than ever.The conversation explores leadership, representation, cultural education, community involvement, and the challenges many young people face growing up between two cultures. Pauline and Wendy share their personal journeys, what inspired them to join the program, and how they hope to become ambassadors for their families, communities and future generations.We also discuss the significance of the Hiri Trade, Motu Koita traditions, cultural tattoos, leadership development, and how initiatives like Miss Hiri Hanenamo Queensland help strengthen cultural pride among Papua New Guineans living abroad.If you're passionate about Papua New Guinea, Motu Koita culture, cultural preservation, youth leadership, community development or Pacific Islander stories, this is an episode you won't want to miss.🎙️ Guests: Lillian, Allison Exton, Pauline & Wendy📍 Miss Hiri Hanenamo Queensland Program🇵🇬 Motu Koita Culture | Leadership | Identity | CommunityAvailable now on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.#MissHiriHanenamo #MotuKoita #PapuaNewGuinea #PNGCulture #PacificIslander #PNGDiaspora #WomenInLeadership #CulturalIdentity #TheUnklesPodcast #HiriFestival
