PAYA President Featured in the Lowy Institute’s The Interpreter

The Pacific-Australia Youth Association’s Chair and President Dominic de Moura McCarthy was recently featured in the Lowy Institute’s The Interpreter with his article, “Darwin has the bases, Cairns has the people.”

The article argues that Cairns should be formally recognised and resourced as Australia’s civilian hub for engagement with Papua New Guinea and the wider Pacific. While northern Australia’s strategic role is often viewed through the lens of defence infrastructure, Dominic highlights the importance of education, commerce, diplomacy, diaspora communities and people-to-people relationships.

The article also recognises the role of youth networks such as PAYA in strengthening trust and leadership connections across the region. Dominic calls for greater investment in established people-to-people platforms, expanded educational mobility between Cairns and the Pacific, and stronger partnerships between emerging business and community leaders.

As Australia deepens its relationships with Papua New Guinea and Pacific Island countries, the article makes the case that Cairns is uniquely positioned to become the place where Australia’s Pacific relationships are not only discussed, but lived.

Click here to read the full article in the Lowy Institute’s The Interpreter.