Australia's closest neighbour, Papua New Guinea will celebrate 50 years of independence on Tuesday. Photo: Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS

Half a century after the Raggiana bird-of-paradise was officially first hoisted on black and red, Papua New Guinea remains fiercely proud of its independence.

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PNG will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its arrival as the Independent State of Papua New Guinea on Tuesday, with an air of festivity expected to flow through its capital Port Moresby as visiting dignitaries and world leaders assemble to pay their respects.

Community groups in Australia have bee

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