NRL record try-scorer Alex Johnston says his decision to join the new Papua New Guinea franchise is driven by a deep sense of responsibility to his heritage and a desire to help shape the future of rugby league in the Pacific nation.Johnston, who is Kumul No. 294 and will become Player #002 for the upcoming PNG team, the Chiefs, described the move as more than a career decision, calling it a “duty and obligation” to represent his family and cultural roots. The winger, who has already been honoured with a statue at South Sydney Rabbitohs headquarters, will link up with fellow star Jarome Luai at the expansion club ahead of its entry into the NRL in 2028. “When the team got announced, I felt like I had to go over there just to represent my family and my nan as best I can,” Johnston said, referring to his grandmother who was born in Papua New Guinea’s Sandaun Province. Johnston said his connection to Papua New Guinea runs deep, strengthened through his appearances for the Kumuls and his community work in the country, which he visits whenever possible. “I love it when I go over there—the atmosphere, the community, and how much rugby league means to them,” he said. “It honestly gives people something to look forward to.” The star winger believes the introduction of a PNG-based NRL team will have a major social impact, uniting communities, and inspiring young players across the country.  “If everyone can unite behind a team each week, it can bring people together and create something positive,” he said. “It can drive peace, harmony, and give people hope.” Johnston will relocate to Port Moresby with his wife and children ahead of the club’s development phase, marking a major personal and professional transition after a one-club NRL career with South Sydney. Despite the change, Johnston said he had the full support of his long-time club and coach Wayne Bennett and remains excited about the opportunity to help build a new sporting legacy. “It was a big decision, but with PNG coming into the NRL, it felt like it was meant to be,” he said. He also backed the long-term vision of the Chiefs to develop local talent and eventually build a squad made up largely of Papua New Guinean players. “I know the talent that’s there. A lot of those boys could definitely play in the NRL system,” he said. “It’s going to give young kids something to strive for.” Johnston said he expects huge passion and atmosphere when the team eventually plays its first home games, based on his previous experiences representing the Kumuls. “The first game will be crazy. The love for rugby league over there is unbelievable,” he said. Looking ahead, Johnston said his focus is not just on performance, but on helping inspire long-term change through the sport in Papua New Guinea. “If we’re driving messages as a PNG Chief, and we can make a difference in people’s lives, then that’s what it’s about,” he said.

Prime Minister James Marape has called for stronger partnerships with major Chinese energy companies as part of Papua New Guinea’s long-term transition toward clean energy and electric transportation.During the final day of his official visit to Shenzhen, Prime Minister Marape met with executives from Shenzhen Energy and BYD to discuss investment opportunities in renewable energy, battery technology, and electric vehicle manufacturing. The PM said Papua New Guinea has the natural resources needed to become a major clean energy producer in the region. “We offer clean energy opportunities that can help promote energy security for Papua New Guinea, China, and the wider world,” PM Marape said. At Shenzhen Energy, the PM explored technologies used in renewable power generation and proposed future collaboration using PNG’s hydro, solar, and geothermal resources. He also floated the idea of developing battery storage systems capable of exporting clean energy solutions internationally. During discussions with BYD, one of the world’s leading electric vehicle manufacturers, Marape proposed positioning Papua New Guinea as both an energy supplier and a potential manufacturing base for electric vehicles. “If we can transition away from fossil fuel-powered vehicles over the next decade, we will be solving a major part of the global climate challenge,” he stated. The Prime Minister linked the push for renewable energy to the growing impacts of climate change already being experienced in Milne Bay Province, including rising sea levels and changing weather patterns following Cyclone Maila. “We only have one planet, and we need solution creators,” he said. PM Marape assured investors that PNG remains open for business, highlighting the country’s stable legal system, long-standing investment history, and commitment to the “One China” policy since 1976. He also revealed growing local demand for electric vehicles, noting that a Papua New Guinean businessman has already placed an order for 500 BYD vehicles, with the first shipment expected to arrive this week. The PM concluded by inviting both companies to enter into formal agreements with Papua New Guinea to support long-term clean energy development and the nationwide transition to electric vehicles. “This partnership can help eliminate carbon footprints, strengthen energy security, and secure a cleaner future for generations to come,” Marape said.

The National Capital District Provincial Health Authority (NCDPHA) on behalf of the Antenatal Clinic at Gerehu General Hospital, recently received a generous donation made by Soroptimist International Port Moresby (SIPOM Club) valued at K2, 320.The initiative aims to support expectant mothers and strengthen the capacity of dedicated midwives and hospital staff. In addition, blessing bags were distributed to support pregnant mothers, and meals were shared with mothers who had just delivered their babies. The blessing bags contained items such as diapers, baby clothing, sanitary pads, and hygiene products. Cleaning supplies were also donated including mops, brooms, and disinfectants to keep the hospital environment safe. SIPOM also donated fetal Dopplers, small but essential devices used to monitor a baby’s heartbeat during pregnancy. These improve access to vital monitoring equipment to support early detection of complications and improving care outcomes for both mothers and babies. Dr. Robin Oge, CEO of NCDPHA, stated: “We commend Soroptimist International Port Moresby for their commitment to maternal health and wellbeing. Their donation of essential supplies and lifesaving equipment directly strengthens the work of our midwives and hospital staff, ensuring safer care for mothers and babies. This partnership reflects the spirit of Mother's Day—honouring women while investing in healthier futures for families across the National Capital District.” The NCDPHA extends its gratitude to Soroptimist International Port Moresby for their continued support and reaffirms its commitment to working with partners to improve maternal and child health services across Port Moresby.

The launch of four new major projects by the Kiwa Initiative for pacific nations was announced recently at the 12th Steering Committee in Suva, Fiji last week aimed at addressing the impacts of climate change.The aim of these projects is to strengthen climate resilience across the region, representing a significant expansion of nature-based solutions (NbS) for communities facing rising sea levels and environmental degradation, including the communities in Papua New Guinea (PNG). PNG communities in New Ireland and East New Britain will be welcoming two of the three new regional projects. The first, Kiwa cFISH, led by Multiplier/cChange seeks to expand community-based fisheries management. The €4.9 million project which will be spent over 3 years, will target PNG, the Solomon Islands, and French Polynesia. In PNG, the project aims to ensure 40% of communities in New Ireland province The second, Kiwa PRESERVE, led by WaterAid, aims at ensuring water and food security in PNG Samoa, and Timo-Leste. The project, costing €5 million, will take a holistic approach to address disruptions to the water cycle in the rural communities. Through community by-laws, the project will support watershed protection, restoration of degraded slopes, and installation of bio-infiltration basins. Designed to reduce erosion and protect traditional ways of life from the impact of climate crisis. The Kiwa Initiative is a multi-donor program funded by France, European Union, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. It is managed by the Agence Française de Development (AFD) and builds resilience by protecting and restoring biodiversity. Kiwa operates by providing simplified access to funding for local governments and NGOs, currently supporting over 45 projects across the Pacific to help ecosystems and economies thrive.

Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) has officially launched a critical Tetanus Immunization Campaign to protect girls and women between the ages of 15 and 44.This initiative aims to prevent tetanus-related deaths and is a vital component of Papua New Guinea's ongoing efforts to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus. By receiving the vaccine, women not only protect themselves but also pass essential immunity to their newborns, effectively preventing the onset of neonatal tetanus. The first round of the campaign commenced on the 28th of April and will continue through the 18th of May. During this period, all eligible individuals are encouraged to visit designated vaccination sites within the hospital grounds. Current administration points include the waiting area lawn located in front of Ward Nine (Obstetrics and Gynaecology) as well as the HR Lawn. Following the initial dose, the second dose will be scheduled for one month later during the second round of the campaign, with a third dose to follow six months afterward. Eligibility for this free vaccine extends to all girls and women of childbearing age, encompassing students, farmers, workers, and those who are currently pregnant or breastfeeding. While the vaccine is being provided at the hospital, it is also frequently made available through schools, community outreach programs, and mobile health teams to ensure maximum accessibility. Health officials emphasize that the tetanus vaccine is both safe and effective. Although a single dose offers some level of protection, completing the full series of up to five doses is highly recommended to ensure long-term or even lifelong immunity. The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to advocate for high immunization coverage among this demographic as a primary strategy to eliminate tetanus-related deaths on a global scale.

The East New Britain (ENB) Provincial Health Authority (PHA) in its first quarterly review on programs implemented so far this year, 2026, has taken note of its funding allocations from a number of sources.Although the PHA requested K150 million to implement the Annual Implementation Program (AIP), the authority was allocated half of that amount, totaling K56 million. ENBPHA Chief Executive Officer Dr Ako Yap stated that they had no choice but to work within the ceiling budget and implement most of the AIPs for this year. Nevertheless, there is funding from other baskets to bridge the gaps. “It is good to have the provincial government through the leadership of Governor Michael Marum, to now fully recognize the importance of health in the province.” “For the first time since a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed in 2019, an allocation of K11.4 million was made.” “This funding is further tied down for the new Wairiki Rural Hospital project in the Gazelle district and other health delivery initiatives such as WASH, Healthy Island Concept and medical equipment.” Meanwhile, the PHA will continue to rely on the District Development Authorities (DDAs) to fund all health facilities in respective districts as stipulated by the law that twenty percent of the District Service Improvement Program (DSIP) is budgeted for health facilities. To ensure these funds are utilized, Dr. Yap has directed all District Health Coordinators (DHCs) to strengthen their partnerships with their respective DDAs and ensure timely submissions for funding. “The government is showing signs of frustrations that aid posts are not in operations, but funding is under the DDA budget where DHCs must access.”

The Acting Prime Minister and National Gaming Control Board (NGCB) recently disbursed Disaster Relief Funding to the provinces impacted by the devastating Category 5 Cyclone, including the New Ireland province.The Governor for New Ireland Province, Byron Chan, expressed sincere gratitude for the timely assistance under the leadership of Prime Minister James Marape and the swift coordination efforts in delivering a unified national response to the natural disaster. Governor Chan said that the prompt action taken by the National Government demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting communities during times of crisis. He expressed deep appreciation for this intervention at a critical time for the people affected. A total of K4.5 million was released in funding support to the eight (8) affected provinces of Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Milne Bay, East New Britain, Manus, Morobe, Oro, West New Britain and New Ireland. “This support will significantly strengthen our ongoing relief operations and assist in addressing the immediate needs of our affected communities. It is a clear example of effective collaboration between national institutions in responding to emergencies,” added Governor Chan. He later reaffirmed that New Ireland is committed to working alongside the National Government, Development Partners and fellow provinces to ensure a coordinated recovery effort to rebuilding stronger and more resilient communities.

The East New Britain (ENB) Provincial Health Authority (PHA) concluded its first-quarter review of the 2026 Annual Implementation Program (AIP) last week at Kairak in the Gazelle District.Throughout the three-day event, health directors, program managers, and district health coordinators presented detailed reports on their respective sectors.During the opening remarks, ENBPHA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Ako Yap emphasized the necessity of these sessions for identifying implementation gaps.He noted that the PHA intends to rotate these quarterly reviews across the four districts of Gazelle, Kokopo, Rabaul, and Pomio to better assess local health facilities and personnel.“For this year, ENB PHA will be conducting its quarterly reviews in the four districts; Gazelle, Kokopo, Rabaul and Pomio.”“By doing this it gives us time to also look at the existing health facilities and staff within a district, to identify bottlenecks early and adjust strategies promptly rather than wait for an annual review.”These reviews serve as ongoing activities to measure achievements and ensure health programs stay on track by providing real-time data for informeddecision-making. Dr. Yap specifically challenged the leadership team to address objectives that were missed in the first quarter, ensuring they are prioritized and improved upon moving into the second quarter.He stressed his desire for health interventions to yield the highest possible impact for the population. Following the presentations, the PHA working technical team began processing recommendations to realign provincial finances with physical progress.

Papua New Guinean’s very own Alex Johnston, NRL’s leading try scorer is going to be the second big name NRL star player to sign with the PNG Chiefs ahead of the new club’s entry into the NRL in 2028.The PNG Chiefs are hosting a press conference this afternoon at 3PM at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby city and it is highly anticipated that the formal announcement will be made of his signing with the PNG Chiefs. Alex Johnston, the greatest try- scorer in Australian premiership history, heads a long list of Papua New Guinea players in the sights of the Chiefs. After signing Samoa playmaker Jarome Luai just recently, the Chiefs are expected to finalize a deal with Johnston, who earlier this season broke Ken Irvine’s 54-year record of 212 tries and has now taken his tally to 221 tries for South Sydney. Johnston is set to be the first Papua New Guinea player to sign with the new NRL franchise, but Chiefs GM of football Michael Chammas said there would be many more before the club enters the NRL in 2028. Alex Johnston is going to sign a one-year deal with the PNG Chiefs, becoming player number 002.

A three-day Football Coaching workshop is being carried out in Goroka by the Papua New Guinea Football Association to bolster football development in the Member Associations in the region.Cathy Agunam, the Women’s Football Representative to the PNGFA Executive Committee officially opened the program that will be running from Monday to Wednesday. Thirty-five individuals including coaches, teachers, parents, and volunteers are brought together by the course in the effort to improve their knowledge competency in coaching. The program, which comprises 18 comprehensive modules, has four main pillars: The Game, The Coach, The Player and The Training. With each module blending theoretical learning and hands-on learning experiences, participants can develop a strong conceptual foundation as well as a better understanding of the practical application. To reinforce learning and encourage reflection, participants are involved in framing sessions, structured learning blocks, and evening reviews. Collaboration is another vital skill provided by the course. This is done through learning groups. In addition, the workshop provides opportunities to develop coaching process plans and observe practical training demonstration under the guidance of expert facilitators. The course is being delivered by Education Manager Harrison Kamake and National Youth Development Officer David Muta at the National Sports Institute. Upon completion of the program, participants will have:         Enhanced knowledge of youth football coaching principles and methodologies         Developed practical coaching competencies through hands-on training sessions        Created personalized coaching process plans applicable to their local contexts         Networked with fellow coaches, teachers, parents, and volunteers from the region         Gained exposure to quality match observation and referee procedures. Upon completion of the course, the Goroka Soccer Association will host a Football Development Festival on Thursday 7th and Friday 8thth May 2026. Targeting children aged 8 to 13, the festival serves as a platform for newly trained coaches to apply their skills in a real-world setting. It also offers young players the chance to showcase their talent within a structured, competitive environment featuring Under 8, Under 10, Under 12, and Under 13 divisions, alongside skills demonstrations and talent identification sessions. This integrated three-day course and subsequent festival create a comprehensive development initiative for the Goroka Soccer Association. This effort reinforces the PNGFA’s strategic goals—championed by President John Kapi Natto—to realign football pathways for players, coaches, referees, and administrators across Papua New Guinea. PNGFA extends its gratitude to Goroka Soccer Association President Coffman Alexander Manz and his executive team for their support in delivering this week's programs. In the coming months, the Technical Department will expand its reach to newly affiliated associations in Alotau, Vanimo, and Wewak.

The 41st Australia Papua New Guinea (PNG) Business Forum and Trade Expo, is coming up and Westpac PNG is proud to reaffirm its long-standing commitment as sponsor and even having NRL and business leader, Ben Ikin as keynote speaker.For more than four decades, the Australia Papua New Guinea Business Forum has been a cornerstone of bilateral engagement, bringing together senior government officials, business leaders, investors and development partners to foster dialogue, collaboration, and investment between the two countries. As part of Westpac’s sponsorship, the bank will once again host the Forum’s official opening dinner, setting the tone for the days ahead and providing an opportunity for meaningful connection between Australian and Papua New Guinean stakeholders. This year’s opening dinner will feature a keynote address by Ben Ikin, former State of Origin star, premiership-winning NRL player and respected business executive. Drawing on his experience across elite sport and leadership, Ben will share insights on leadership under pressure, building high-performing teams, resilience, and the importance of trust. “The Australia Papua New Guinea Business Forum continues to play a critical role in strengthening commercial ties between our two countries,” said Patrick Wright, Head of Corporate & Commercial Banking at Westpac PNG. “As a long-standing partner to businesses operating across Papua New Guinea, we see firsthand the importance of trust, leadership and collaboration in driving sustainable growth. Ben Ikin’s keynote will resonate strongly with the Forum audience, bringing practical lessons from high-performance environments that translate directly into business leadership.” The event is set for the 13–15 May in Brisbane and coincides with the NRL Magic Round in Brisbane, creating a unique and high‑energy backdrop that reflects the deep cultural connection Papua New Guinea holds with rugby league and the enduring links between sport, community and leadership. Westpac remains committed to supporting initiatives that drive sustainable economic development across Papua New Guinea and the Pacific, and to partnering with clients, stakeholders and communities today, tomorrow and for generations to come. Westpac Papua New Guinea has been supporting individuals, businesses and communities for more than a century, having established the country’s first commercial bank in 1910. As one of Papua New Guinea’s leading financial institutions, Westpac PNG provides a broad range of retail, business and institutional banking services, with a strong focus on supporting economic growth, trade and financial inclusion. Westpac PNG is committed to being a trusted and responsible banking partner, delivering sustainable outcomes for its customers while investing in community development, financial literacy and capability-building across the country. As part of the Westpac Group, the bank brings global expertise and regional experience to support Papua New Guinea’s long-term prosperity.

Prime Minister James Marape has outlined a broader national agenda centred on governance performances, institutional integrity, and leadership renewal, as Papua New Guinea moves towards the 2027 National General Election (NGE).Marape said the Government’s priority remains delivering results for the people rather than engaging in premature election narratives. “Our responsibility is not to speculate about elections, but to deliver outcomes for our people. Roads, agriculture, jobs, law and order – these are the issues that matter. The people will judge us on performance,” he said. He noted that past elections have shown governments winning and losing seats right across the country, reflecting the independent will of voters. “You win some, you lose some. That is democracy. No Government can predetermine outcomes – the people always decide,” he said. He said there are ongoing efforts to strengthen democratic systems ahead of the 2027 General Elections, including closer coordination with the Electoral Commission and enhanced parliamentary oversight. The government’s commitment to transparency and accountability is measured with a maintained inclusive oversight arrangement, in ensuring election preparation is robust, transparent, and open to scrutiny. Marape also highlighted a forward-looking approach to election scrutiny focused on professionalism and neutrality, with proposed measures in reinforcing strict non-partisanship among security personnel, strengthening Police leadership in election operations, and tightening disciplinary measures for misconduct. “Security forces are there to protect the process – not participate in it. Their role is to ensure every citizen can vote freely and safely,” he said, Moreover, the Prime Minister also confirmed that the PANGU Pati will proceed to its national convention in June, where leadership and organizational reforms will be considered. These include strengthening internal democracy, reviewing leadership structures, and advancing proposals for leadership renewal. He made it clear that Government decisions, including leadership appointments, are based on merit, performance, and the need for stability. Emphasizing that, continuity in leadership ensures that the government deliver on its commitments and completes national agendas. Prime Minister Marape called on all stakeholders, including the media and political leaders, to contribute responsibly to national discourse. “Our country deserves informed, responsible dialogue that builds confidence and unity,” he said. He urges citizens to approach the 2027 elections with seriousness and responsibility. “Elections determine the future of the nation. I encourage every Papua New Guinean to vote wisely, based on leadership, policy and integrity,” he said. Prime Minister Marape concluded by reaffirming that Papua New Guinea’s democracy rests firmly in the hands of its people.