Rising Kumul star Cooper Bai is set to make his long-awaited international debut this weekend, proudly wearing the red, black and gold of Papua New Guinea in the Pacific Championships opener.At just 18, Cooper Bai – son of Papua New Guinea great Marcus Bai – seems born for this stage. Despite having only one NRL appearance for the Gold Coast Titans, he has already captured the hearts of fans across the nation. No matter where the Kumuls have travelled in Port Moresby this week, crowds have flocked toward one player above all Cooper Bai. The excitement reached fever pitch when the Kumuls touched down on Sunday, with hundreds of fans surrounding the team bus at Jacksons International Airport and chanting “Cooper! Cooper! Cooper!”. The same electric energy followed the squad to Gordon’s Market on Monday, where supporters once again flocked to catch a glimpse of the teenage sensation. Amid the growing hype, Bai has kept his feet firmly on the ground, recognizing that his journey is only just beginning and that there’s still plenty to learn from the experienced players and coaches around him. “I guess everyone knows my last name with Dad,” Bai said. “Dad had a really wonderful career and the amount of support and help that he and the family – all my family – have had for me is immense. “Starting to build my own name and my own thing is probably a big thing for me, but also; not just build on my own thing, but to continue the legacy of the Bai last name.” Bai’s selection to face the Cook Islands caps a stunning season of rapid progression for the young forward. Starting the year in the Under-19 Mal Meninga Cup, Bai quickly progressed to represent Queensland Under-19s before making his NRL debut in Round 27, following a series of standout performances with the Tweed Seagulls in the Hostplus Cup. “It was a bit of a rollercoaster to be honest, from starting off this year,” Bai said. “I started off in the Under 19s and then got my chance in the Queensland v NSW game and got to play that, then got lucky enough to get a picked by Tweed Seagulls to play in the Cup and then after that, got the chance to make my NRL debut. “It was all pretty quick and it's still sinking in to be honest.” Bai experienced the pride of donning the red, black and gold Kumuls jersey earlier this month, taking to the field in Port Moresby for the Prime Minister’s XIII clash against Australia’s PM’s side. Papua New Guinea erupted as he entered the field wearing his signature green headgear, with coach Jason Demetriou granting the young talent 46 minutes to experience the thrill firsthand. “It was amazing just to finally put on that Kumuls jersey and to be able to run out with all the boys there after a really good week we had together; all the coaches putting countless efforts in just to get us on that field and putting us together in a good line-up,” Bai told NRL.com. “The Aussie boys put it up to us and we just (couldn't) hold on there, but still, it was an amazing experience, and all the boys should be really proud. It's still very exciting and new … coming back now (to PNG) and just feeling everything, it's so great and I'm still trying to let everything sink in,” said Bai.

Members of the Brisbane Broncos’ premiership-winning NRL and NRLW teams have kicked off a special trophy tour, bringing their 2024 silverware to fans during this weekend’s Pacific Championships in Papua New Guinea.The club confirmed that while the full details of the tour are still being finalized, several Broncos stars will take part in the first leg of celebrations. Representing the NRL premiership side are Adam Reynolds, Ben Hunt, and Ezra Mam, while Romy Teitzel, Jada Ferguson, and Shenae Ciesiolka will appear from the NRLW grand final-winning team. The players are in Papua New Guinea for a three-day visit that includes community engagements and appearances at the Pacific Championships. A highlight of the trip will see the Broncos contingent take a lap of honour with the NRL and NRLW trophies at halftime of the PNG Kumuls v Cook Islands Aitu match at Santos National Football Stadium on Saturday, October 25. The tour marks the beginning of the Broncos’ wider celebrations following a historic season that saw both the club’s men’s and women’s teams crowned NRL champions.

Four people have died, and more than 18 others were injured in a fatal road accident along the Sir Bruce Jeffcott Highway near Udini, Bahor, in Madang on Monday morning.Police say the crash happened around 8:30AM when two Isuzu trucks were speeding towards town. One of the trucks, driven by Baigi Kauke and owned by Ben Kaia of Balama Village in Ambenob LLG, hit a pedestrian, 56-year-old Lucy Sed from Bugati, who died instantly after being dragged by the vehicle. The truck then went off the road and fell off the Calvet Bridge at Drai Diwai Creek, killing three passengers — 25-year-old Doris Akarfi from Warames Village in Bogia, 35-year-old Alvis Yandan from Yawar Village in Bukati, and Kimberly Kivens from Rai Coast. More than 18 passengers were rushed to Modilon General Hospital with serious injuries. Madang Provincial Police Commander, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, condemned the accident, saying drivers continue to ignore road safety messages. “Our traffic officers are wasting their time doing awareness on road safety, drink driving, overloading, and driving with care and attention,” PPC Baim said. “Drivers and people are so ignorant. Passengers’ lives are in your capable hands — you will still reach your destination, so why speeding?” He reminded drivers that “there is no first prize for speeding” and urged PMV operators to drive responsibly. Police are investigating the cause of the crash.

Passengers accessing the Jackson International Airport in Port Moresby city will find ease of movement to the terminals now that there is a shuttle service being provided by the National Airport’s Corporation (NAC).The NAC took on this initiative to improve services and provide better passenger experience. The Minister for Civil Aviation, Wake Goi has welcomed the NAC's introduction of this new airport shuttle bus service, stating that it is part of the efforts to improve the airport facilities and the services. “The shuttle service is now operational, following successful trials by the NAC over the weekend. The shuttles are provided between the Domestic, International, and APEC Terminals. This is part of a broader effort by the National Airports Corporation (NAC), to streamline inter-terminal movement, reduce transfer times, and ensure more efficient use of airport resources,” Minister Goi said. Minister Goi said the initiative reflects the NAC’s commitment to delivering improved services for travelers and aligns with the government’s vision to improve aviation services in Papua New Guinea (PNG). In addition to the shuttle buses, two electric carts (Buggies) are now in service to assist passengers with mobility needs. These environmentally friendly buggies, offer a safe and accessible option for navigating terminal areas for passengers with reduced mobility. Meanwhile, a regulated Taxi Service will soon be introduced at the airport through a partnership with a private operator. The service will operate from designated pick-up zones at both the Domestic and International Terminals, providing arriving passengers with a reliable and secure transport option directly from the terminal frontage.

The National Capital District Provincial Health Authority (NCDPHA) has received a timely donation recently from the Rotary Australia, a 40-foot container filled with lifesaving medical equipment’s.The donated items include Medical Equipment, IT Equipment, furniture and other materials as requested. Through the collaborative efforts of the NCD PHA’s Chairman, Rotary Boroko and Rotary Australia, the procurement and shipment of the requested items was possible. The Rotary Australia representative Mr. Dickson Ken acknowledged the people who contributed to making this donation a success. Mr. Ken was the Rotarian who dedicated his time and resources to help schools and hospitals in Papua New Guinea. “A few months ago, members of the Rotary Club of Brisbane together with NCDPHA leadership team inspected Gerehu Hospital to identify urgent needs and develop a clear wish list,” said Mr. Ken. “My dream is to ensure that schools and health facilities in PNG will be properly equipped and tools that will enable the continuity of the service provided to my fellow country men and women”. Mr. Ken further acknowledged the Rotary Australia Repurposing Equipment Northern Region (RARE) for making this possible through their incredible generosity and partnership. “It is a charity work that I do as a proud citizen under the Rotary Club of Brisbane for the people of National Capital District to receive the health services that they deserve”. A fellow Rotarian and Community leader Mr. Petere Pelepa expressed his gratitude towards his colleague for aiding the Gerehu Hospital through charity to support the health services in Port Moresby. CEO for NCD PHAS Dr. Robin Oge further acknowledges Mr. Ken and Rotary Boroko for these timely donations made to Gerehu Hospital.  “The medical equipment donated will be put to greater use”, said Dr Oge. Dr Oge added that the NCD PHA’s management are doing their best to ensure that better health services are being delivered to the people in the National Capital through collaborative efforts of its partners, NGOs and the National Government. “The NCD PHA remains committed to our course to serve the people with the health services they deserve.

Significant steps are being taken to advance Papua New Guinea’s (PNG's) climate resilient and green development agenda.Recently, Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Papua New Guinea handed over a new Information Technology (IT) equipment to the Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA), made possible under the Australian Government’s Climate Finance Initiative for Resilience and Sustainable Transition (Climate FIRST) Project. This contribution enhances the Climate Finance Unit’s ability to serve as the Secretariat of the Climate Finance Steering Committee (CFSC) to coordinate, manage, and mobilize climate finance aligned with PNG’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plan (NAP). “With the support of the Australian Government and GGGI, we are building the right mechanisms to strengthen governance and coordination of climate finance in Papua New Guinea — ensuring resources reach where they are needed most,” said CCDA Acting Managing Director Debra Sungi. Mohammad Ali Shaikh, who is the GGGI PNG Country Representative, stated also that they are not only providing hardware support like IT equipment. “We are also investing in software — building the skills, knowledge, and capacity of the Climate Finance Unit team. This is just the starting point, not the end.” The handover follows a successful Climate Finance Capacity Building Workshop held in July, which strengthened technical and institutional readiness for climate finance in PNG.

In support of this year’s Pinktober campaign, Seviiann’s Kona Printing & Tailoring donated at total of 42 pink printed T- shirts to a private hospital and an institution in Port Moresby city.The Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) donated 30 pink printed T-shirts to Paradise Private Hospital and 12 pink printed T-shirts to New Generation Christian Academy to help raise awareness about breast cancer. The local small business, established in 2023, is committed to empowering single mothers and widows through training in tailoring and printing. Through this initiative, Seviiann’s Kona aims to promote hope, unity, and awareness among breast cancer patients, hospital staff, students, and the wider community. The pink shirts serve as a visible symbol of strength, support, and the fight against breast cancer, reminding everyone of the importance of early detection and collective action in saving lives. Seviiann’s Kona continues to demonstrate how small businesses can make a big impact, standing as a driving force for positive change and empowerment in Papua New Guinea.

In a historic move marking Papua New Guinea’s 50th anniversary of independence, Parliament has launched its first-ever inquiry into the well-being of children and youth, signaling a national commitment to stronger oversight, accountability, and investment in the next generation.Opening the inaugural session of the Special Parliamentary Committee on Children and Youth Well-being, Committee Chair and National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop called on the nation’s leaders to act with urgency and vision. “Now is the time for all of us to think about our children,” Governor Parkop declared. “They are the generation that will take this country to 2075 when our nation turns 100 years old.” The two-day inquiry brought together Members of Parliament, Provincial Governors, key government departments, and development partners including UNICEF. Discussions focused on child health and nutrition, education, child protection, water and sanitation (WASH), and provincial governance — with an emphasis on results-driven collaboration. The session established a new framework for parliamentary accountability and cross-sectoral coordination, setting the stage for evidence-based policy reforms to improve children’s lives nationwide. Health took center stage during the inquiry, with Acting Health Secretary Ken Wai underscoring the Department’s life-cycle responsibility — “looking after a human being from the womb to the tomb.” While acknowledging gains in life expectancy, the Committee raised concern over low immunization coverage, with national rates at 47% and some provinces such as Madang as low as 22%. Governor Parkop urged swift action: “We cannot continue to normalize poor child health outcomes or accept malnutrition as routine. Poor nutrition is robbing our children of their potential and our nation of its future.” In response, the National Department of Health (NDoH) committed to key reforms, including finalizing amendments to the Provincial Health Authority Act, fast-tracking approval of the Village Health Assistant Policy by 2026, and conducting a National Nutrition Survey in 2026. Education emerged as another critical focus area. Data presented to the Committee revealed that while more than 80% of children enter primary school, only 5–10% progress to tertiary education. “Education is the great equalizer — but only if every child is able to stay in school, learn, and thrive,” said Governor Parkop. The Department of Education outlined progress on the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Policy, which includes two years of pre-primary learning (K1–K2) under the national 1-6-6 reform. However, challenges remain, including unpaid ECE teachers and insufficient provincial funding for early learning centers. The Committee recommended that ECE teacher salaries be included in the 2026 National Budget and urged finalization of a national ECE expansion plan, addressing teacher registration, curriculum rollout, and improved WASH facilities in schools. The Committee expressed concern about the slow implementation of the Lukautim Pikinini Act (2015) and limited capacity within the National Office of Child and Family Services (NOCFS), where only 60 of 130 approved positions are currently filled. “Every day a child faces abuse, neglect, or violence, we fail in our duty,” Governor Parkop stated. “Protection must be at the heart of government responsibility.” In response, NOCFS committed to expanding its workforce to 180 child protection officers by 2025, reactivating the National Child and Family Services Council by early 2026, and establishing provincial councils across the country. The Committee further directed the Department for Community Development and Religion (DfCDR) and NOCFS to submit a reform and staffing plan by end-2025 to strengthen institutional accountability. Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services were identified as another long-standing gap. The inquiry noted that the National WASH Authority Bill has been delayed for nearly seven years, impeding consistent service delivery despite K106 million allocated between 2019 and 2025. The Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM) announced that a 10-Year National WASH Master Plan (2026–2035) is being finalized in collaboration with UNICEF, the World Bank, and other partners. The Committee urged DNPM to expedite the Bill’s approval and improve funding transparency to ensure that every child has access to clean water and sanitation. Provincial leaders and civil society groups shared examples of innovation despite limited resources. Governor Noah Kool of Simbu highlighted partnerships with churches and NGOs to expand early childhood centers and maternal health outreach programs. Representatives from Magna Carta and ChildFund called for stronger government–NGO collaboration, predictable funding, and greater community participation in accountability efforts. UNICEF’s Regional Director for East Asia and the Pacific, Ms. June Kunugi, praised the Committee’s leadership, reaffirming UNICEF’s continued partnership to advance child rights and well-being in PNG. The Way Forward: A National Call to Action · Concluding the session, the Committee adopted a national action plan that includes: · Presenting its report and recommendations to the next Parliamentary session; · Conducting quarterly departmental and provincial progress reviews; · Advocating for increased fiscal prioritization for children in the 2026 Budget; and · Promoting whole-of-government coordination for integrated child and youth services. Governor Parkop closed with a message of unity and purpose: “This Committee is not just about oversight. It’s about building a nation where every child survives, learns, and is protected. The next 50 years must belong to our children — and the time to act is now.”

Police in Rai Coast district of Madang province are hunting two men who escaped from the Saidor Police Station on Tuesday night after breaking through the old cell walls.The pair were being held for separate crimes when they forced open a damaged lock and fled into the nearby bush. The ageing station, built during the colonial era, has long been in poor condition. Madang Provincial Police Commander, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, said officers are doing all they can to track the men down. “The Saidor station is falling apart. We’ve asked for funding to rebuild it under the Law and Justice Sector program,” he said. One suspect, Kimos Isoki from Naiyudo Local Level Government (LLG), was charged with break and enter, stealing, and wounding. The other, Aksie Lou from Ambenob LLG, was arrested earlier with 15 kilograms of marijuana. Baim urged community members to report any sightings. Meanwhile, PPC Baim revealed that plans are in place to rebuild the Saidor station next year, if funding is approved.

Netball Australia has arrived in Papua New Guinea this week to continue its partnership with the Australian Government and Netball PNG, supporting the rollout of the Team Up One Netball Program.From 21 to 23 October, fifteen Team Up coaches from across the country will attend the ‘Train the Trainer’ workshops. The sessions aim to equip coaches with the skills to implement the new One Netball program in their communities and integrate it into local netball activities. The One Netball program uses netball as a tool to promote social inclusion, address inequalities, and encourage positive outcomes for participants across PNG and the Pacific. Coaches will work closely with facilitators from Netball Australia and Netball PNG to learn how to deliver fun, interactive sessions that also carry educational messages supporting youth development. Netball PNG CEO Lynette Maha said the initiative aligns with the federation’s goal to expand netball participation across the country. “Netball PNG hopes to see more Papua New Guineans playing netball – in more places, more often. Through this redesigned program, we are building confidence in children, supporting education, and promoting positive life values,” Maha said. Sallee Caldwell, Netball Australia’s Head of Market Development, highlighted the program’s growth and impact. “The Team Up One Netball program helps communities enjoy netball, promotes social inclusion, and improves physical health. This next phase, co-designed with Pacific netball federations, aims to create lasting opportunities and positive change,” Caldwell said. The workshop marks an important step in strengthening netball development in PNG and enhancing the role of sport in supporting communities.

The landowners and other beneficiaries of the PNG LNG project will soon receive their royalty payments now that the Central bank has released accrued royalty payments for the Project area landowners into their Trusts, which it manages.Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) has confirmed this, stating that it is great news for the landowners. MRDC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Augustine Mano welcomed the release of the royalty benefits. “The release of the royalty payments is great news for landowners. The early release of these benefits to a number of these groups have been delayed by clan disputes and court cases,” said Mr. Mano. “For Hides PDL1 landowners, this is timely. MRDC will proceed to complete the clan bank account opening and director elections exercise so payment can be made before the end of the year.” “This exercise commenced in April 2024 but was suspended due to a restraining order from the court obtained by a party. This case has now been resolved, and the restraining order lifted, clearing the way for us to resume.” MRDC is mandated under the Oil & Gas Act to manage benefits for project area landowners in petroleum projects in the country. Under the benefits sharing arrangements reached at the UBBSA in Kokopo, prior to commencement of the PNG LNG Project, the royalty benefits are paid to the Government (into a trust account held at BPNG), which then releases it to its main beneficiaries: the landowners (70%), and the Hela, Southern Highlands, Gulf, Western and Central provincial governments and impacted local Level Governments (30%). In accordance with the Oil & Gas Act, and benefits - sharing agreement reached in 2009, royalty and equity benefits for landowners are to be split in the 40:30:30 formula, where 40% is paid as cash benefit to benefitting clans, 30% invested in Future Generation Fund (Investment), and 30% in Community Infrastructure Trust Fund (social development projects).

In a significant step towards transforming its agricultural sector, Papua New Guinea has officially launched its new Agriculture Management Information System (AMIS) — a cutting-edge platform designed to enable evidence-based planning, monitoring, and decision-making in real time.The system was unveiled during a ceremony attended by high-level government officials and development partners, marking the culmination of a collaborative effort led by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) under the EU-STREIT PNG Programme. Hosted on the national G-Cloud infrastructure through the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT), AMIS is more than just a digital database. It is a comprehensive decision-support tool that provides centralized, automated data management and analysis capabilities for the National Department of Agriculture and Livestock (NDAL) and affiliated Commodity Boards. Speaking at the launch, NDAL Secretary Dr. Sergie Bang hailed AMIS as a landmark development for PNG’s agriculture sector. “The AMIS is a pioneering tool designed to improve how we manage, monitor, and plan agricultural activities across the country,” Dr Bang said. “It catalyzes a more productive, efficient, and sustainable agricultural future for Papua New Guinea by enabling data-driven decisions that benefit millions of farmers and stakeholders.” The platform is aligned with key national strategies, including PNG’s 4th Mid-Term Development Plan (MTDP IV), the National Agriculture Sector Plan (NASP), and NDAL’s Corporate Plan. It is expected to enhance coordination between departments, streamline data collection and reporting, and help monitor project outcomes and environmental impacts across provinces. The AMIS development and deployment were made possible through funding from the European Union, initially targeted at the Sepik region under the EU-STREIT PNG Programme. However, its nationwide adoption reflects broader ambitions. “While the EU’s support was designed for two Sepik provinces, AMIS is a great example of how our contributions are delivering national benefits,” said Ms. Monica Vazquez-Pablo from the EU Delegation. “We look forward to seeing it populated with quality data that can generate valuable insights for informed policymaking.” EU-STREIT PNG Programme Coordinator Mr. Ali Said Yesuf emphasized the importance of maintaining data accuracy and timeliness, which will be critical for the system’s long-term impact. “AMIS has the potential to provide all the analytical tools necessary for guiding agriculture policy, programme design, and budgeting. But the value of the system depends on the quality of data it receives.” According to ITU-STREIT Project Officer Mr. Kanagat Alyshbaev, the launch of AMIS marks the beginning of a digital future for PNG’s agriculture sector. “This system elevates NDAL's operational efficiency and transitions it into the digital age,” he said. “Manual, complex processes are now automated and transparent — making the department more accountable, productive, and resilient.” During the event, attendees were given a live demonstration of AMIS capabilities by the ITU-STREIT Project Expert, who is also leading hands-on training sessions for NDAL officers to ensure effective system use. The initiative is a flagship example of the European Union’s Global Gateway Strategy in action in Papua New Guinea. Through EU-STREIT PNG, digital tools and systems are being introduced to improve rural livelihoods, increase productivity, and strengthen food security — all while contributing to the country’s broader development goals.