PNG Haus Bung

Governor-General Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae has challenged medical students from Morobe Province to return to their communities after graduation and help address the shortage of doctors and health professionals in rural Papua New Guinea.Speaking at the Morobe Medical Students’ closing program in Port Moresby on Saturday, October 17, Sir Bob said aspiring doctors had an important role to play in strengthening the country’s health system and improving access to healthcare.Addressing students from the University of Medicine and Health Sciences, he said their medical training was a valuable opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people, particularly those in remote villages and districts.Sir Bob shared his personal experience of once aspiring to become a doctor after finishing high school in the 1980s but abandoning the dream after fainting at the sight of blood.He said his childhood desire to serve the people of Kabwum was driven by the lack of doctors and health workers in his remote community.The Governor-General urged the students to be guided by compassion, care and respect for humanity, saying their conduct and professionalism could influence patients’ recovery and, in some cases, mean the difference between life and death.He acknowledged that better salaries and benefits overseas could attract medical graduates away from Papua New Guinea but encouraged them to consider the needs of their own people before seeking opportunities abroad.Sir Bob also called for more rural hospitals, improved access to medical supplies and equipment, and increased numbers of locally trained doctors serving communities outside major towns and cities.He challenged the students to become future leaders in transforming the health system by addressing the challenges facing provincial and rural healthcare services.Sir Bob said returning to serve their villages and districts would allow the students to leave a lasting legacy for future generations.He expressed confidence that Morobe’s aspiring medical professionals would contribute meaningfully to building a stronger health system and a healthier Papua New Guinea.

Prime Minister James Marape has congratulated the PNG Kumuls and PNG Orchids following their convincing victories over Lebanon and France respectively, describing the double triumph as a proud moment for Papua New Guinea (PNG).The Kumuls defeated Lebanon 42–18 in front of 11,624 spectators at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby, while the Orchids thrashed France 58–4 to make an impressive start to their 2026 Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) campaigns.Prime Minister Marape said both teams demonstrated determination, discipline, teamwork and the fighting spirit of Papua New Guineans.He praised the Kumuls for regaining control of the match after Lebanon reduced their first-half lead from 18–0 to 18–12 at halftime.The Kumuls responded strongly in the second half, with Finley Glare, Epel Kapinias, captain Rhyse Martin and Bailey Biondi-Odo scoring tries to secure the win.Martin delivered an outstanding performance, scoring a try and converting all seven of the Kumuls’ tries for a personal tally of 18 points.Marape said the teams’ performances had united the country and demonstrated Papua New Guinea’s ability to compete at the highest level of international rugby league.He also linked the Kumuls’ victory to the country’s preparations for the historic entry of the PNG Chiefs into Australia’s National Rugby League competition in 2028, saying the achievement highlighted the depth of local talent and the opportunities available for young players.The Prime Minister also congratulated the Orchids, particularly winger Naomi Kelly, who scored four tries against France to equal the national record for the most tries scored by a Papua New Guinean in a single international match.He said Kelly’s achievement would inspire young women and girls aspiring to represent their country in rugby league.Marape acknowledged Lebanon for its competitive effort and thanked the thousands of supporters who attended the matches, as well as those following the games across the country.He urged both national teams to remain disciplined, humble and focused as they continue their World Cup campaigns, assuring the players that the nation stands behind them.The victories provide Papua New Guinea with a strong start to its 2026 Rugby League World Cup campaign, with both the Kumuls and Orchids giving their supporters plenty to celebrate on home soil.

Seven swimmers have secured new or promoted squad placements following the successful completion of the FedEx National Short Course Swimming Championships in Lae, Morobe Province highlighting the continued development of swimming talent in Papua New Guinea.The two-day championships, which began and concluded earlier this month, brought together athletes from the Lae Amateur Swimming Club (LASC) and Boroko Amateur Swimming Club (BASC) to compete, improve their performances and progress through Papua New Guinea Swimming Inc.’s (PNGSI) national athlete development pathway.Among the standout performers was Helena Faunt of BASC, who broke the girls’ 14-year-old 50-metre short-course freestyle record with a time of 28.38 seconds.Faunt surpassed the previous record of 28.55 seconds, held by Savannah Tkatchenko since 2014, and earned a place in the BSP Kundu Silver Target Squad.Isaac Gure of LASC was promoted to the PNGAX Gold Intermediate Squad, while Kamaljith Ashok Kumar, N’Drewak Buis and Lahzi Iha of BASC, together with Elshadai Salum of LASC, secured places in the PNGAX Silver Intermediate Squad.Nahla Nap Papol of BASC earned a place in the PNGAX Silver Junior Squad.The seven placements bring the total number of swimmers across the BSP Kundu Target Squad and PNGAX Junior and Intermediate Squads to 42.PNGSI president Ryan Pini said the results were encouraging and reflected the importance of providing swimmers with opportunities to compete, improve and progress through the national development pathway.“Having seven swimmers achieve squad placements, alongside Helena Faunt’s outstanding record-breaking performance, demonstrates the potential emerging within our swimming community.”He congratulated the swimmers on their achievements and acknowledged the commitment of their coaches, clubs and families in supporting their development.Furthermore, he acknowledged the contribution of coaches, clubs and families in supporting the athletes’ progress.PNGSI thanked FedEx, through PNG Air Freight, for its continued support of swimming in the country.

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has urged Papua New Guineans to prepare for difficult economic conditions in the months ahead. The prime minister is warning that the high fuel prices, rising costs of imported goods and the effects of El Niño will continue to place pressure on families and communities nationwide.He said Papua New Guinea was part of an interconnected global economy and could not escape the impact of international conflicts, particularly in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, on energy prices and the cost of living.“I want to advise our people to tighten their seat belts and prepare for difficult times ahead,” Prime Minister Marape said. “We are living in a global economy where events taking place thousands of kilometres away affect us directly. Fuel prices remain high, imported goods are becoming more expensive, and we cannot expect immediate relief.“These challenges are being compounded by El Niño, which is already affecting communities across our country, including our remote islands and rural areas.” Prime Minister Marape said advice received by the Government indicated that the effects of El Niño could continue through the remainder of 2026 and into early 2027.He appealed to citizens to exercise financial discipline, conserve resources and avoid unnecessary spending. “This is not the time to waste money on excessive drinking, cigarettes, gambling and other unnecessary activities,” he said. “Save whatever money you can. Prioritise food, water, medicine, education and the wellbeing of your families. “I also urge our people to avoid lighting unnecessary fires, protect food gardens and conserve water during these dry conditions.”

Morobe Governor and Finschhafen Open MP, Hon. Rainbo Paita, has delivered his major infrastructure commitment to Nawaeb District, with critical road works officially commencing this week on the Boana–Gumbum–Yanem River road corridor.The vital project, which spans Wards 15 to 17 of the Wain-Erap Local Level Government (LLG), is fully funded by the Morobe Provincial Government (MPG). This initiative forms part of the administration's aggressive policy to bridge the rural-urban divide, open up economic corridors, and bring essential government services closer to remote communities.The start of construction marks a transformative step for the local population, who heavily rely on robust road connectivity for daily transit, the reliable transport of agricultural produce, and immediate access to emergency health and education services.Kamap lo Wara Bridge and Nawaeb Ring Road PrioritizedBeyond the immediate corridor works, the MPG has mapped out extended infrastructural priorities within Nawaeb District to ensure long-term, weather-resilient mobility:Kamap lo Wara Bridge: Funding and planning priorities have been directed toward constructing a permanent bridge at Kamap lo Wara. This structure is critical to secure safe access toward Bambok, eliminating the severe travel bottlenecks and safety hazards rural commuters face during periods of torrential rain and flash flooding.Nawaeb Ring Road Vision: The provincial administration is pushing forward with its expansive vision for the Nawaeb Ring Road. Once complete, this loop will seamlessly connect isolated communities, significantly lower transportation overheads for local farmers, and stimulate trade by linking agricultural hubs directly to major markets.Governor Paita emphasized that realizing these high-impact projects requires continued, seamless cooperation between the Morobe Provincial Government, the Nawaeb District Development Authority (DDA), and key state and international development partners.Nawaeb stands as one of Morobe Province’s most vital agricultural economic engines. However, the district's full economic output has historically been constrained by challenging geography and deteriorating transit routes.Governor Paita’s targeted provincial funding directly addresses these systemic bottlenecks. By building reliable roads and bridges, the MPG is actively strengthening rural cash flows, empowering local smallholder farmers, and driving sustainable provincial GDP growth.The commencement of heavy machinery operations this week represents development commitments translating directly into visible, practical outcomes for the people of Wain-Erap LLG.The Morobe Provincial Government remains steadfast in its mandate to fund and execute high-yield infrastructure initiatives that elevate the livelihoods of all Morobeans.

Taekwondo and karate athletes from across the region officially gathered at the Catholic Conference Centre for the historic return of the Sir Julius Chan Bismarck Mixed Martial Arts Cup.Supported heavily by New Ireland Governor Byron Chan and the New Ireland Provincial Administration, the three-day championship marks the first time the tournament has been held in a decade.The revived competition brings together 12 local martial arts clubs, featuring both male and female competitors vying for top honors in karate and taekwondo. Beyond provincial glory, the event serves as an elite talent identification platform. Tournament Director Severious Neki confirmed that standout athletes will be selected to represent New Ireland at the Karate Nationals in Lae this November, as well as the Taekwondo Korean Ambassador’s Cup in Port Moresby."Martial arts isn’t just a sport of defense and combat," Tournament Director Neki stated. "It teaches mental control, self-discipline, respect, and humility. These are the foundational values we want to encourage today’s youth."To ensure national standards, chief instructors from the PNG Karate Federation—including Vice-President Sensei Roy Stanley and Sensei Abel Mekere—traveled from Port Moresby to oversee the event alongside taekwondo professionals.The championship itinerary launched with official grading events and karate kata (patterns). The remainder of the tournament features high-energy karate kumite (sparring), taekwondo poomsae (patterns), and taekwondo kyorugi (sparring), concluding this Monday.Governor Byron Chan, who is a martial arts sensei affiliated with international organizations, attended the opening ceremony to champion the sport's role in local youth development."The New Ireland Provincial Government supports the revival of the Sir Julius Chan Bismarck Cup because we recognize the role sport plays in youth development, community engagement, and the preservation of positive values," Governor Chan said.He emphasized that the Chan-Kolivos Government is committed to building stronger clubs, certifying qualified instructors, and establishing clear pathways for New Ireland athletes to reach national and international stages, including the Pacific Games.The tournament's revival follows extensive community grassroots preparation led by provincial instructors Steven Tommy and Kairuku-based martial artist Vespa John, who conducted preparatory coaching clinics and drills across the province. John highly commended the Governor's hands-on support in restoring what was once a proud annual Kavieng sporting tradition.

Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) has officially announced a new partnership with Dettol and its official Papua New Guinea exporter, Australian Export Consortia (AEC). The collaboration aims to instill lifelong healthy practices across the country by teaching children the importance of proper hand hygiene from an early age.The initiative was launched during an interactive Global Handwashing Day awareness event at BbP’s Vabukori Learning and Literacy Centre. During the event, students, teachers, and community volunteers engaged in practical, hands-on activities to understand how germs spread and how clean hands prevent illness.Under this new agreement, Dettol and AEC will supply a continuous stream of essential health items—including liquid handwash, sanitizers, and hand and surface wipes—to BbP Learning and Literacy Centres operating in Port Moresby and various regional provinces. The provided inventory will allow teachers and students to maintain daily sanitization routines, directly cutting down the spread of transmissible illnesses in classrooms."We are incredibly proud to partner with Buk bilong Pikinini and back the vital work they do throughout Papua New Guinea," said James Weinert, AEC Export Marketing Executive. "By placing premium Dettol hygiene products directly into these learning centers, we aim to nurture foundational hygiene habits that build healthier children, more resilient communities, and brighter academic futures."The launch event featured educational video screenings alongside interactive demonstrations. Students observed firsthand how micro-organisms migrate between individuals through a visual "glitter germ" activity, followed by guided step-by-step handwashing practice. To keep the atmosphere vibrant and memorable, the children concluded the lessons with a dedicated handwashing song and an energetic bubble dance session.AEC Sales Manager Adolf Katal and his local team attended the launch on behalf of Dettol to coordinate the product distribution and support the educational activities.This hygiene intervention integrates directly into BbP's established Nutrition Education Program. By layering practical health education with consistent access to sanitation products, the partnership ensures children can seamlessly carry these protective habits home to their families and wider communities.

Papua New Guinea’s Betty Higgins, a pioneering farmer, entrepreneur, and tourism operator from Gembogl in Simbu Province, has achieved global acclaim after being named one of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’ (FAO) 100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems and Rural Development.Higgins was formally celebrated at an FAO ceremony in Rome on October 15, 2026. FAO Director-General Dr. Qu Dongyu honoured 100 exceptional women worldwide for their transformative contributions to agriculture, food security, innovation, and rural development.This international accolade marks a historic milestone for Papua New Guinea, particularly for Simbu Province. Higgins built a highly successful, family-owned agribusiness at the foot of the country's highest peak, Mt. Wilhelm.Higgins is the visionary founder of Mt. Wilhelm Trout Farm and Betty’s Lodge, a unique enterprise that seamlessly blends aquaculture, hospitality, and ecotourism.Aquaculture Pioneer: Her trout farming operation produces premium fresh and smoked trout. It also supplies fish fingerlings to local growers, significantly expanding aquaculture opportunities across the region.Community Job Creator: The business generates crucial employment for rural communities through hands-on farming, tourism, and hospitality services.Economic Anchor: Higgins actively sustains the local economy by purchasing fresh produce from surrounding smallholders for her lodge, offering isolated farming households a reliable market and steady income.According to the FAO, Higgins was nominated by Papua New Guinea’s Department of Agriculture and Livestock for her outstanding contributions to rural enterprise and community development.The global initiative was launched specifically to mark the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026. The FAO evaluated 609 nominations from 131 member countries before selecting the final 100 honorees. The program shines a spotlight on women advancing agrifood systems through farming, food production, scientific research, entrepreneurship, and natural resource conservation.Reflecting on her achievement in Rome, Higgins stated that the honour belongs to all women working in agriculture. She expressed hope that her journey would inspire young women to believe in themselves, pursue agribusiness opportunities, and drive agricultural development.Dr. Kachen Wongsathapornchai, FAO Papua New Guinea Head of Office, extended his congratulations, praising Higgins as a prime example of how female leadership and innovation can revitalize rural economies.Higgins’ triumph underscores the immense potential of pairing agriculture with ecotourism to create diverse economic streams beyond traditional farming. Her success arrives as Papua New Guinea celebrates World Food Day 2026 under the theme, "Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow."From the rugged foothills of Gembogl to the global stage in Rome, Betty Higgins has proudly placed Papua New Guinea at the forefront of global agrifood innovation.

East Sepik Governor Allan Bird has extended his deepest condolences to the family, relatives, and constituents of Maprik MP Hon. Libert Kapris following confirmation of his untimely passing.Governor Bird confirmed he received formal notification of the tragedy via a call from the Deputy Clerk of Parliament. He described the Member's passing as a profoundly distressing loss for both the Kapris family and the people of the Maprik District.Acknowledging that the Kapris family has endured multiple severe losses within a remarkably short period, Governor Bird appealed to the people of Maprik to maintain peace and remain calm as they unite to mourn their young leader.The Governor urged the community to respect official protocols as National Parliament takes possession of Mr. Kapris’ body. He assured the public that the East Sepik Provincial Government is already in communication with parliamentary officials and will work hand-in-hand with the family to coordinate state funeral arrangements."On behalf of the people of the Greater Sepik Region, our thoughts and prayers are with the Kapris family and their relatives during this incredibly difficult time," Governor Bird said.

Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) marked World Food Day by launching comprehensive nutrition awareness activities across its nationwide network of Library Learning Centres (LLCs). The initiative focused on educating both children and parents about how healthy eating directly drives physical growth, brain development, and classroom learning.At the Vabukori Library Learning Centre, BbP’s Nutrition Education and Programs teams hosted an interactive parent awareness session. The team shared practical, actionable advice on upgrading household nutrition, instilling personal hygiene routines, and building sustainable healthy eating habits at home.The comprehensive session covered critical health milestones and practical skills, including:Early-years nutrition: Dietary needs spanning from pregnancy through a child's first three years.Childhood deficiencies: Identifying and combatting common nutritional gaps found in Papua New Guinea.Hygiene fundamentals: Step-by-step demonstrations for proper handwashing and toothbrushing.Plate variety: The importance of eating a diverse, colorful range of whole foods.School meals: Smart strategies for preparing nutritious, energy-packed lunches for school-aged children.The event featured a live demonstration by the team from Zenag, who broke down the immense nutritional value of eggs in early childhood development. Parents walked away with versatile, budget-friendly culinary ideas, learning how to incorporate eggs into family meals through boiling, frying, pickling, poaching, and baking.BbP extended its gratitude to Zenag for backing up the World Food Day activities and donating essential school supplies—including exercise books, crayons, pencils, and rulers—directly to the students. To ensure the lessons stick, parents were gifted copies of the BbP Parent Guide to Childhood Nutrition booklet, which was published with the vital printing sponsorship of Moore Printing.Simultaneously, teachers across all BbP LLCs led student discussions using visual food diagrams, real-food examples, and interactive learning tools. These hands-on activities helped children easily identify different food groups and connect nutritious eating to having more energy, growing stronger, and focusing better in school.The day wrapped up at Vabukori with students enjoying a freshly prepared, balanced lunch of rice, vegetables, tinned tuna, fish, and fresh fruit. BbP acknowledged Trukai Industries Limited for generously donating the rice for the meal, reinforcing how community-backed nutrition supports a child's overall wellbeing.BbP also recognized Sanitarium, the Australian Export Consortia (AEC), and Market 2000 for their unwavering, ongoing sponsorship of its daily Breakfast Program. By fueling students with Weet-Bix and So Good Oat Milk before morning classes begin, this broader nutrition education framework ensures PNG's children step into the classroom fully nourished and ready to succeed.Through its dedicated Nutrition Education Program, BbP continues to bridge the gap between education and health for local families. By pairing practical parental workshops with early childhood habits, the organization is actively laying the foundation for a healthier, brighter future across Papua New Guinea.

Australia Awards alumni in West New Britain are empowering local communities by delivering critical personal development and financial literacy training through an alumni-led initiative backed by the PNG–Australia Partnership.Established in 2024 as the Papua New Guinea Australia Alumni Association’s (PNGAAA) 13th provincial chapter, the network brings together more than 50 alumni professionals. These members span key sectors across the province, including government, business, agriculture, education, health, and community development.The chapter has rapidly converted its collective expertise into community action through the PNGAAA Alumni Grant Scheme. Under its flagship initiative, Project ME for a Bright Future, the chapter successfully rolled out tailored financial literacy and personal growth workshops for both alumni and grassroots community members.The training focused on equipping participants with practical budgeting, wealth management, and goal-setting skills, while fostering new institutional partnerships to support future local developments.West New Britain Chapter President Harold Rawei emphasized that the provincial chapter serves as a vital platform for knowledge-sharing and civic contribution.[“We want to use the knowledge, skills, and networks within our alumni community to make a practical contribution to West New Britain,” Mr. Rawei said.“Through Project ME for a Bright Future, participants gained practical skills to support their personal and financial goals. The partnerships formed through this project will also help the chapter deliver further community initiatives.”The West New Britain chapter's milestones reflect the broader mission of the PNG–Australia Partnership. By supporting Australia Awards alumni, the bilateral program continues to build enduring people-to-people and institutional links between Papua New Guinea and Australia.Moving forward, the chapter's growing network of professionals remains committed to applying their international education and skills to advance health, education, and sustainable economic opportunities across the province.

The Constitutional and Law Reform Commission (CLRC) has successfully completed its provincial stakeholder consultations in East Sepik Province, marking a vital milestone in its ongoing nationwide review of the Provincial Health Authorities (PHA) Act 2007.The review, formalised under Terms of Reference No. 28 (TOR 28), is a comprehensive evaluation of the legislative and administrative frameworks dictating healthcare accessibility and delivery across Papua New Guinea. The scope of TOR 28 targets critical areas of the healthcare ecosystem, including:The operational condition of health facilities and the reliability of medical supplies.Personnel staffing, healthcare funding structures, and institutional governance.Strict administrative accountability and systematic coordination between national, provincial, and district bodies.During the two-day exercise in East Sepik, the CLRC delegation convened separate consultations with the Provincial Administration and the East Sepik Provincial Health Authority (ESPHA), the latter led by Chief Executive Officer Mathew Kaluvia.While deliberating on the core issues outlined in the TOR 28 Issues Paper, local stakeholders raised pivotal systemic challenges facing the province. Key issues brought forward included the urgent requirement for modern PHA statistical data, strict statutory penalties for compliance reporting failures, and the necessity to insulate PHA operations from political interference.Acting East Sepik Provincial Administrator Alphonse Kami welcomed the CLRC team, describing the legislative review as highly timely. He noted that since the transition of health services from the Provincial Administration to the newly established East Sepik PHA in 2018, identifying practical bottlenecks remains critical to maximizing healthcare performance.The CLRC clarified that the evidence and testimonies gathered from provincial stakeholders are fundamental to detecting legal gaps and designing robust reform proposals. The Commission emphasized that the current Issues Paper serves as an objective baseline for public discourse, rather than its final policy position.To ensure legislative cohesion, the CLRC’s review under TOR 28 extends beyond the PHA Act 2007 to cross-examine related statutes, including the Provincial Health Administration Act 2007, National Health Administration Act 1997, Public Hospitals Act 1994, Medical Registration Act 1980, and the Public Finances (Management) Act 1995.With successful consultations already wrapped up in Eastern Highlands, Morobe, Western, New Ireland, and Western Highlands, the CLRC is scheduled to deploy its review teams to Manus Province and the National Capital District next. The data gathered across these regions will directly shape final policy recommendations aimed at reinforcing accountability, clarifying institutional roles, and improving healthcare delivery for all citizens.