PNG’s rugby league super star Judah Rimbu has officially returned to the SP PNG Hunters club for the remainder for the 2025 Hostplus Cup season. Rimbu, the 2024 recipient of the QRL’s prestigious Petero Civoniceva Medal for the competition’s best and fairest player, returns to Papua New Guinea after a short stint with English Super League side Castleford Tigers. The Tigers released Rimbu as part of a midseason restructuring of their playing roster. Head Coach Paul Aiton welcomed his return: “I am happy to have Judah back for the rest of the season. He’s a quality player; he brings energy to the club and the boys love to have him around. This is his home, we’re like family, and his presence will definitely make an impact on the squad.” Rimbu said his is happy to return home. “While things didn’t work out as planned in the UK, I’m determined to come back home, work hard and help the team have another successful season, hoping to build on what we did last year.” SP PNG Hunters CEO, Scott Barker, also welcomed Rimbu’s return, stating: “Judah’s not only a good player but a genuinely good guy. I understand that sometimes things like this happen and we are more than happy to have a quality player like him back in our squad. He’s young and he’s got more to give. We will keep on pushing him to help reach his full potential.” Rimbu is currently in transit and is expected to arrive in Papua New Guinea later this week, where he will rejoin the team and resume training in preparation for the upcoming Hostplus Cup matches. His return comes at a crucial stage in the Hunters’ 2025 campaign, bringing with him valuable experience, power, and depth to bolster the squad as they navigate the second half of the season.

For the first time in the history of the Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition, all games of the Amazing Round will be held in Port Moresby during the 2025 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup. The event will take place over the weekend of Saturday, 21st June, and Sunday, 22nd June, featuring triple-header matches on both days at the Santos National Football Stadium. Stanley Hondina, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL), said: "At PNGRFL and PNGNRLC, we continuously explore new ways to grow Rugby League in PNG, and this year brings several exciting firsts." “Our vision is Better People, Better Sport, Better Nation. Each season, we strive to improve the experience for fans and players alike. The Amazing Round is a fantastic addition to this season, and we look forward to making it even bigger next year.” “Amazing Round will provide a great opportunity for fans to support their teams in one venue. Sponsors and partners will also be hosting family-friendly activities at the stadium, making it a safe and fun environment for all to enjoy a weekend full of rugby league.” Tickets for the Amazing Round will be priced at K15 for outer stands and K25 for the grandstand. Corporate Hospitality packages will also be available.

Pacific International Hospital (PIH) has extended its Free Basic Health Check program to Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province, reinforcing its ongoing commitment to the health and well-being of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC). Following successful implementations in Kokopo and Port Moresby cities, PIH recently concluded a two-day health screening initiative for police personnel in Goroka, held on Thursday, June 12 and Friday, June 13. A total of 44 officers participated in the screenings, receiving essential health evaluations designed to support their physical readiness for public service. The Free Basic Health Checks conducted by PIH’s medical team at the newly opened PIH Medical Centre in Goroka, included assessments of blood pressure, blood sugar levels, Body Mass Index (BMI), and general wellness advice. This initiative is part of PIH’s broader workplace wellness campaign and reflects its strategic partnership with the RPNGC to enhance the long-term health of frontline officers. “The health and well-being of our police force is crucial to ensuring they can continue serving our communities effectively. By providing free health checks, we are reinforcing our dedication to their welfare,” said Ramesh Palani of PIH Medical Centre, Goroka. John Kale, the Provincial Police Commander for Eastern Highlands, also emphasized the importance of the program. “Most police personnel rarely do these checks due to work and other commitments, and we are pleased to be a part of this initiative as this will encourage all of us to start prioritizing our health.” The PIH Medical Centre in Goroka is the latest addition to PIH’s expanding network of facilities and is now open to serve the community in the Eastern Highlands Province.

The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) Women’s XIII will take on the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Women’s Rugby League team this Sunday in an international invitational match, forming part of an exciting double-header ahead of the Hostplus Cup Round 13 fixture between the SP PNG Hunters and the Sunshine Coast Falcon Jets. The current squad in camp includes standout players from the 2024 Santos Cup and NRL Bid Championships, many of whom are considered national prospects. Head Coach Tahnee Norris today announced Belinda Gwasamun and Leila Kerowa as co-captains for the upcoming match, expressing confidence in their leadership. “Belinda and Leila bring valuable experience to the squad and will be instrumental in guiding our younger players. I’m confident in their ability to lead the team on and off the field,” said Coach Norris. The match serves as an important opportunity for the Women’s XIII to gain competitive game time ahead of the 2025 Santos Cup preseason, which begins in August. The team has been in camp since last Sunday, also participating in the PNGRFL’s BETTER Program—an initiative aimed at player development both on and off the field. “As a coaching unit, our focus is on developing this group of athletes and reinforcing the fundamentals they are learning through the BETTER Program and the NRL Bid Academy. This match will help translate that learning into performance,” Norris added. The international clash between the PNGRFL Women’s XIII and the ADF Women’s Rugby League team will be broadcast live on TVWan 2 at 1:00 PM on Sunday. The Women XIII are also scheduled for another international fixture next weekend against the Brisbane Broncos NRLW team, set for Sunday, 22 June 2025. PNGRFL Women’s XIII Squad List: Mala Mark Jenny Wesley Belinda Gwasamun Jecinta Garry Lyiannah Allen Gail Manove Delailah Ahose Rondah Joseph Meli Joe Yolanda Taute Martha Molowia Leila Kerowa Josephine Howard Deborah Kitipa Skaylin Sil Ruth Gende Tasha Storm Benitha Paka Seroge Sabumei Joyce Hobert

The Eastern Highlands Provincial Administration has made notable progress in restoring government services and rebuilding public confidence following a prolonged political deadlock that spanned from 2012 to 2018. This development was underscored by Provincial Administrator Mr. Allen Los during the official handover of the 2024 Annual Provincial Performance Report (APPR) to the Department of Provincial and Local-Level Government Affairs yesterday. The submission of the report fulfills a statutory obligation under Section 119 of the Organic Law on Provincial and Local-Level Government (1995). Mr. Los acknowledged that the extended political impasse had significantly disrupted the delivery of essential services, displaced public servants, and caused the breakdown of key sectors, including health, education, transport and infrastructure, primary industries, law and justice, and governance. Prior to 2012, “Eastern Highlands was once among the top five performing provinces in Papua New Guinea. However, the political turmoil during those years caused a sharp decline in our service delivery capacity, including a lapse in submitting Section 119 reports,” Mr. Los said. He emphasized that under new political leadership and with the appointment of a new Provincial Administrator, the province has experienced a steady recovery. Public service morale has significantly improved, internal revenue collection has seen a notable increase, and several major impact projects have been successfully implemented across the region. “Between 2012 and 2018, the province was embroiled in numerous legal disputes that led to frequent changes in key administrative positions, including the Provincial Administrator and divisional heads,” Mr. Los explained. He noted that service delivery was severely hindered by the failure to implement an updated government structure. “Eighty percent of public servants should be stationed at the local level government (LLG), with only 20 percent based at the provincial headquarters,” he added. Recovery efforts began in earnest in 2023, with notable achievements in governance and service delivery. Key Impact Projects Implemented Infrastructure Development: Sealing of Goroka Town roads. Reconstruction of the Yanepa Building (Prime Minister’s commitment) Maintenance of the Okapa Road in partnership with the Department of Works and Highways (DOWH), with funding of K7 million (K2 million from the provincial administration and K5 million from DOWH). Construction of Mt. Michael Local Level Government Chamber, funded through internal revenue. Agriculture and SME Development: Development of the Agriculture Economic Development Plan, incorporating Korea’s Saemaul Undong (SMU) Rural Development Model, focusing on SME and SMI development. · EHP Government has been funding SMU since 2013. Support for agriculture and SME initiatives across 175 SMU-aligned villages. Coffee and cattle project funding, along with solar lighting installations. Livestock Development: Construction of 700 meters of perimeter fencing for cattle pickets. Cattle crossing bridge construction. Procurement of 28 weaners from Sialum. Ongoing negotiations with the Markham Cattle Ranch Project. Establishment of an instant coffee processing plant. Continued development and distribution of coffee nurseries. Governance and Strategic Planning: Development of the Eastern Highlands Provincial 5-year Integrated Development Plan. Updated the provinces corporate plan and Developed a comprehensive provincial education plan  “These achievements reflect our commitment to restoring good governance and delivering meaningful development to our people. Eastern Highlands is now on its way to reclaiming its position as a model province,” Mr. Los said. He reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and inclusive development. National Oversight and Compliance “These are positive indicators of a province that has reset its course under a new political and administrative leadership. These initiatives were financed through the province’s internal revenue” said Secretary Leo. Upon receiving the report, Department Secretary Philip Leo emphasized the importance of provinces fulfilling their legal responsibilities by submitting the Annual Provincial Performance Report (APPR) to the Department of Provincial and Local-Level Government Affairs (DPLGA). “It would be ideal for both the Section 114 and Section 119 reports to be submitted to DPLGA for review and onward transmission to the Department of Finance. Alignments such as these are essential for enhancing and reinforcing accountability mechanisms. The two reports should be considered together,” Mr. Leo stated. He also noted that, nearly 30 years since the enactment of the Organic Law on Provincial and Local-Level Government (OLPLLG) in 1995, the DPLGA is in the process of developing enabling legislation under the Provincial and Local-Level Services Monitoring Authority (PLLSMA) to further strengthen the law’s implementation and operational effectiveness.

As Tuberculosis continues to increase on a daily basis with over 120 people getting infected every single day, Minister for Health Elias Kapavore launched the “PNG National TB Summit 2025”, declaring the country at war to fight and eliminate TB in PNG by 2035. The TB summit scheduled for August 12-14th of this year, will start of firstly with a TB fundraiser dinner that’s set for the 30th of July as a start towards the TB program to address it and reduce it. “So why not, on the 30th of July, all the members of parliament and partners show up and let's talk about TB. Its serious enough and we need to end it!” He said, the statistics are seriously alarming and called for urgency and a collaborative effort from the government down to the communities to combat this together. According to statistics from NDoH, an estimation of about 226, 712 cases of TB were recorded from 2020-2024, 187 128 (82%) patients are on treatment, a total of 62% of people successfully treated, 24% of children infected with TB and a total of 57% patients tested for HIV with 8% of them positive. He said, TB is a top killer in PNG and in 2024, a total of 46, 016 patients and families suffered from this infectious disease with an estimation of 3, 400 people dying from TB alone in the same year. Under his watch, Minister Kapavore challenged the public health team to have intervention plans in place to seriously address this issue. “We have enough partners in the group, all we need is the helping hand, and to establish the way forward to end TB in the country.” He stated that, though the stats are alarming, it shows a clear way forward on what the department, partners and the country as a whole need to do to bring the numbers down and eventually, eliminate and eradicate TB in PNG. Minister Kapavore said, the vision to end TB by 2035 is a very long period and called on the department to come up with 2-year short-term strategies along with 6-month clear-cut approach for all 22 provinces to provide a way forward to end it. Furthermore, to tackle this issue, he announced that through the NCD Governor’s Office, a sum of K6 million will be invested to build a state-of-the-art TB Hospital located at 6mile.

In celebration of World Environment Day (WED) recently, 340 students from Rumginae Primary School in the Western province took part in a massive clean-up and awareness drive, encouraging locals to take responsibility for their rubbish and reduce pollution. The students participated in a cleanathon, tree planting, and showcased drawings and sculptures using recycled plastic to promote this year’s global theme: "Ending Plastic Pollution." Their efforts aimed to inspire the Rumginae station and surrounding communities to adopt better waste habits. Teacher in charge of WED program Ms. Natasha James said clean environment can be maintained if people change their attitudes and behaviors when in public places or in community by not throwing their rubbish. “Do not litter in our towns and community that we live in; control your rubbish. Involving students in such event broadens their minds to inform and educate people in the community on how things around us help us to live,” she said. She noted that students gained valuable lessons from the event, which can help promote a cleaner learning environment and a safer community. Under the theme "Ending Plastic Pollution," both Lower and Upper Primary students from Rumginae showcased their creativity through drawings, plastic-based sculptures, and poems, highlighting ways to reduce plastic waste. Students with the best drawings reflecting the World Environment Day theme were also awarded for their efforts. Children from Rarengre, Rudmesuk, Briompenai, Rumginae, and Menumsore villages — all located along the Kiunga-Tabubil Highway — took part, encouraging their communities to learn from them and join the fight against plastic pollution.

The National Capital District (NCD) Provincial Health Authority (PHA) joined forces with staff and students of New Erima Primary School to commemorate World No Tobacco Day recently, spotlighting the dangers of tobacco and the tactics used by the tobacco industry targeting young people both nationally and globally. Tobacco is a harmful product that poses serious health risks. Director of Public Health Services, Dr. Amos Lano, explained that nicotine is highly toxic and dangerous. “Nicotine builds up in the lungs over time, causing lung cancer, contributing to hypertension, slowing a child’s growth and development, and leading to other diseases,” Dr. Lano said. The more cigarettes a person smokes each day, the more their life expectancy is shortened. Our health—and the health of those around us—is important, so it’s everyone’s responsibility to prevent passive smoking and eliminate tobacco-related diseases. Sr. Ileen Thomas, Manager of the Non-Communicable Disease program, highlighted that tobacco is deliberately harmful to health. “Tobacco kills around 8 million people in the world every year,” said Sr. Thomas. Sr. Thomas further elaborated that Tobacco is designed to have a negative impact on the overall health of a person. She emphasized that students and staff who smoke should gradually reduce their daily cigarette intake to successfully quit smoking. The CEO of NCD PHA, Dr. Robin Oge, urged students, staff, and residents of NCD to abstain from smoking. “Let’s all promote a healthy lifestyle and live happy, healthy lives,” he said. Dr. Oge added, “Change begins within each of us—we must choose a nicotine-free life.”

With support from developing partners, the national Department of Health lunched today the National Health Digital Strategy 2025-2023, the Provincial Health Authority (PHA) Digital Toolkits, the national ICT Policy 2024-230 and the certification presentation of PNG’s Elimination of Trachoma ceremony. Minister for Health Elias Kapavore began by thanking key partners — including WHO, the Australian High Commission, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and other donors — for their continued support. He urged all PHA leaders to work together to ensure vital medical services are accessible and that every patient receives the care they deserve. He emphasized that during the three-day program, all PHA CEOs and board members should empower each other with the tools and skills needed to strengthen health services and deliver positive outcomes. He stated that, the toolkits launched today will track service delivery. He said, with the health system that’s already in place, this will enable all PHA’s to strengthen the health supply chain system. “The PHA Digital Toolkits will help improve transparency and standardize operations, strengthen resources and increase collaboration, ultimately improving health outcomes across provinces.” Meanwhile, Minister Kapavore announced that Papua New Guinea has eliminated Trachoma as a public health problem that causes blindness and was awarded the Trachoma Elimination Certification on the 19th May 2025 in Geneva. “This milestone reflects the power of public health at its best. Bringing services to those in rural areas. It is a reminder that, equity, visibility and prevention must be at the heart of our health system. We have eliminated Trachoma, our efforts to eliminate other tropical disease are also making strong, we have reached over 1.2million people and sitting at about 77% coverage in key province.” Furthermore, Minister Kapavore encouraged all health workers, the citizens and partners, stating; “This victory belongs to you. Let’s carry It forward with purpose and determination.”

With child malnutrition and violence at alarming levels in Papua New Guinea, a new partnership between UNICEF and the Papua New Guinea Council of Churches (PNGCC) aims to bring hope and action to families across the country. UNICEF’s Dr Veera Mendonca says the country is at a tipping point with over 80% of children face violence at home, half are malnourished, and too many lack access to vaccines and basic services. In response, UNICEF and PNGCC have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to mobilize churches nationwide. Through their powerful networks, churches will promote positive parenting, support child nutrition, push for birth registrations, and raise awareness about vital health services. It’s a faith-led movement to protect and uplift PNG’s most vulnerable — its children. “If we do not act now, this generation will be left behind,” said Dr Mendonca. “But if we invest in them today, this country can build a future full of opportunity.” “Half of all children are malnourished. Eighty-five per cent (85%) experience violence at home. Forty per cent (40%) of sexual violence cases involve children. Only two in 10 progresses to secondary school.  Vaccination coverage is below 50 per cent (50%). Birth registration is just 13 per cent (13%)," Dr Mendonca said. “These indicators are unacceptable. We must act with urgency.” Churches have a vital role to play in that response, according to Dr Mendonca. “Wherever you go in PNG — from cities to coastal villages to remote mountain areas — there is a church,” Dr Mendonca said. Churches are trusted.” “They shape attitudes. They can influence behaviors faster and deeper than almost any other institution.” Rev. Roger Joseph, General Secretary of PNGCC, echoed the urgency and the churches’ commitment. “We have a responsibility to care for the wellbeing of our people,” Rev. Joseph said.   “The churches reach every part of the country. We can drive the message that children must be protected and given the opportunity to thrive.” The new Gutpla Pikinini, Gutpla Kantri (Thriving Children, Prosperous Nation) partnership initiative will see targeted workshops with church leaders and community representatives in Port Moresby city, Morobe province and Mt Hagen city. UNICEF will also equip churches with mobile kits to support birth registration efforts and provide technical support on child nutrition, immunization and positive parenting messages. PNGCC — formerly the Melanesian Council of Churches — represents the nation’s major Christian denominations, with a combined membership of 7.8 million people. Its members include the Anglican, Lutheran, Catholic, United, Baptist and Salvation Army churches, supported by 16 associate members and strong interfaith ties. Dr Mendonca said that investing in children now is PNG’s greatest opportunity. “Papua New Guinea has 43 per cent (43%) of its population under 18. This is a gold mine for the future,” she said. “But only if we invest in children now.” “If churches embrace and lead on key messages — children must not be hit, fathers must engage in parenting, every child should be vaccinated, communities must demand better services — we can shift these terrible indicators and give children the futures they deserve." Dr Mendonca said the new partnership built on the Government’s recent move to establish PNG’s first-ever Parliamentary Committee for Children and Youth — a critical step in building national momentum for reforms. “Together with PNGCC and the Government, we can turn this partnership into real progress for children — in 2025 and beyond,” Dr Mendonca said. The partnership will mobilize churches across the country to promote positive parenting, improve child nutrition, increase demand for immunization, and support families to register children at birth. Through workshops, mobile outreach, and trusted community networks, the initiative aims to shift harmful behaviors, increase access to essential services, and help create safer, healthier environments for every child in PNG.

With the deadline fast approaching for the submission of the 2024 Annual Provincial Performance Reports (APPRs), the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs (DPLGA) has mobilized officers to assist provinces that are behind in their reporting responsibilities. As part of this initiative, DPLGA Technical Officer Anton Make is currently in Wabag, providing week-long technical assistance to the Enga Provincial Administration. His mission includes delivering refresher trainings, conducting induction sessions, and facilitating one-on-one consultations with key public servants to enhance their capacity in compiling and submitting the APPRs, as mandated under Section 119 of the Organic Law on Provincial and Local-Level Government. DPLGA Secretary Philip Leo explained that the effort goes beyond meeting compliance requirements. The primary goal is to strengthen the quality, accuracy, and integrity of provincial service delivery data and ensure provinces fulfil their statutory obligations. “This engagement is about more than compliance. It’s about equipping provincial administrations and sector officers with the skills and tools necessary to produce accurate, timely, and meaningful reports that will inform better decision-making and public service outcomes,” Mr. Leo said. The DPLGA team is working closely with officials from the governance sector, particularly staff from the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Office and the Office of the Deputy Provincial Administrator – Corporate Services. These consultations aim to validate sector performance data for the 2023 and 2024 fiscal years, which will be used to complete the Section 119 reporting templates. Refresher trainings commenced on Monday, focusing on the reporting process, performance indicators, and technical use of standardized templates. Special emphasis is being placed on helping the Enga Provincial Administration finalize its outstanding reports for both 2023 and 2024. “Our goal is to build internal capacity, improve data accuracy, and ensure that the reports meet all legislative requirements under the Organic Law,” Secretary Leo stressed. In a recent parliamentary session, the Minister for Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs, Soroi Eoe, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with all provinces to improve national reporting standards. He stressed the importance of reliable provincial performance data in shaping national planning and policy. Meanwhile, Secretary Leo has issued a strong reminder to all provinces yet to submit their 2024 APPRs, urging them to complete their reports by the end of this month. “Timely and accurate reporting is not just a legal requirement — it’s a governance imperative,” he said, adding that Section 119 reports are critical for monitoring service delivery and holding all levels of government accountable. To date, only four provinces have submitted their 2024 reports. The DPLGA remains committed to providing technical support to all provinces to ensure compliance with reporting obligations and to enhance public sector performance for the benefit of all Papua New Guineans.

The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) announced today the re-appointment of Tahnee Norris as the head coach for the PNG national women’s team, the Santos Orchids. PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hondina expressed his enthusiasm for Norris’ return, confirming that she will continue in the role for an extended two-year term leading into the world cup 2026. He stated that Tahnee’s appointment is not only for the week of the campaign for the Pacific Championships or the 2026 Rugby League World Cup but the commitment to growth. “The Board had a meeting and vetted and she has the full support to lead our Orchids into the next world cup 2026, where a couple of matches will be hosted in PNG and in other parts of the world as well.” “Tahnee brings her skillset of what’s she’s got and what she’s done and her experience across the game.” “It is not about one coach but building the pathways in the department that will allow our own coaches to come into the system.” He further stated that, for this year, with Tahnee’s input and working with their Performance & Pathway Department, the Santos PNG Orchids are confirmed to play two-trial matches to get more exposer and do well by the end of the year. “So, we’ve got the first game against the Australian Défense Force on the 15th of June here in Port Moresby, next weekend that will be a curtain-racer to the Hunters game as an international hit-outs.” “And there’s another match in Brisbane as a lead-up match, playing the Australian NRLW team trail-match as a lead-up to the Pacific Championships in October-November.” Norris, who is currently in Port Moresby attending the Santos Cup Football Conference, expressed her enthusiasm about continuing her role with the national side. She said she is energized by the opportunity to lead the team forward, building on the foundation that has already been laid. Santos PNG Orchids Chairlady Celestine Ove congratulated Tahnee Norris on her extended appointment. She stated that the re-appointment not only ensures continuity in the Orchids’ development but also provides an opportunity for Norris to share her extensive experience with the national coaching staff, team trainers, and PNGRFL personnel. Ove added that the team looks forward to continued progress under Norris' leadership as the Santos Orchids prepare for their campaign towards the next Rugby League World Cup. As part of their preparations, the Santos PNG Orchids will play two trial matches in June: • 15 June: Against the Australian Defence Force in Port Moresby • 22 June: Against the Brisbane Broncos NRLW team in Brisbane PNGRFL remains confident that, with the right support systems in place and strong leadership, the Santos PNG Orchids will continue to rise, representing Papua New Guinea with pride on the international stage. Both the Santos PNG Orchids and the PNG LNG Kumuls are scheduled to compete in the 2025 Pacific Bowl Championships later this year. Tahnee Norris will lead the Orchids as they prepare for future test matches and major tournaments, including qualifiers for the 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup. Her leadership is expected to play a vital role in continuing the progress and professionalism of the team, while further contributing to the overall growth of women’s rugby league in PNG.