The Sir Brian Bell Centre for Transfusion Medicine is in need of all blood types now to support patient needs at the Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH). According to Assistant Nurse Unit Manager Sister (Sr) Juliet Ohuesaho, they have put out an appeal for urgent blood donations due to the high demand of blood needed during the festive season. She said it was not possible for them to go out and conduct their mobile blood drives because government departments and organizations were closed during the festive period. “It was not possible for us to go out and conduct our mobile blood drives because it's the holiday period. But the Sir Brain Bell Centre for transfusion Medicine was open for donations.” “And during the festive season, there’s an increase of patients going into the hospital who need blood, especially trauma cases.” Despite the Centre been open and a few of the patients’ relatives coming in to donate blood, they still need urgent donations of blood due to the limited stock they currently have. She added that so far, they have collected about 50 bags of blood since the 1st of January from people who have relatives admitted at the Port Moresby General Hospital. Sr. Ohuesaho is appealing to the public and all who are interested to donate and save a life to head down to the Sir Brian Bell Centre for Transfusion Medicine and donate blood. “I want to make an appeal to the public to donate. Christmas marks the time where Jesus was given to us, life was given to us. Blood is the most precious gift someone could give and that’s life. One hour of your time can mean a lifetime to someone. So come on down to the Centre and donate to save.”

From Ben Hunt returning to the Broncos to Zac Lomax making a highly anticipated move from the Dragons to the Eels and Clint Gutherson going the other way, the 2025 NRL season is full of intriguing storylines surrounding players seeking a fresh start at new clubs. Other big guns set to make big moves in 2025 include Panthers premiership heroes Jarome Luai, James Fisher-Harris and Sunia Turuva, representative prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard, promising big men Stefano Utoikamanu and Terrell May and proven performers Isaiah Papali'i, Addin Fonua-Blake, Val Holmes and Chad Townsend. Among the key off-season signing moves are: Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen has signed a one-year contract extension that will keep him in Melbourne until the end of the 2026 season. Roosters captain James Tedesco signed a one-year contract extension, ensuring his continued leadership and presence at the club until the end of 2026. The Dragons extending playmaker Kyle Flanagan for a further two years and securing the signature of Sharks utility Daniel Atkinson from 2026. On the back of his impressive return to the NRL in 2024, Bronson Xerri has inked a new deal with the Bulldogs through to the end of the 2027 season. The Rabbitohs signing playmaker Jayden Sullivan for the 2025 season after he was released by Wests Tigers. England international John Bateman is set to play a mentoring role for the North Queensland pack after signing a two-year deal with the Cowboys. Sharks captain Cameron McInnes extended his contract until the end of 2026 while prop Tuku Hau Tapuha inked a one-year extension to the end of 2026. The Dolphins extended the contracts of Fijian international Kurt Donoghoe and forward Connelly Lemuelu. with a one-year contract extension that will see him remain with the club until at least the 2025 season. The Knights have extended the contract of youngster Dylan Lucas until at least the end of 2027. Warriors fullback Taine Tuaupiki has signed a one-year contract extension through to the end of 2026. Storm captain Harry Grant has taken up his player option to stay in Melbourne until the end of the 2026 NRL season. Fijian international Marcelo Montoya will return to Belmore after signing a two-year deal with the Bulldogs. With the sensational season-opener in Las Vegas just two months away, here's a full rundown of the comings and goings at all 17 clubs for 2025. Official 2025 NRL squad lists See the official signings tracker hub

The National Saint John Ambulance received an emergency call in the early hours of Christmas Day at 03:06 AM about a woman in labour from Gelegele village in Kokopo, East New Britain. Ambulance officers Edward Kivung and Newman Vue were dispatched promptly to assist a 32-year-old expectant mother, Lydia, who was experiencing labour pains. Call takers reassured Lydia that a unit would be sent as soon as it was available. The caller met the ambulance on the roadside and guided the crew to the family home. Upon arrival, the ambulance team promptly assessed Lydia and transferred her to the ambulance to begin the journey to the hospital. During transport, it became apparent that Lydia’s labour was progressing rapidly, and the crew expertly assisted with the delivery of her baby in the ambulance. After ensuring Lydia was clinically stable, the crew transported her and her newborn son to the hospital for further care. In a heartfelt gesture of gratitude, the family decided to name the baby boy after the ambulance officer who helped deliver him, Newman. Reflecting on the experience, Newman shared, "it is such an honour to have the baby named after me, especially on such a special day."

The inaugural Rhinos Rugby Union 10’s tournament saw a total of 16 teams vying for the Sydney Wesley Cup, named after former Defence rugby legend and Pukpuks Coach Sydney Wesley, at the Bava Park in Port Moresby. According to Rhino’s Rugby 10’s Tournament Manager Jordan Seladi, the 10-aside concept is an initiative of the Rhinos Rugby Club bringing together emerging, current, and past players to come out and enjoy the camaraderie and build friendships in rugby, have fun and stay fit during the offseason. “When we started the Rhino’s rugby union team, we started it on the notion of keeping the forward’s fit. Typically, throughout the years we’ve seen, most of the tournaments are oriented towards the 7’s fixture, the young and fast players.” “But with coach Sydney Wesley's concept, we thought to create a tournament that’s oriented towards the forwards.” Despite the short notice, the tournament attracted a good number of teams and players for this first-ever 10s competition. “Based on the interest that we generated during the past two days; we are anticipating a better and bigger tournament next year.” While taking part in the 7s tournament they always value their strength in the forwards but over the years and with good like-minded people around the club has developed and transformed itself to where it is today. “This is the first tournament that they’ve staged, it’s like a trial and error but we have hope and belief that in the near two to three years it should grow." He added that should a bigger number of teams participate in the Rhinos tournament, the prize money will increase. The inaugural 10s tournament has 16 Port Moresby-based teams only competing in four pools with the top two in each pool proceeding to the top 8 cup playoff while the bottom two with playoff for the bowl. Since it's only a first-tens tournament, Seladi clarified that the winning teams and runners-up have little financial motivation because of their supporting sponsors, Pacific Islands International and S-85Ever Grand Ltd.

The Kwikila Interim Provincial Hospital in the Rigo District of Central Province is set to welcome the New Year as they are prepared for the New Years operations. Kwikila Interim Provincial Hospital Community Heath Officer Sister (Sr.) Ana Atop said, they have three (3) ambulance ready and on standby for the festive season. “We do have three ambulances on standby for emergency cases. One for the labour ward cases, which is a bus, and we have two other buses on standby for emergency cases.” Sr. Atop also made mention that they have enough stock of medical supplies to get them through the New Year’s period. And with that, they have scaled down their operations as per directions from the Central Provincial Health Authority. “We have scaled down our normal services just for seven days only. One health officer will be on standby for labour ward cases only, one in the outpatient, one in the emergency and the other will be ward.” Sr. Atop extended her New Year’s wishes to the people of Kwikila and urged the people to celebrate responsibly as this is a time to reflect and start anew.

Christmas is a time of celebrating joy, peace and love and to remember the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ over 2,000 years ago. At the Port Moresby General Hospital Labour Ward, sixteen babies were delivered by midday today on Christmas Day. Of the 16, seven were baby boys and the rest were girls. The first delivery was a baby boy who was born at 12:55 a.m. The total number of births for Christmas Day will be provided at a later date. Meanwhile, 41 babies were delivered on Christmas Eve.

Hospitals around the country are prone to receive high rates or emergency cases during the festive period and to help minimize the load, the Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) and the National Capital District Provincial Health Authority (NCDPHA) are working collaboratively this festive season to address the issue of patient congestion and to minimize waiting times at the Port Moresby General Hospital. The NCD PHA is taking responsibility for the management and treatment of Category 3 patients referred from PMGH to 6mile Polyclinic. As per the Interagency Triage Tool (IITT), Category 3 patients are classified as non-urgent cases that can safely await medical attending without immediate intervention. This collaborative initiative aims to enhance the efficiency of emergency service, streamline care, and ultimately improve the overall experience for all individuals seeking medical assistance.

People in the Abau and Rigo districts in the Central province have been urged to celebrate responsibly this festive season, due to the fact that the Abau District Hospital in Kupiano and the Kwikila Interim Provincial Hospital scaling down their operations. According to Central Provincial Health Authority Director Curative Health Services Dr. Maru Garo, they have scaled down their operations at both hospitals to maintain their emergency services, labour ward, the inpatient care and the X-Ray services. He said, the scale down begins today, the 24th of December 2024 and will continue until the 2nd of January 2025. “We are scaling down the operations so the staff can concentrate on the emergency service because we are anticipating an increase of the number of patients that will be coming in, especially with trauma cases.” He said, with the scale down, only twelve to ten stuff members will be on duty during the festive operations. Dr. Garu further encouraged the people to take care of themselves due to the low supply of medical drugs as well at this time. “For quite a while now, our medical supplies have not been really coming in on time and that's from the Area Medical Stores. But for now, we’ve got our orders from Medical Store, and they’ve packed them, and they should be out by this week. We will then distribute them to the two hospitals.” Dr. Garo also extended his best Christmas wishes to all the people of Central province and urged for a trouble-free Christmas this year, urging the people to celebrate responsibly.

Papua New Guinea-born representative star Xavier Coates believes the young talent coming through the nation's pathways will ensure the NRL's newest team is competitive from the outset. Coates, who made his Test debut for the Kumuls in 2019, is expected to be one of the main recruitment targets for the PNG NRL team, which will join the Telstra Premiership in 2028. The Storm star, who was a member of the Kangaroos team which won the Pacific Cup, will only be 26 years old when the first premiership match is played in Port Moresby. Current Kumuls players are expected to be offered the opportunity to play for the foundation team as the PNG franchise focuses on homegrown talent. Among those likely to be on the recruitment list are halfback Lachlan Lam, hooker Edwin Ipape (both Leigh), centre Rodrick Tai (Warrington) and outside backs Nene Macdonald (Salford), Zac Laybutt and Robert Derby (both Cowboys). Yet, many of the potential PNG team are yet to play at NRL or Super League level, including fullback Morea Morea, who made his Test debut in November against Cook Islands, and Kumuls hooker Judah Rimbu. Morea, who is on a train-and-trial contract with the Cowboys, was the 2023 QRL Hostplus Cup rookie of the year, while Rimbu has signed with Castleford after winning the 2024 QRL Hostplus Cup player of the year award. Others identified by PNG head of elite pathways Joey Grima for selection in the 2024 Junior Kumuls or PM's XIII who are expected to be ready for the NRL by 2028 include: centre Phillip Coates (Broncos development contract) centre Sam Stephenson (Titans development squad) middle forward Cooper Bai (Titans development squad) hooker Finley Glare (plays for PNG Hunters) prop Vane Manuma (plays for PNG Hunters) halfback Bradley Orosambo (training contract with PNG Hunters) five-eighth Giaro Voro (plays for PNG Hunters) prop Emmanuel Balio (training contract with PNG Hunters). “There's so much talent in PNG who don't get much media attention in Australia so it's pretty cool that they are getting these opportunities," Coates said. “I'm really proud of the nation as a whole and I’m really proud of those boys who are stepping up and performing really well for them." Coates, who moved to Queensland at a young age, represented PNG in 2019 and brother Phillip appears destined to follow in his footsteps after playing for the Junior Kumuls side which drew 22-22 with the Australian Schoolboys in October. Stephenson - who is contracted to the Titans along with Bai, the son of PNG legend Marcus Bai - was selected for the Australian Schoolboys in 2024 after playing for the Young Kumuls in 2023. “They've got some really good homegrown talent up there and they earned my respect back in 2019, when I went into my first camp," Coates said. "I was a fresh 18-year-old and I was quite nervous, and a bit scared to be honest, but they brought me in like I was their little brother. “I'm really appreciative of what the Papua New Guinea and the Kumuls have done for me, and I'll continue to be." Class of 2028 Finley Glare (hooker, age 21): Spotted playing for Lae and featured in the majority of games for PNG Hunters last season. Sound knowledge of the game and exciting out of dummy half. Phillip Coates (centre, age 18): Younger brother of Storm winger Xavier Coates. A giant in stature, he creates opportunities with his huge frame and rugby league IQ. Has an incredible ability in the air and is also a strong defender who dominates his opponents. Currently contracted to Brisbane Broncos. Sam Stephenson (centre, age 18): Played for the Junior Kumuls in 2023 and Australian Schoolboys in 2024. Contracted to Gold Coast Titans for the next three seasons. A powerful and strong running back. Bradley Orosambo (halfback, age 19): Selected in the PNG Schoolboys team after winning player of the tournament with Lae. A cheeky and dominant player who executes plays well. He is also an excellent kicker of the ball and strong defender. Was chosen by SP Hunters coach Paul Aiton for a pre-season training opportunity with his Hostplus Cup squad. Emmanuel Balio (prop): Hails from Mt Hagen, Western Highlands. An aggressive player who received lots of praise for his performance with the Junior Kumuls against Australian Schoolboys. A player who can play big minutes and leads with his actions. Plays for PRK Mendi Muruks in the domestic Digicel Exxon-Mobil Cup competition and dominates his senior opponents. Vane Manuma (prop, age 19): Among the tallest players in PNG, Manuma has a massive frame that allows him to create opportunities with the ball. Comes from a remote village in Aroma, Central Province. His ability and potential earned Manuma a training contract with the SP Hunters and his willingness to learn and grow as a player make him an ideal prospect. Gairo Voro (five-eighth, age 21): Hailing from a remote fishing village in Abau District, Central Provence, Voro looked up to Darren Lockyer as a junior. An aggressive defender, who possesses patience and excellent skills with the ball, Voro has the ability to play anywhere in the backline. A leader on the field, he is currently contracted to SP Hunters. Cooper Bai (middle forward, age 18): Son of PNG legend Marcus Bai, Cooper has been rewarded with a contract with Gold Coast Titans. A syndesmosis injury ruled Bai out of contention for the Junior Kumuls but he has representative experience with Queensland U19s. A real steward of the game, Bai will get his opportunities through hard work and rugby league IQ.

The National St John Ambulance Council (NStJA) is urging people to be extra careful on the roads this festive season and that people consuming alcohol do so drink responsibly this festive season. The ambulance service has deployed more ambulance workers to ensure that assistance is available when needed since they anticipate receiving more emergency calls when many people are out celebrating. Too often the NStJA see the tragic consequences of preventable injuries when seatbelts are not worn. NStJA warns that as the driver of the car, you are responsible for the safety of every passenger on your vehicle. You can help protect your family by encouraging them to wear seatbelts when they have one available to them. If you’re in a car that has a seatbelt available, make sure you wear it properly. To prepare for the busy holiday season, NStJA will have additional ambulance crews on duty from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day. These crews will work 12-hour shifts from 11:00 to 23:00 to provide quick help for emergencies. Extra crews will also be available in Lae, Kokopo, and the National Capital District (NCD), with a total of 18 ambulance crews on duty each day across four provinces. “Our road ambulances are supported by around ten on-call units, including regional commanders, doctor and paramedic response teams, and personnel transport units. Altogether, 26 emergency response units will be available across the region to deliver critical care throughout the festive season.” NStJA Commissioner Matt Cannon said, “The holiday season is a time to celebrate, but it’s also a time to be careful. We want everyone to stay safe by making smart choices. Don’t drink and drive, always wear a seatbelt, and look out for your family and friends.” The ambulance service is grateful for the support it has received throughout the year. Cannon added, “We thank the communities in Lae City, ENB, Central, Eastern Highlands, Western Highlands, NCD, and beyond for their support of our ambulance Green Angels. Your respect and cooperation mean we can do our job better.” “We are immensely proud of our team of around 400 Green Angels, who work tirelessly to save lives every day, and equally proud of the many community members we’ve trained as first responders. This includes over 110 taxi and PMV drivers in Port Moresby who have stepped up as qualified community first aiders, helping to make our city safer for everyone.” Looking ahead, NStJA is working through NDoH, Provincial Governments and Provincial Health Authorities to open emergency ambulance stations in Eastern Highlands and Gulf province, and potentially Western Highlands Provinces in 2026. They are calling on the community to show their support by protecting the ambulance Green Angels ensuring their safety during this Christmas and New Year period.

As Christmas draws nearer, the people of Samarai Murua in the Milne Bay Province have been urged by their local Member of Parliament (MP) Henry Isi Leonard to celebrate Christmas responsibly and in its true meaning and that’s celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ as Christians. “We have now reached the end of the year where we all celebrate the Christmas festive season and we as a Christan nation always celebrate the Christmas season with a Christan element to it.” “It's a time where we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and that is acknowledged everywhere in the country. And in times like these, we have the churches programs, the youths and women’s programs and even the community programs all focused on the Christan element of the festive season.” “And I would like to extend this very special festive greeting to all the people of Samarai Murua. Those from Budibudi, Rossil, Sudest, Woodlard Island and all the way down the chain group of islands in the district.” The member said that this is a time when people/families come together to share the moment with loved ones. This is a joyous occasion for families to gravitate and celebrate our Christan faith. “I wish all my people a festive happy season, Whatever occasion you are attending whether it's youths sport or a women’s gathering, let's all celebrate it responsibly.” He said, joy supersedes everything at times like this and urged his people to take care when celebrating this special holiday. “I would like to stress to everyone that whiles you enjoy the festive, make sure to respect each other.” He stated that celebrating responsibly is the key to maintaining law and order in every household, ward and the community.

Nasfund is thrilled to announce the recent addition of City Pharmacy Limited (CPL) and Crown Hotel as the newest members of Nasfund's Employer-to-Employer (E2E) Discount Program. With these new partnerships, Nasfund now offers exclusive discounts across retail, travel, and hospitality, benefiting over 2,000 employers nationwide. Exclusive Discounts Include: City Pharmacy Limited (CPL) is providing 15% off all prescriptions and an added 10% off all other products nationwide (exclusions apply). Crown Hotel Port Moresby is offering 15% off rack rates for accommodation, venue hire, and AV equipment (exclusions apply). Speaking on the program’s significance, Nasfund CEO Rajeev Sharma emphasized its value to employers. “We’re looking forward to strengthening relationships with our long-term employers. This program is our way of thanking them and providing a common platform for mutual benefit.” CPL Head of Pharmacy, Pradeep Panda, highlighted the program’s broad accessibility. “With 36 branches across 19 provinces, this E2E discount ensures that with less money, you can buy more.” Similarly, Crown Hotel General Manager, Shankar Ghoshal, reflected on the hotel’s commitment to quality and competitiveness. “With the E2E discount of 15%, we aim to broaden our market scope and provide even greater value to our partners.” Employers can access these benefits by meeting the following criteria: 1. Be a registered and contributing employer with Nasfund. 2. Present their Nasfund Employer ID. 3. Provide a copy of their Nasfund registration certificate. Nasfund encourages all registered employers to take advantage of this unique opportunity. These partnerships underscore Nasfund’s commitment to adding value to the businesses supporting Papua New Guineans’ superannuation journey. For more information about the E2E Discount Program, contact Nasfund at 1588 or email marketing@nasfund.com.pg.