The Port Moresby General Hospital’s Special Care Nursery at the Labour Ward received 96 bags of necessities for babies, donated by the final year Tourism and Hospitality Management students of the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) recently. The 23 students visited 2 main nursery rooms and gifted each mother and her baby a plastic bag filled with diapers, powder, oil and more. Among the goods donated were two bags of clothes for the mothers. Student in-charge, Diandra Neil, said that the visit was an outreach program that was part of their academic assessment as well as community service to give back to the country. “As part of this outreach, we the students decided to contribute and bring the donations to the nursery. So, whatever has been donated is from the students’ pockets.” Nursing Unit Manager, Sr. Filma Kuman, was grateful for the donations and encouraged the students to continue to bless others in the community. The Special Care Nursery is purposely for newborn babies who are sick and need special care from medical professionals. Following the visit, 8 male students donated blood at the Sir Brian Bell Centre for Transfusion Medicine (SBBCTM).

The Broncos and Storm have led a chorus of players being rested in Round 27 with the finals on the horizon and the potential for both clubs to meet again in Week 1 of the play-offs. Despite chasing their first minor premiership in 23 years on Thursday night the Broncos will be without more than 10 NRL regulars including stars Reece Walsh and Payne Haas when they meet the Storm at Suncorp Stadium. The pair will join Herbie Farnworth, Billy Walters and Ezra Mam on the sidelines while Adam Reynolds (calf) and Patrick Carrigan (foot) will be given another week. Kotoni Staggs is out suspended for one match. Kurt Capewell and Selwyn Cobbo are included in the reserves but Kevin Walters is unlikely to turn to either with a potential to come up against Brisbane in September a huge possibility. Storm coach Craig Bellamy is also not mucking around with a top four spot guaranteed, resting a similiar 10 players including Jahrome Hughes (knee) and Harry Grant (shoulder), who are carrying injuries. Cameron Munster, Nick Meaney, Xavier Coates, Christian Welch and Nelson Asofa-Solomona are among the names set for a week off while Ryan Papenhuyzen has been named to start at fullback and Justin Olam gets a recall. NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said the club's resting policies were not a concern for the overall standard of the game in Round 27. "With 27 rounds and 24 matches it's a very compelling season that has twists and turns," Abdo said on Tuesday. "Each coach, team and club will set their strategies for who they are playing and the combinations. "That's a call they have to live and die by, and that's a call that is theirs to make. "I'm yet to witness an NRL game that isn't exciting and compelling. You'll have players making their NRL debuts this weekend. I'm not concerned at all that we won't have eight exciting games." The Warriors, having locked in either third or fourth on the ladder, will be without Shaun Johnson, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak for their final round clash with the Dolphins. Warriors captain Tohu Harris (back) joins hooker Wayde Egan and Addin Fonua-Blake to also be rested by coach Andrew Webster ahead of a top four showdown with either the Panthers or Broncos next week. Newcastle have opted to rest several of their stars for their clash against the Dragons in Kogarah after wrapping up a home semi-final last week. Veterans Dane Gagai and Tyson Frizell will have a breather while Lachlan Miller returns to fullback for his first NRL game since Round 12. Knights coach Adam O'Brien has included Jackson Hastings (ankle) and Lachlan Fitzgibbon (shoulder) in the reserves but the likes of Kalyn Ponga (shoulder), Phoenix Crossland and Kurt Mann won't be risked. The Panthers have opted to name their best team possible for Saturday night's clash with the Cowboys in news that will be music to the ears of Roosters fans, who need to beat the Rabbitohs and then hope the premiers defeat the Cowboys. Source: NRL.Com

The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) is urging all sports teams who will participate in the upcoming November 2023 Solomon Islands Pacific Games to meet their requirements by the September 6th deadline. While many athletes and teams have already received provisional endorsements and are undergoing training, attending national championships, and participating in international events, they must still adhere to the Justification Committee's benchmark requirements. This ensures their preparedness and potential performance levels are up to standard for selection onto Team PNG. All athletes, officials, coaches, and team managers are reminded to complete three obligatory online courses this month on Anti-Doping, Athlete Safeguarding, and the Prevention of the Manipulation of Competition Additionally, coaches and team managers yet to be certified under the Oceania Sports Education Program (OSEP) must fulfill pre-course requirements before attending the Development Coach, Strength and Conditioning, and Team Managers Courses in early September. Secretary General, Auvita Rapilla, emphasized the significance of these pre-requisites. She stated, "These courses are compulsory. Athletes and officials who don't complete these requirements cannot participate in the games." In a recent update from the PNG Olympic Committee Justification Committee, the sports of Judo, Sailing, and Rugby League 9s were excluded from Team PNG and will not be participating in the 2023 Solomon Islands Pacific Games for failing to meet the required benchmark and justification deadlines and criteria. Rugby League 9s was the only sport that appealed the decision to the PNG Sports Dispute Tribunal who ultimately upheld the decision of the Justification Committee. The Olympic Committee continues to focus on ensuring that Team PNG represents the best of the country's athletes and aligns with the high standards set for international competition.

The Information and Communications Technology Minister Timothy Masiu was pleased with the outcome of the Pacific ICT Ministers Dialogue (PICTMD) which had a total of 11 ministers from the Pacific region fly into the capital for the inaugural event. “I am so happy to that all the pacific island nations are represented during this meeting. So far, as the minister responsible for hosting this important dialogue, I am happy and positive at the way things are going.” “There are also very good comment and feedback from the Ministers and this is an avenue that Ministers in the Pacific can share their own experiences.” “Of course, there’s never being any time before in which the Pacific Island ICT Minsters meet to discuss their own issues and share some of the predicaments that they face and, of course, the way forward.” Masiu said, one of the reasons for having this dialogue is because some of the Pacific islands lack the capacity in their ICT development where today, there is a lot of cyber issues and the pacific needs to be very careful. Minister Masiu added that, he recently had a bilateral meeting with the Australian Minister for Communications Hon. Michelle Rowland, where Australia is putting forward what it intends to do in PNG. Masiu said, he will announce later what the agenda was and both countries are expected to meet at a later date this year. He further stated that, PNG’s digital journey is a working progress because there is still so much to do. “I want to thank the government of today under the leadership of our good Prime Minster Hon. James Marape for supporting our sector. ICT sector is the way to go.” “We have the cyber security issues and social media issues and a lot more in the country.” “What we are doing in the department is putting policies in place.” “The policies go through cabinet through submissions, and through this, we build the infrastructures based on the foundations.” Masiu further said, “As the minister responsible, I don’t want us to do something that will not benefit us in the future and of course, we must bring in the right equipment’s and administer the right polices to keep our country safe given today’s cyber security.” Meanwhile, the next Pacific ICT Ministers Dialogue will be held in New Caledonia in 2025.

“Schools in the Central province are being urged to maintain discipline.” These are the words of the newly appointed Provincial Police Commander for the Central Province, Chief Inspector Laimo Asi. Chief Inspector Asi made this appeal at the Laloki Secondary School last Wednesday where he also warned students that he is ready to penalize those who step out of line. PPC Asi, who is also the chairman of the Parents and Citizens of Laloki Secondary School, issued the warning to the students and informed them that the police in the province will be monitoring students who are in uniform and are chewing or smoking cigarettes inside and outside the school. Mr Asi, who is the outgoing Deputy Divisional Commander of the National Capital District and Central province, urged the students to respect themselves and the school. He also called upon students at schools in the Central province to maintain discipline and make sure many students make it to tertiary institutions in the country. PPC Asi, who is also a board member of Sogeri School of Excellence and Patron of Rigo-Abau and Central Students at the University of Papua New Guinea, said he wants to see more Central students enter tertiary institutions next year and onwards. “Whilst the teachers at the respective schools are doing their best to educate the students, disciplines must be the responsibility of parents.” “Parents must make it their responsibility to teach their children good behavior before they go out to schools.” “Since I am now the Provincial Police Commander of Central and being a local, I want to see students’ discipline in all the schools throughout the province.” “I won't hesitate to arrest and prosecute ill-disciplined students.” “We have to take tough actions on students at school so they will behave and produce good results, so we have good elites in the future.” Meanwhile, PPC Asi who recently graduated with a Master's in Business Administration (MBA), said he wants to see more Central students going to tertiary institutions and graduate with such. He further added that as the PPC of the province, he will also be visiting schools to make sure that the funds that are given to schools are used for their intended purposes.

The inaugural Pacific ICT Ministers Dialogue commenced this morning at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby with a common aim to come together, forge a bond of unity and collaboration and to chart a path towards a digitally connected Pacific region. Minister for Information Communication and Technology Hon. Timothy Masiu thanked all 11 delegates from their respective countries for traveling across the Pacific into Port Moresby. He said, this dialogue is not merely a congregation of officials but a celebration of collective willpower, dedication, and shared destiny. "Let us embark on this voyage together, my dear colleagues, with renewed purpose and a steadfast commitment to the ideals that underpin the Pacific ICT Ministerial Dialogue." "Let us harness the potential of collaboration, innovation, and technology to carve a brother digitally connected future for our Pacific region and our people." He further stated that, through their collective endeavours, they aim to address the common challenges and leverage the transformative power of digital technologies. The first day of the dialogue will come to a close this afternoon after the signing of the Deceleration on Digital Transformation of the Pacific and continue in Kavieng tomorrow, 29th August 2023 where the program will end. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Hon. John Rosso echoed and reinforced the sentiments expressed by the Prime Minister James Marape, during the welcome dinner held on Sunday 27th, reaffirming PNG's resolute dedication to the collective vision of "Smart Pacific-One Voice: Creating a digital future together for the Pacific”. "The words and visions articulated by our Prime Minister resonates deeply with the values and aspirations ingrained within our nation's fabric." “PNG remains unswerving in its commitment to nature an inclusive digital economy that elevates every citizen, transcending geographical confines and bridging the disparities in digital Access." Deputy Prime Minister Rosso further stated that, "With the theme of ‘Smart Pacific-One Voice: Creating a digital future together for the Pacific’ we acknowledge that connectivity stretches beyond accessibility." "It embodies the principals of quality, affordability, and inclusivity, ensuring that every Pacific islander reaps the benefits of the digital strides we are making." The dialogue has gone into sessions covering policy statements, multilateral context, status of ICT Developments and embracing Digital Transformation in the Pacific and will end with the Lagatoi Deceleration on Digital Transformation of the Pacific.

Newcastle have secured their spot in the 2023 finals series with a 32-6 victory over the Sharks but the result could come at a cost after a shoulder injury to superstar Kalyn Ponga. Ponga was at his electric best to score a try and play a part in two more as the Knights extended their winning streak to eight, but a sell-out crowd was left silent momentarily when the star fullback was floored in a tackle by Jesse Ramien. Scans will determine the severity of an AC joint issue for Ponga and his right shoulder but more importantly for the Knights they can afford to be without him for at least next week against the Dragons with a home final all but locked in. Both sides were locked at 6-6 at the break before the Knights powered ahead by 12 with converted tries to Bradman Best and Dominic Young setting up a handy lead. Another try to Best, where Ponga was hit heavily by Ramien in the lead-up, quickly followed with a big effort from Greg Marzhew with the Knights running in 32 unanswered points. Earlier, a no try ruling to Young denied the Knights early before Cronulla crossed first on the right edge through Connor Tracey to stun the sold-out crowd on Old Boys day. Ponga's stellar season in attack on the left edge continued with the Knights fullback getting on the outside of Matt Moylan to get the home side on the board. A see-sawing first half saw both sides have opportunities to score further points but gutsy finals-like defence shut down any attacking raids. The Sharks appeared to be over once more when Briton Nikora broke through the line twice but a big effort from Dylan Lucas denied the back-rower with the NRL Bunker ruling he lost the ball. Young was then bundled into touch down the other end with the try-line beckoning with Braydon Trindall coming up with a second try-saving effort of the afternoon. Trindall's efforts were as far as it got for the visitors, however, with the Knights producing a second half masterclass led by Ponga with five-straight tries. An individual effort from Lucas, who broke through the line and then got around Tracey for his first NRL try, got the party started in the Hunter and sets up a Sharks date with the Raiders next week that will be a must-win for both sides. Source: NRL.Com

The Cowboys have kept their finals hopes alive with a 34-10 win over the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night. Needing to win their final two games and hope other results go their way, Todd Payten's men took care of the first part of the equation with a polished six-try display in front of 33,449 fans in Brisbane. The Cowboys grabbed the first try of the night in the 11th minute when Dolphins fullback Jamayne Isaako spilled a bomb and the ball came down to Tom Dearden who spun it wide for Zac Laybutt to race away and score. Four minutes later the Cowboys had a second when Kyle Feldt crossed for the 128th try of his career to close within two of Matt Bowen's club record of 130. Dearden stamped his class on the contest in the 17th minute when he delivered a superb cut-out pass to Murray Taulagi down the short side and the winger found Scott Drinkwater backing up for an 18-0 lead. The Dolphins looked set to hit back on the half hour mark when Kenny Bromwich got over the line but Drinkwater was able to knock the ball loose as he tried to get it down. With Dolphins prop Josh Kerr in the sin bin for a hip drop tackle the Cowboys took advantage of the extra man as Drinkwater delivered a precise pass to Laybutt who crossed for his second of the night. The Cowboys should have had their fifth try early in the second half after Heilum Luki found himself in open space and linked with Feldt but the winger's pass went astray when he tried to find support. After hanging tough for 16 minutes in the second half the Dolphins finally cracked when Dearden cut out two players and found Taulagi who strolled over to make it 28-0 to North Queensland. With 17 minutes to play Isaako grabbed his 22nd try of the season when he latched onto a sweet pass from Nikorima and raced away to make it 28-6. The Dolphins' joy was short lived as Cowboys veteran Peta Hiku hit back three minutes later with a try in his 200th NRL game courtesy of a brilliant flick pass from youngster Kulikefu Finefeuiaki. Some slick hands from the Dolphins created space for Isaako to make it a double in the 72nd minute as Wayne Bennett's men pushed the Cowboys right to the end. Source: NRL.Com

The Voice Inc. (TVI) celebrated the graduation of its 1st Cohort of Developmental Leaders who have completed the Problem Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA) course on Wednesday 23rd August, which was facilitated by the Building State Capability Team of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government through their Local Leadership and Collective Action Program (LLCAP). The Voice Inc. Executive Director Ms. Maliwai Sasingian said, 31 local leaders and champions of change across 7 provinces successfully completed the PDIA course online in a scale of 3months. “The PDIA course fills the capacity to develop young leaders to be agents of change. “ “The role of a being a leader is not done by an individual but requires the efforts of groups, networks and collisions to work together for positive change which is TVI’s vision.” Sasingian added that the 31 applicants were put into teams that are pushing for 6 reforms based on Sorcery Accusation Related Violence, Education, Higher Education, Decentralization and Youth Employment. One of the teams was focused on sorcery accusation related violence from Jiwaka to Mendi. The team decided to prioritize and focus on access to justice and through this process, they identified the need to set-up a legal desk at Kudiawa PHA Family Support Center by the end of this year. Meanwhile, Australian High Commission Minister Counsellor Mr. Paul Lehmann said the PDAI is a dynamic process with tight feedback loops that allows you to build your own solution to your problem that fits your local context. “The Australian Government is very happy and proud to support the course through our building community engagement programs in PNG.” Furthermore, The Voice Inc. Board Chair Dame Meg Taylor said, as a senior citizen, it gives her great hope for the future of this country that these small steps taken, will increase overtime and build a strong cohort that will reshape the nation. She also wished the 2nd cohort for 2023 the very best and to use the resources provided at the best of their ability for greater results. The 2nd cohort 2023 has a total of 17 members who started their lessons on the 23rd of August.

The disaster co-ordinator in the autonomous Papua New Guinea region of Bougainville says as many as 60,000 people have been affected by two months of heavy rain. Much of south Bougainville is a flood zone at the same time the region is coping with the impacts of the Mt Bagana eruption. As a result of both natural disasters the Autonomous Bougainville Government last week extended a state of emergency until mid-October. Esther Usurup said teams are now carrying out an assessment before food supplies are flown in. "The whole of south Bougainville from Torokina to Siwai, Bana and Buin specifically, have also been inundated and, as of the last 24 hours we have had a rapid needs assessment that has been deployed," she said. Usurup said meanwhile that the volcano, Mt Bagana, is continuing to erupt, after bursting to life for the first time in 11 years on July 7. She said it still carries a level two advisory. About 3,000 people remain in camps for people displaced by the eruption. They are at Wakunai and Torokina, which are either side of the mountain. At least 5000 more are known to be affected by the eruption. Source: RNZ.Com

After a long 10 years wait, the Lae Area Medical Store (AMS) in the Morobe province finally received assistance with a total of 14 solar lights from the United Nations Population Fund to improve the security of the medical supplies warehouse. The Lae AMS team managed to successfully set up the lights at the warehouse with two flat lights around the yard and the two security lights on the roof of the warehouse. The remaining lights will be set up inside the warehouse storage space. According to the Acting Assistant Manager Mr. Lukey Pokapon, “It has been close to 10 years since we had proper lights in and around the warehouse and it has been a security risk for the team and the medicine suppliers stored here.” The Area Medical Store in Lae, Morobe Province is responsible for medicine supply and distribution for almost 200 Health facilities in Morobe Province and four other catchment provinces: Eastern Highlands, Madang, Manus, and the Northern Province. “We have had incidents of several break-ins into the property,” shared Mr Pokapon. “With no lighting in the area, common thieves have stolen supplies and have left unseen.” “This is not good, especially when we have essential medical supplies for five provinces stored here.” The AMS works closely with the UNPFA, through its Reproductive Health Commodities Supply Chain team, for procuring these commodities and storing them at the warehouse. “We receive support from UNFPA and they are our good partners.” “So I told them of the situation of the no lights in the AMS last year,” Mr. Pokapon added. “Through their positive response, we now have four street solar lights.” “The two we have mounted on the roof provide light from the AMS onto the streets around AMS ensuring that there is no room for any theft, helping the guards that monitor the area.” Mr. Pokapon expressed his gratitude towards UNFPA for recognizing the need and responding. Although it may seem small in gesture, it has a lasting effect. The remaining 10 lights will be set up before the year ends. “To install these 10 solar lights inside the warehouse, we need a qualified electrician to do that, and we have engaged one already,” said Mr Pokapon. “We should have a fully lit-up warehouse before the year ends, but for now, we are more than happy that our yard is fully lit up!” UNFPA’s work with the Lae AMS is part of the organization’s work in strengthening reproductive health commodity supply chains, ensuring that medicines and devices are available when and where they are needed in health facilities around the country. In addition to procuring reproductive health commodities, UNFPA works in partnership with the National Department of Health to provide inventory management training for health facility staff responsible for managing stock levels of essential medicines to improve logistics between the Area Medical Store and health facilities.

Nasfund Contributors Savings and Loans Society (ncsl) wishes to inform all its members that the Poro Card system is back online and working better than ever! Chief Operating Officer of NCSL Presley Semi said, "We are delighted to announce the successful relaunch of our Poro Card system, which reflects our unwavering commitment to providing our valued members with modern and efficient banking solutions. Furthermore, Acting Chief Executive Officer Keith Raimo said “We would like to thank our members for their patience, and we look forward to their continued support.” If members experience any issues with Poro Card access or have queries regarding pin resets, please visit your nearest branch or contact customer care team on 2072000 or 313 2000 or email callcentre@ncsl.com.pg. Our members can also visit our website www.ncsl.com.pg/poro and download any necessary forms.