Educators from nursing and community health worker programs across Papua New Guinea (PNG) have taken part in the second national Fast Track workshop, aimed at strengthening the country’s health workforce through improved teaching and learning practices.he five-day workshop, held in Port Moresby, is part of the Strengthening Health Workforce Education (SHWE) Program, funded by the Australian Government and delivered in partnership with the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG), the National Department of Health (NDoH), and the World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Development at the University of Technology Sydney.A total of 48 educators including 32 women and 16 men, representing 32 nursing and community health worker schools across PNG, participated in the program.Through dynamic sessions and hands-on activities, participants engaged with modern teaching strategies, updated study plans, and contemporary assessment methods designed to better prepare students for the realities of healthcare in the country.Lead Trainer Professor Di Brown, Professor of Nursing at the University of Technology Sydney, said the dedication of participants was both inspiring and impactful.“It’s inspiring to witness the enthusiasm and commitment of these health educators. By embracing student-centred learning and modern assessment practices, they are not only elevating their own teaching but also shaping a more skilled and confident health workforce for the future.”Meanwhile, Technical Advisor for HR Training at the National Department of Health, Mary Kililo, mentioned the long-term benefits of the program.“This program is a vital step in strengthening the teaching capacity of our health workforce educators.”“By empowering nursing and community health worker instructors with the right tools and confidence, we are laying a solid foundation for a stronger, more resilient health workforce in Papua New Guinea.”The SHWE Program focuses on building capacity within health education, improving access to quality care, and equipping nurses and community health workers with the skills needed to address the evolving health challenges in PNG communities.

The Australian Government has donated a fleet of vehicles to the Catholic Church Health Services (CCHS) to boost HIV outreach and treatment across Papua New Guinea, further strengthening the PNG–Australia Partnership.The vehicles will support community-based HIV testing, prevention of mother-to-child transmission, adherence to antiretroviral therapy, and referrals to other clinics and social services.They come at a critical time, following the Government of Papua New Guinea’s declaration of a national HIV emergency on 26 June 2025.The fleet includes:-15-seater buses for St Therese Clinic and St Paul’s Clinic in Hohola-A 15-seater bus for the KPAC Sunset Hub-A 4-door Land Cruiser pick-up for Veifa Clinic in Central Province-A Toyota Hilux for the CCHS National OfficeOf particular importance is the allocation of a vehicle to Veifa Clinic, which will help overcome geographic isolation and enable healthcare workers to reach people living with HIV in remote areas.Health Minister Elias Kapavore emphasized the urgency of the response.“HIV is a disease of inequality. We need to support and empower those most impacted. It is time for all of us to step up.”“I personally commit to raising this issue with my fellow ministers and parliamentarians and ensuring the urgent allocation of resources to protect our people – especially the next generation of Papua New Guineans.”Australian High Commissioner Ewen McDonald said the vehicles would strengthen frontline capacity.“These vehicles will help frontline health workers reach communities that often face barriers to access, ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against HIV. Australia is proud to support CCHS in delivering inclusive and responsive healthcare.”Cardinal Sir John Ribat described the donation as transformative for CCHS.“Reliable transport is a game-changer for our clinics. These vehicles will help our teams expand testing, improve treatment adherence, and reach communities that otherwise remain cut off from vital services.”The donation builds on Australia’s long-standing support for HIV services in PNG and underscores both nations shared commitment to compassion, equity, and universal access to healthcare.

The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) Board and Management has congratulated the Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) for a successful 2025 season, which included the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup, Santos Cup, and the inaugural National Youth Competition. The Grand Final matches held on the eve of PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary became more than just a culmination of sporting excellence; they served as a celebration of PNG’s rich culture and sporting heritage. In partnership with the PNG government, the final event showed the rich variety and vibrancy of PNG's cultures. Traditional dances from Manus province started the event, honouring their cultural traditions. The festivities went on with amazing performances by local musicians such as Chris Cobb, Mal Meninga Kuri, Didi Maru, and Wan Squad. Prominent figures present for the event included Prime Minister James Marape, Sports Minister Kinoka Feo, ExxonMobil PNG's Chairman and Managing Director Dinesh Sivasamboo, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Santos Kevin Gallagher, CEO of Telstra Vicki Brady, PNG NRL Club Chairman Ray Bid, outgoing CEO Andrew Hill from PNG NRL Club, SP PNG Hunters Chairman Stan Joyce, SP PNG Hunters CEO Scott Barker, and Queensland Rugby League CEO Ben Ikin. Both cups and match balls were brought in by PNG Defence Force Helicopters. The Santos Cup was accompanied by PNG Orchids number one Cathy Neap, PNG Weightlifting legend and Commonwealth Games Silver Medalist Dika Toua, PNG Veteran Powerlifter Linda Pulsan, PNG Track star Rellie Kaputin, PNG Lakatoi Captain Ramona Padua and Santos PNG Orchids Chairlady Celestine Ove. The Digicel ExxonMobil Cup was brought in by PNG Veteran Swimmer and Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist Ryan Pini, Former PNG Kumuls and Super League star Stanley Gene, Former Kumuls and NRL players Justin Olam and David Mead, PNG Veteran Sprinter Takale Tuna and Digicel PNG Chief Executive Officer Tariq Boudiaf. PNGRFL Chairman Sandis Tsaka, congratulated everyone, recognized the amazing advancements that the PNGNRLC achieved during the 2025 season. Even though there were some difficulties, the season showed a lot of progress in PNG rugby league, thanks to the effort to make the game more professional. During this time, there were new training programs for game officials, more coaching help available for clubs, and a fully functioning judiciary system to keep things fair and disciplined. The PNGRFL Board sent special thanks to chairman Adrian Chow and the PNGNRLC Board and management team for another successful season. “We are immensely proud that the PNGNRLC 2025 Season Grand Final for the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup and Santos Cup was used to honour our sporting legends across all codes for PNG’s 50th.” “Sport is a unifying factor for PNG and that is always on showcase for any sporting event, including rugby league.” “PNG turns fifty and PNGRFL stays committed to the growth of rugby league that ensures pathways and growth of the game, as PNG National Sport, is felt across the country for the next fifty years and onwards.” “To the Grand Finalist winners, a congratulation and a job well done for coming out on top as the 2025 Grand Finalist Champions.” “The Lae Snax Tigers turning the tables and beating the Minor Premiers, PRK Mendi Muruks, showcasing the clubs’ overall capabilities of motivating their 18 men team to come out as champions.” “For the Santos Cup, a true rivalry in the making as the same teams from the 2024 season met again, with the Gas Resources Central Dabari taking the win against the 2024 season champions Bintangor Goroka Lahanis.” “What a great class of rugby league witnessed not only in PNG but telecasted into Australia by NRL. I congratulated both clubs again on their win for the 2025 Season.” “For PNGRFL, the development and growth of PNGNRLC to be able to deliver the NRL standard of rugby league has been key for us in the last 5 years.” In addition, PNGRFL Chairman Tsaka also said that the 2025 season has showcased that growth for PNGNRLC with a robust and rigorous judiciary system delivering charges after each round, the consistent development of the PNG Referees with Queensland Rugby League providing training throughout the season, the improvements to the social media pages to allow their followers to be informed and engaged with the competitions and their ongoing partnerships with each franchise to ensure their growth alongside PNGNRLC. The Digicel ExxonMobil Cup is a competition that takes place over 22 rounds, which includes 18 regular rounds and four final rounds. There are 12 teams involved, and the 2025 season marks the 36th time this event has happened. Meanwhile, the Santos Cup is the national tournament for women's rugby league, and it runs over seven rounds with two final rounds. This is only the second year for this competition, and there are six teams taking part. Moreover, the National Youth Competition occurred halfway through the season in May 2025. It included seven rounds of games and two final rounds, with six teams participating in total.

Theodist Limited and Women’s Micro Bank Limited (Mama Bank) have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at promoting financial inclusion and expanding access to affordable goods and services for women, families, and small businesses across the country. The partnership was formalized with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Mama Bank’s Head Office in Port Moresby city, witnessed by senior representatives from both organizations. Under the agreement, Mama Bank customers will gain access to the Mama Bank Loyalty Card, which offers exclusive discounts of up to 10 percent on purchases at Theodist outlets nationwide. The initiative is designed to ease access to essential products that support education, livelihoods, and daily living, particularly for women and rural communities. Theodist Limited CEO Kumar Baliah said the partnership reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to inclusive community development. “For over 50 years, Theodist has proudly served the people of Papua New Guinea with quality and affordable products.” “This partnership with Mama Bank reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting families and communities while creating real value for women and small businesses through innovative programs like the Loyalty Card.” Mama Bank CEO, Gunanidhi Das said the collaboration directly supports the bank’s mission to empower women and foster financial inclusion. “Mama Bank exists to provide opportunities for women and rural communities to be part of the mainstream economy.” “Through this partnership with Theodist, our customers will not only enjoy discounts but also gain improved access to products that help them build stronger futures for themselves and their families.” The collaboration will also extend to joint marketing campaigns, community events, and co-branding initiatives to increase awareness and encourage participation in the Loyalty Card Program. Additionally, Mama Bank has named Theodist as its preferred supplier for office supplies, equipment, and technology solutions. The MoU will remain in place for three years, with an option for renewal. Both organizations say the agreement demonstrates their shared vision of empowering women, strengthening communities, and contributing to the sustainable development of Papua New Guinea.

A cheque of K300, 000 from the East New Britain (ENB) Provincial Government was recently presented to Raburua Primary School to support the upgrade of its school infrastructure. The presentation was made on September 22nd following a submission made to the Governor’s office last year seeking assistance to improve the school’s facilities. Governor Michael Marum reaffirmed his government’s commitment to education, noting that similar support is being rolled out to schools across the province from elementary level institutions to tertiary colleges and universities. Governor Marum also highlighted the success of the ENB Scholarship Program, which has doubled its reach this year. The initiative, now in its second round of funding, has increased sponsorship from over 500 students in 2024 to nearly 1,000 students in 2025, benefiting East New Britain students studying in higher education institutions nationwide. He further announced that applications for the 2026 ENB Scholarship Program will open in November this year for students preparing to enroll in the next academic year.

The annual Prime Minister’s XIII rugby league clashes between Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Australia will be held once again in Port Moresby, this time coinciding with the nation’s historic 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations. The matches are set for Sunday, 12 October 2025, at the Santos National Football Stadium. Festivities will kick off at 9am, when the Junior Orchids face the Australian Schoolgirls, followed by the Junior Kumuls taking on the Australian Schoolboys at 11am. At 1pm, the PM’s XIII women clash will take centre stage before the much-anticipated PM’s XIII men’s match at 3pm, which will headline the day’s program. PNG Rugby Football League Chief Executive Officer, Stanley Hondina, said the annual fixture provides invaluable opportunities for players on both sides. “These games always provide a pathway for players from both countries, and the opportunity this provides for our juniors and the school children from Australia is quite significant as many of them can get selected to the senior sides, to feeder clubs and possibly the NRL and NRLW.” Tickets are already on sale at participating Post PNG outlets, with prices set at: -Eastern Stand – K30 -North/South Stands – K50 -Western Wings – K80 -Grandstand – K120 All squads will be announced next week as preparations ramp up for what is expected to be an enthralling day for rugby league fans in Port Moresby. The Prime Minister’s XIII tradition began in 2005 with the men’s match, later expanding to include the women’s game in 2017 and junior fixtures in 2023. Beyond the action on the field, the annual clashes also serve as a platform to promote rugby league and humanitarian causes supported by the governments of PNG and Australia.

Special Olympics Papua New Guinea is celebrating the return of its athletes from the Special Olympics Regional Badminton Competition held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, bagging two medals — a silver and a bronze. In the Men’s Singles (Under 16–21) division, Roberto Napoleon scored silver for PNG. He later teamed up with Emmanuel Sevara in the Men’s Doubles (Under 22–33) category, where the pair earned bronze. In the Women’s Singles (Under 16–21) division, Azaria Mausen finished in 4th place, while Martha Ahwong placed 5th in the Women’s Singles (Under 22–23). In the Women’s Doubles, Azaria and Martha also finished in 4th place. Special Olympics PNG expressed pride in the athletes' performances and extended appreciation to Oceania Badminton, Badminton PNG, and Hannah Beauty Box for their support in making the trip possible. Special thanks were also given to coaches Dorna Longbut and Daniel Wesley, as well as the management team. The organization also acknowledged the support of Special Olympics Asia Pacific and Special Olympics Malaysia for contributing to the success of the regional competition.

The Motu Koita Assembly is proud to announce Peroveta Day 2025, a celebration of tradition, youth talent, and national pride, set to take place on Sunday, 28th September 2025 at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium. This year's Peroveta Day promises an exciting fusion of Peroveta performances and energetic youth showcases, bringing together communities to honour Papua New Guinea’s rich cultural heritage and future. The day kicks off early with the Peroveta March, starting at 6:00 AM from Ela Beach (Era Kone) and making its way to Sir Hubert Murray Stadium. The official program will begin at 7:00 AM, featuring a line-up of traditional songs, dances, and youth performances that reflect the spirit of unity and identity of the Motu Koita people. Running until 12:00 PM, the event also highlights local vendors, handcrafted art, and cultural displays from local SME stalls, giving attendees a taste of PNG’s creativity and entrepreneurship. More than just a cultural show, Peroveta Day is a call to celebrate culture, empower youth, and honour the legacy of independence. With the support of the National Capital District Commission and aligned with the national 50th Independence theme — “Celebrate Our History, Inspire Our Future” — the event is expected to draw crowds from all walks of life.

Director: Itaru Mizuno Cast: Rinko Kikuchi, Kami Hiraiwa, Yoh Yoshida, Mai Shiraishi, Sosuke Ikematsu, Akihiro Kikuta Rating: PG │Genre(s): Crime, Drama, Mystery – Thriller, Comedy │Run Time: 1h 54min UNIQUE AND ALMOST HILARIOUS “Three words. Live action manga.” Two under paid cleaning ladies and an accomplice (Rinko Kikuchi, Kami Hiraiwa, Yoh Yoshida) decide to break into their boss’ house after suspecting her of tax fraud. Their actions soon come into collision with other individuals in a crazy and comedic twist. Trespassers put a spin on the daily lives of Japan’s cleaning ladies making them multifaceted individuals instead of just quiet, submissive hard workers. In the film, employees are stressed out about their wages – a living reality for many workers. Despite being exaggerated, giving these characters a realistic goal for robbing their boss makes them relatable as human beings. How the film’s narrative portrayed is also interesting as it utilizes the criteria of a typical Japanese manga. Unlike regular films which consists of the exposition, rising action, climax and falling action, Trespassers combines both simultaneously, which includes, each character introducing themselves followed by each person narrating their point of views in the background. Oftentimes it feels like a live action comic rather than a film. The shift in atmosphere in Trespassers is demonstrated through its settings. In the beginning, the film is quite somber and drab, emphasizing the harsh reality of the workers' lives. The scenery is urban Japan and also includes sneak peeks into the lives of the thieves. When the scene changes to the boss’ house, the atmosphere immediately shifts to one of fun and frivolity as the new surrounding is characterized by wealth and the color pink symbolizing feminine power. One of the shortfalls of the film is the stereotype of the perverted older man. Trespassers is no different. The character Mouri Takahiro (Akihiro Kikuta) is a creepy pervert obsessed with the young boss who used to work as a bikini model. Although the film minimizes the character’s inappropriate behavior, the stereotype remains – communicating a harmful message towards its audiences. In spite of the film’s flaws, Trespassers does have its unique charm. The comedic delivery of lines and crazy storyline is refreshing. Final Verdict: Trespassers is not for all audiences; however, it is entertaining to movie buffs and those looking for something distinctive. Rating: ★★★★ (7/10) Best enjoyed with snacks and zero expectations.

In case you haven’t noticed, Papua New Guinea has been making steady strides in film for a few years now. Some of the films that have stood out particularly stood have been films such as Ples Man, Nana and currently the upcoming Ples Man 2. Here’s a few things you should know about the latest edition to PNG cinema – Papa Buka: 1. Papa Buka explores the contributions of India during the Second World War Many Indian soldiers served in the British Army during the Second World War. A lot of these soldiers died and were buried in Papua New Guinea, but their contributions and impact are often overshadowed by those made by Australia, Britain, Germany and Japan. 2. The film utilizes more than three different languages Dialogues are delivered in Tok Pisin, English, Hindi and Bengali in appropriate contexts. Throughout the film different languages are used in different circumstances perfectly capturing the complex dynamics of navigating and overcoming language barriers in real-life. For instance, the two Indian historians often communicate in Hindi and Bengali when conversing with one another or with fellow Indians. However, when conversing with educated Papua New Guineans, they would switch to English. Papua New Guineans similarly would converse with their fellow countrymen in Tok Pisin but switch to English when conversing with the historians. 3. Papa Buka encourages women empowerment Over 60% of individuals involved in Papa Buka’s production were female. Additionally, according to the Papa Buka website, women played key roles in costume design, performance, coordination and cultural preservation, making Papa Buka, one of the few films to highlight gender inclusivity in creative leadership. 4. Much of the cast and crew had no prior experience on a film set The team involved in the production of Papa Buka consisted of 90% amateurs – folks who had never been involved in making a film before. Additionally, the film also acted as a training ground for youth and students. 5. It is considered the first PNG-India co-production Many companies, partners and government bodies were involved in the making of Papa Buka, not limited to NAFA Productions, Guru Foundations Inc, PNG Tribe Technologies, Department of Community Development and Religion, the National Film Institute of Papua New Guinea and the National Cultural Commission. Of course, there will be so much more to know about a film that is PNG’s first ever entry to the Oscars, but these are just a few.

Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) celebrated the country’s 50th anniversary alongside World Patient Safety Day with a powerful address delivered by Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Paki Molumi. In his address, Dr. Molumi reflected on the hospital’s journey over the past five decades, its challenges, remarkable achievements, and outlined a bold vision for the future of healthcare in Papua New Guinea. Founded in 1955 with the completion of the Walter Strong Wing and just 350 beds, PMGH has grown significantly to become Papua New Guinea’s Level 6 National Tertiary Referral, Research and Teaching Hospital. Early infrastructure developments included the McGregor Wing, Red Cross transfusion service, ICU, nutrition, rehabilitation, and infectious disease units—boosting capacity to 700 beds by the mid-1970s. Post-independence, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) contributed major infrastructure, but Dr. Molumi acknowledged that since then, no major infrastructure developments have occurred, even as demand has surged due to population growth and limited regional hospital capacity. Despite these limitations, PMGH now delivers services not only to the National Capital District but also to Central Province, Gulf, and beyond, often serving as the only accessible high-level care provider in the absence of Level 5 hospitals in these regions. Dr. Molumi highlighted how 85% of PMGH's resources are used for primary and secondary care—limiting capacity for specialist services. However, under national directives and leadership, the hospital has responded: Interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery programs have been established, including the first Papua New Guinean-owned cardiac bypass surgery. First kidney transplant in PNG has been successfully performed, with patients returning to work and economic productivity. Stroke reversal therapy is now possible with a functioning stroke retrieval program. Other specialist areas expanded include neurosurgery, orthopaedics, urology, obstetrics and gynaecology, internal medicine, paediatrics, ENT, radiology, pathology, and physiotherapy. Dr. Molumi commended the teams for their dedication. “These are not just services, but lifelines.” A key highlight is the Comprehensive Cancer Centre; a flagship infrastructure project launched in 2019. Funded by the PNG Government and supported by Kumul Petroleum Holdings (K10 million), the centre is nearing completion with: Advanced technologies including two linear accelerators, brachytherapy, nuclear medicine, and chemotherapy units. Phase three is 80% complete, with commissioning expected in early 2026. Future plans include bone marrow transplant, immunotherapy, clinical research labs, and a national cancer registry. Dr. Molumi unveiled the hospital’s 2025–2029 Strategic Plan, built on a comprehensive infrastructure master plan, including: Redevelopment of the Walter Strong and JICA wings to meet international standards. A new Women’s and Children’s Hospital with design and location finalized. A Centre for Eye Health to be commissioned in August 2026. Strategic focus on developing local health expertise through new curriculums in clinical and pediatric oncology, intensive care, and internal medicine. Recruitment of international experts on fixed-term contracts to train local professionals. Emphasis on competitive fees to retain top talent in PNG. To support this transformation, Dr. Molumi proposed a Specialist Hospital Act to replace the current Public Hospital Act, giving PMGH financial and operational autonomy. This would enable the hospital to engage in revenue generation, public-private partnerships, and sustainable funding mechanisms. Marking World Patient Safety Day, Dr. Molumi underscored the urgency of creating a culture of safety, not just slogans. Global statistics show that 134 million adverse health events occur annually in low- and middle-income countries due to unsafe care, resulting in 2.6 million preventable deaths. “Let us be known not just as a hospital that heals, but as a hospital that protects.” The hospital also launched a clinical roadshow to showcase the work of every division and their vision for the next 50 years. School students from the National Capital District and Central Province were invited to inspire interest in medical and allied health careers. “This is more than an exhibition. It’s a declaration of our future.” As the hospital steps into its next 50 years, Dr. Molumi emphasized that the future of health care in Papua New Guinea lies in innovation, compassion, and safety. “PMGH is not just building facilities—we are building futures.”

The Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program (TKCP) has received vital support from the High Commission of Canada to boost its ‘One Health’ program in Papua New Guinea. This contribution will help expand TKCP's work with the Morobe and Madang Provincial Health Authorities, as well as other health organizations, to promote and localize the One Health approach throughout the YUS Conservation Area on the Huon Peninsula. The YUS area is remote, with many communities lacking basic social services such as medical care and health education. To address this gap, TKCP has adopted a holistic approach to conservation, integrating health and environmental solutions. The One Health program aims to empower local communities with knowledge, skills, and resources to tackle health issues like nutrition, respiratory illnesses, hygiene, sanitation, and water quality, in alignment with PNG’s National Department of Health. In 2024, TKCP conducted extensive community discussions across the YUS area, gathering feedback on how to manage the conservation area and improve health outcomes. This process led to the redesign and relaunch of the One Health program, which focuses on women's health and local leadership while maintaining the ecological integrity of the YUS region. The Acting High Commissioner of Canada to PNG, Manon Dumas, along with Canada Fund for Local Initiatives Manager Alex Croyle, visited Lae to meet with TKCP Executive Director Modi Pontio. They discussed the project's goals, including training village birth attendants, distributing safe delivery kits, and conducting family planning educational talks during a planned visit to YUS in November. Pontio explained the long-term goal of the project. “We aim to empower YUS community members and health workers with the tools and knowledge to safeguard human health by maintaining a healthy relationship with their local environment and natural resources.” Dumas expressed her support for the initiative. “Canada shares PNG’s commitment to biodiversity, and we are excited to see the positive impact of this project.” “The comprehensive approach adopted by TKCP is exemplary.” “Work is already underway to establish a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Morobe Provincial Health Authority to further address the pressing health needs of YUS communities.” For more information about the Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program, visit www.treekangaroo.org.