The Australia Awards PNG 2025 cohort has been designated the "Somare-Whitlam Scholars" to honor Papua New Guinea’s 50th year of independence, announced at the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby on the 24th of October 2024. The historic and official launch of the Somare- Whitlam name was announced at the Australia High Commision, in the presence of significant leaders, including members of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare’s family, Kinoka Feo the Minister for Higher Education, Joe Sungi the Minister for Public Service, and Australian High Commissioner to PNG, John Feakes. In their remarks, Australia’s Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy MP, and members of the Whitlam family conveyed messages of encouragement to the 90 selected scholars, underlining the program’s significance in fostering a close PNG-Australia relationship. During the ceremony, Minister Feo noted that this educational exchange, involving family members of awardees, promises a rich, cross-cultural experience. High Commissioner Feakes emphasized that naming the 2025 cohort after Somare and Whitlam acknowledges the leader’s legacy in shaping the PNG-Australia partnership, a sentiment Prime Ministers Marape and Albanese jointly expressed in early 2024. This legacy-based initiative highlights Australia’s ongoing support and deep-rooted friendship with PNG, recognizing mutual aspirations and shared history. The Australia Awards program established in 1975, has supported thousands of Papua New Guineans in developing skills through education in Australia and PNG, with many alumni making valuable contributions upon returning home. Furthermore, Dulciana Somare-Brash expressed her family’s gratitude, acknowledging the program as an esteemed opportunity for PNG’s emerging leaders. Whitlam’s family also added that Whitlam viewed PNG’s independence as a crowning achievement of his career, making this dedication especially meaningful. Moving forward, the Australia Awards PNG program will continue to provide long-term and short-term scholarships to address critical workforce needs and professional development within PNG. This prestigious initiative is set to further strengthen PNG's future leadership in alignment with both nations’ shared vision for a brighter, cooperative future.