Frieda River Limited (FRL) will commence a series of District Town Hall Engagements across the main district and sub district centres in West Sepik Province and interested communities commencing September 14 at the Telefomin district hub.

The District Town Hall Engagements will provide an opportunity for individuals local-level government representatives, community leaders and civil society representatives in West Sepik Province to meet directly with FRL representatives, receive updates on project developments, raise concerns and ask questions in an open and respectful forum.

The initiative forms part of FRL's ongoing approach to meaningful community engagement, which shifts the conversation away from sensationalism and demagoguery information regarding the project’s development proposal and instead to a more decent and constructive dialogue.

FRL Country Manager Dr Joel Hamago said the District Town Hall Engagements reflect the company's belief that genuine engagement begins with listening.

"These town hall meetings are intended to create meaningful conversations with our communities. We recognise that not everyone uses social media or public forums to express their views. There are many quiet voices whose perspectives are equally important, and we want to hear from them."

Dr Hamago said the program was specifically designed to reach people whose voices are often absent or whose opinions are silenced from public discussions.

"This initiative is designed to reach the forgotten people, those who may not always have the opportunity to participate in public discussions but whose views matter greatly. By meeting people face-to-face, we can have open, respectful and constructive conversations about issues that are important to them and to the future of the Sepik Development Project."

The town hall format aims to encourage informed discussions by bringing communities and project representatives together in person.

"We are committed to engaging directly with communities, listening carefully, responding to concerns, and providing accurate information that allows people to make informed decisions. We want communities to hear directly from us, ask questions freely, seek clarification where needed, and contribute to discussions that affect their lives and aspirations," Dr Hamago said.

FRL has long recognised that effective community engagement requires more than simply sharing information. The company believes genuine engagement is built on trust, mutual respect, and a willingness to listen and respond to community concerns.

The District Town Hall Engagements will run from mid-September to early November and will provide updates on the Sepik Development Project and create opportunities for participants to discuss a range of issues, including community development priorities, environmental and social management initiatives, project planning and future engagement activities.

From Telefomin, the program will continue to Vanimo Green, Aitape, Lumi, Nuku and Yangkok covering all other local level government constituencies as much as possible. Dr Hamago said community voices and perspectives remain central to FRL's engagement approach.