More than 1,600 explosive remnants of war have been identified across East New Britain province as part of Operation Render Safe 2025 which is a month-long multinational planning mission led by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) in partnership with the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF). The mission, which focused on communities in the Rabaul, Kokopo, and Gazelle districts, involved close collaboration with local residents to pinpoint areas contaminated with unexploded ordnance (UXO). Historical records, satellite imagery, and community insights played a key role in locating hazardous remnants from past conflicts. ADF Contingent Commander Major Joseph Gurung, said that their team supports communities across the province. “With our international partners, we worked together to improve safety for local people.” The operation brought together personnel from Australia, Papua New Guinea, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, France, New Zealand, and Canada. The mission aimed to assess and plan for the safe removal of UXO, with a clearance and disposal operation scheduled for 2026. Australian Army combat engineer Sapper Jack Furnyvall, said the mission was grounded in community trust. “Everyone’s warm and welcoming." "They know we’re here to help make things safer for them and their families that makes a difference.” Meanwhile, Ordinary Seaman, Ronald Baloiloi of the PNGDF shared his knowledge of wartime history and local terrain with foreign teams. “Being able to share my country’s history with our partners meant a lot.” The PNGDF led community engagement efforts, while Japan contributed medical and logistics support, particularly in remote areas. Personnel from France, Canada, and New Zealand enhanced survey capabilities, working in tandem with ADF and PNGDF counterparts under challenging field conditions. Meanwhile, the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby confirmed that the data collected during this mission will inform future disposal efforts, ensuring they are precise and effective in mitigating risk to communities. Operation Render Safe reflects the shared commitment of participating nations to building safer, more resilient communities in Papua New Guinea and the broader Pacific.