Manly star Tom Trbojevic has declared himself fully fit and ready for Round 1 in Las Vegas. The 27-year-old played just 11 games last season after a torn pectoral in Origin II ended another NRL campaign prematurely. "A pec is about a three month injury so I've had plenty of time for that to recover and I'm in a really good mental space now and training really hard," Trbojevic told media on Friday. "Coming into pre-season I was basically ready to go so it's been a really good five or six weeks. "I'm fully fit. Contact and everything has all been cleared so I'm good to go." The 2021 Dally M Medal winner said "it's hard not to be" excited at training as he joins teammates in preparations to meet the Rabbitohs in Las Vegas and kick off the 2024 NRL Telstra Premiership. "Vegas is a crazy part of the world and the opportunity to play footy there doesn't come very often so I'm looking forward to getting over there and hopefully showing Americans what we can do," he said. Source: NRL.com

Directors of the Simberi Mining Area Association (SMAA) and Simberi Mine Service (SMS) recently completed a week-long training on the Introduction to Principles of Board Directorship, Good Governance and Corporate Risk Management conducted by the Papua New Guinea Human Resources Institute. The training is a tailored non-assessable training that gives them an understanding of the corporate management and leadership approaches to address their issues and manage their businesses and association. This training was funded by the Simberi Gold Mine Limited (SGCL) to provide capacity building to improve and promote good governance and leadership for the directors to manage their own affairs. The SGCL sees this as an opportunity to further support and work with landowners to effectively operate their organizations for all stakeholders’ benefit. In addition, the avenue provided by SGCL, represents the company’s commitment to building stronger communities and empowering people in diverse teams. The training covered important areas of general board matters, structures, ethics, directorship principles and financial governance, which will facilitate the directors in understanding their accountability in the leadership of the landowner association and umbrella company. Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of the participants, Pius Vaket from the Sitsoim Clan stated that the training was an effective tool, and the content was delivered to their level of understanding at a time when they needed to resolve pressing matters within their management. He said due to lack of knowledge in understanding good leadership and governance their overall progress to achieve better outcomes has been negatively affected. Furthermore, that it was a strategic time to reconnect and realign all the different stakeholders’ intent and aspirations with the Memorandum of Agreement and make the association active, so that it can serve its purpose and the interest of the communities and its stakeholders. “Many landowner groups face issues arising from poor governance and with that SMAA plans to have further meetings in the coming weeks with the five different stakeholders included in the MOA to find a set of resolution for the landowners and the company.”

Reunited with Wayne Bennett and feeling fit after niggling injuries ruled him out of England duty, Herbie Farnworth is looking forward to a big year ahead with the Dolphins. As he was put through his paces on his first official day of pre-season training under Bennett, Farnworth looked fit and right at home in his new training kit after a nine-week break since October's grand final. “I came on the Friday did all the testing and all the boys here are really super keen for the year,” Farnworth said. “I'm just glad to be back training.” Signed by Bennett to play for the Broncos as a teenager, Farnworth never got the chance to play under the seven times premiership winning coach but the pair are now back together at the Dolphins. The 23-year-old, who was also formerly part of Manchester United’s junior development system, said he was excited to be learning again from Bennett, no matter which position he plays - be it in the centres or at fullback. “It's really cool, he signed me on my first deal at the Broncos," Farnworth said. "I think it was Wayne's first day as well today … but he was on the field loving it, so it was pretty cool to be back with him. “I'm just happy for wherever Wayne sees me, I'll play. I'm just pretty keen to get back playing and training hard.” [caption id="attachment_48086" align="aligncenter" width="793"] Wayne Bennett overseeing his players at pre-season. ©Rowan Clark / The Dolphins[/caption] With Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow starring at fullback for the Dolphins last season, it’s most likely that Farnworth will remain in the centres, where he has excelled for the Broncos and England. Farnworth said the fresh start was a chance to put last season's grand final loss to Penrith and missing England's Test series against Tonga behind him as he focusses on helping Brisbane's cross-town rivals achieve success. “Oh, it was super tough, obviously anyone who's lost a grand final, it's definitely tough to get over it, especially in the way that we did,” Farnworth said. “But I'm pretty keen just to move on now and start working hard for this club and hopefully can bring something back here in the next year or two. “[This past year] I saw some really good signs early on at this club and we have some good quality older players as well as younger players coming through, so it's all looking very good for this year.” However, Farnworth said there was plenty of work for him to do to improve his game, although he remained tight lipped about exactly what he was focusing on. “I've got a lot of things to improve on; had a little look at last season and stuff I can do better,” Farnworth said. “I won’t share fully because I don't want to give away anything, but it'll be a good year this year. “[I am tough on myself], I am for sure, but I think that's the best way to be really.” Source: NRL.Com

With a surge in HIV/AIDS cases in the country and globally, it is imperative for individuals to undergo testing to they know their HIV status. As of last Friday, the staff and surrounding communities of Tabubil Hospital convened to commemorate World AIDS Day at Tabubil Hospital, highlighting the prevailing global health concern. Endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO), the 2023 World AIDS Day theme, "Let Communities Lead," emphasizes the need for global communities to unite. The theme urges collective action to take ownership by raising awareness, eradicating stigma and discrimination, and motivating individuals within communities to undergo testing. This proactive step allows individuals to be aware of their HIV status and seek early treatment. OK Tedi Mining Limited, Health Services manager, Mr. Raymond Singamis, during his keynote address outlined the importance of the World Aids Day and gave a few facts about HIV/Aids. “According to World Health Organization data, an estimated 39 million people globally are living with HIV, with 9.2 million lacking access to essential medication.” “In Papua New Guinea (PNG), the HIV prevalence stands at around 72 thousand people.” The critical question arises on how this trend can be reversed as Singamis suggests a solution lies in communities taking the lead. By empowering communities to spearhead initiatives, there is hope to reduce the prevalence of HIV and foster a proactive approach to addressing this global health challenge. He further commended the dedicated efforts of the hardworking health professionals at Tabubil hospital and acknowledge their commitment in providing counselling, conducting tests, and offering medication to those currently grappling with HIV/AIDS. Meanwhile, Tabubil hospital Administrator, Ms. Margareth Samei, stressed that the hospital is well-equipped with resources and must take immediate action and expressed that it is imperative that they extend their efforts by conducting awareness campaigns in communities. “Our goal is to not only educate but also empower communities to take the lead and actively contribute to the fight against and minimization of the spread of this virus within our community.” She also appealed to the health professionals at Tabubil Hospital to join hands together and act now and help raise awareness on this global health issue in schools and the communities.

Steamships Trading Company Limited has now partnered with the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany to fund the redevelopment of Vula’a Elementary School in Hula, Central Province. The joint effort will support the implementation of a community-based comprehensive redevelopment plan that includes the construction of a double classroom equipped with new classroom furniture by members of the community. The project funding encompasses the procurement of building materials, freight, and cartage as well as any other project-related costs. This collaborative initiative aims to enhance education infrastructure and community empowerment, fostering a conducive learning and participation environment for all students in the community. Steamships Managing Director, Mr. Rupert Bray, expressed enthusiasm for the project stating that Steamships recognizes the importance of investing in education and infrastructure to empower communities. The investment at Hula, will enable sixty more children to access education services and create a lasting impact in the community. “We are appreciative of the support with the German Embassy in Canberra for this school project and through this partnership, we can aim to achieve more.” In addition, the total project value amounts to K168, 000 with the financial support for micro-projects valued at €25,000 (approximately, K100, 000) and Steamships contribution of K68, 000. Meanwhile, Chargé d’ affaires of the Federal Republic of Germany to Australia, Sigrid Sommer, expressed that by ensuring equal access to quality education, is pivotal in shaping a sustainable future for young minds and their communities. “The German Embassy Canberra is proud to partner with Steamships and the Hula community in this important initiative, which aligns with our long-term commitment to supporting sustainable development in Papua New Guinea.” Moreover, the redevelopment project holds the promise of not only providing essential infrastructure but also fostering a sense of pride and enthusiasm among the students, educators and members of the community that jointly constructed the building. The improved facilities are expected to encourage greater attendance and participation, thereby contributing to a more vibrant and engaging educational experience. In concluding, the German Embassy Canberra and Steamships are committed to the successful execution of this initiative and look forward to witnessing the transformational impact it will have on the Vula'a Rivilina Elementary School and its community.

PNG Human Resource Institute (PNGHRI) recently hosted its 3-day 2023 Annual Conference at the Crowne Hotel in Port Moresby starting with a graduation event for Associate Degree in Human Resource Management and awards recognition. The presentation of awards was given to those to whom PNGHRI have recognized in terms of their dedication, passion and success. The awards given accordingly were corporate awards, top HR graduates, PNG HRI graduates as well as Fellowship Awards. PNG DataCo was among other top performing organizations who received the title for Top State-Owned Enterprise in PNG. Chief Executive Officer, Paul Komboi who received the award thanked his team and extended his gratitude to PNGHRI for the recognition. “This recognition is a testimony of the dedication and perseverance of our team.” “At PNG DataCo, as a telecommunication and IT service provider, we strive to serve communities through our business and technological advancement across PNG.” In addition to this, PNGHRI also presented awards to other organizations including National Fisheries Authority who received an award for top performing statutory authority in PNG, Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) of Papua New Guinea who received top governance and compliance statutory authority in PNG, MVIL who received transformational stated owned enterprise in PNG and PNG Customs and Internal Revenue Commission who both received top performing government organizations. Meanwhile, President of PNGHRI, Jerry Wemin in congratulating all awardees stated that the corporate awards given every year are usually given to those recognized human resource leaders in their organizations that have played a major role in dedicating their service to their organization.

A total of six medical doctors had the privilege to learn a new set of skills as they battle to overcome isolation by setting up HF radio connections for their clinics. Doctor Cinderella Gaso was amongst the group that took part in the two-week course held at the Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) Technologies training center in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province, to learn solar and high frequency radio installation as well as basic troubleshooting of technical issues. She has spent the last nine years working between the remote Kairiku and Goilala districts in Central Province and has faced the issues that many rural hospitals and health centers face which is the lack of communication systems and technical expertise. "Coming here and becoming more hands-on has been beneficial for me because the training bridges many gaps that I've had to face in my nine years of practice.” “I've travelled to many isolated health centers and noticed the main issues faced were lack of communication system, no proper power supply and other technical issues that can be addressed.” She emphasized that training like this is important to them because there is a great need for technical assistance in remote district hospitals in order to keep the facilities operating. “As for many rural hospitals, we do not have the luxury of having technicians, electricians, or even plumbers to care for the medical systems, which is something many rural hospitals lack.” “Such abilities gained from this training are important to us doctors since they will allow us to instruct other medical officers at our rural hospitals to address basic technical issues on our own." Also taking part in the two-week course was, Doctor Micah Misivet, another participant from Warangoi rural hospital in Pomio, East New Britain Province, who expressed how glad he was that the training involved more than just the basics of solar and HF radio systems. “I had no idea there was more to it; I've gained a lot merely understanding the physics of radio and solar systems.” “I now understand why using an HF radio and proper solar systems are more vital while being situated in remote areas.” Meanwhile, MAF Technologies Workshop Manager, Lukas Schadegg, stated that the training, with the rural medicine program of the PNG Society of Rural and Remote Health, was a success because the participants began with the fundamentals of electronics and then had to complete the course of building an HF Radio with solar installations on their own. “With zero experience on HF radio and solar systems, yet they demonstrated an impressive result of successfully completing the installation course.” Lukas further commended the trainees and coordinator, Doctor David Mills for providing them the opportunity to acquire such significant training which is recognized as a way forward in bringing health services to rural areas of PNG. Apart from the medical doctors, other attendees were technical officers from the Eastern Highlands Provincial Health Authority (EHPHA), officers from the New Tribes Mission (NTM), and MAF Technologies’ own radio tech trainees.

A total of K100, 000 from the East New Britain Provincial Government (ENBPG) annual budget will now be allocated to Organizational for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement (OISCA) starting next year 2024. This is one of ENBPG’s obligations after a signed tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) took place between ENBPG, OISCA Japan and OISCA PNG Association Incorporation. The MOA signed last month at the OISCA training center was witnessed by OISCA BOD Chairman Sinai Brown, Acting Provincial Administrator Levi Mano, OISCA international Representatives and the three stakeholder’s senior management team and members. In this revised agreement the parties agree to jointly undertake establishment of cottage industry at OISCA Ecological and Technological (Eco-Tech) training Rabaul branch for processing specifically cocoa, peanut butter, rice and other food such as fruits and nuts. In addition, wood products, textiles, tourism and identified potential markets for investments will also be established to provide training to farming communities. According to the MOA document, some obligation of ENBPA includes assisting in programs on sustainable management to promote and develop institutional sustainable capacity of the institution. The ENBPA’s commitment to improve livelihood of its people, has seen it allocated an annual budget of K100, 000 to the institution as well as provide K400, 000 through the Division of Agriculture and Livestock industry to manage and fund the establishment and operation of cocoa processing plant, rice development and packaging project. Mano made mention that the province has been faced with one of the greatest challenge and that is with the youths and such initiatives like this will help stop them from doing illegal activities. He said OISCA has been here revolving over time and running life skills training and now with this MOA, signifies OSICA to move onto another level. “The spirit OISCA is promoting is good especially with the inclusion of spiritual capacity building and now with the ward focus, OISCA has become a center point in re-filling and re-developing our lives.” “We want to maintain the bridge between OISCA and the government, the government will not do things on their own but need such stakeholders. This is the way forward and we will work together to implement this MOA.” Furthermore, the MOA will also enable training and employment providing students in PNG to go and study or work in Japan, Australia and other developed countries. While the original agreement is acceptable and remains as it is, the parties hereby agree to renew the agreement for three years, beginning this year through to 2026 for OISCA Eco Tech training center Rabaul branch to be the lead agency for cottage industry projects supported.

PNGFM Limited team members today commemorated the World Aids Day that falls on the 1st of December every year marking this year’s theme, ‘Let Communities Lead’. In commemoration of the day itself, the staff had a session led by member of PNGFM’s Occupational Health & Safety Committee (OHSC) and Lead TB Warden, George Kavil who presented the awareness session on HIV/Aids in Papua New Guinea. Both Mr Kavil and his fellow awareness session coordinator on the topic, Mr Jack Manu compiled their presentation after training with the Business 4 Health. The session included discussions based on the difference between HIV and AIDS, its transmission, knowing ways on how to stay safe from the virus as well as knowing the status of someone living with the virus and knowing the various testing sites. Team members learned that in Papua New Guinea, there are many donors in the country who make it accessible for testing at various sites to find out your HIV status. This can then lead to those testing HIV positive, seeking the treatment they need called Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). “ART treatment is important for a person with living with HIV to receive this.” “As long as you are faithful in taking your medication, this suppresses the virus making it less likely for transmission particularly through sexual intercourse.” In addition to this, the session also highlighted the increase of HIV/AIDS throughout the country. Both facilitators stressed the importance of practicing safe sex and to regularly go for testing so that one is aware of your HIV status and to know what possible steps can be taken moving forward. Questions were then taken from the audience and discussions held around the day and the theme. Meanwhile, PNGFM Limited is in the process of finalizing the official workplace HIV & AIDS Policy for team members.

With World AIDS day being marked on 1 December, UNAIDS says the role of communities in combatting the virus is critical. In a new report called Let Communities Lead, the agency said underfunding and harmful barriers are holding back the lifesaving work of communities and obstructing the end of AIDS. The report shows that the proportion of HIV funding channeled through community-led organizations has declined by at least 35 percent over the last decade. It report said to accelerate progress, the work of communities on the frontline must be better integrated into all aspects of the HIV response and properly resourced. UNAIDS wants to see communities' leadership roles made core in all HIV plans and programmes and for community-led organizations to be fully and reliably funded. The report comes amid rising rates of infection across the Asia pacific region especially in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines. A quarter (26percent) of new infections in this zone are among young key populations, ages 15 - 24. In 2021, 96 percent of new HIV infections were among key populations and their sexual partners. Almost half (46 percent) of all new infections were among men who have sex with men. "Compared with other regions, Asia and the Pacific has one of the highest proportions of key populations among new HIV infections," UNAIDS Asia Pacific and Eastern Europe Central Asia regions regional director Eamonn Murphy. "It is imperative that a significant proportion of our HIV prevention, testing and treatment funding is channeled through the community led organizations best placed to deliver concrete, population-specific interventions," he said. Progress toward reaching the Global AIDS Strategy's 95 percent testing and treatment targets is uneven. For the region as a whole, in 2022, 78 percent of people living with HIV were aware of their status. Of these people, 84 percent were receiving treatment. Of those who were on treatment, 95 percent. achieved HIV viral suppression. Source: Radio NZ

Communities in Papua New Guinea are now receiving the Bible in their own languages for the first time all thanks to innovations that are speeding up the work of Bible translators. This exciting new era means that Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) Technologies can help organizations like Wycliffe Associates by updating software and apps on their computers and mobile phones that translators use in their work. According to MAF Technologies Ministry Partnership Officer, Caine Ruruk, so far MAF Technologies has supplied over four hundred translation kits to Wycliffe translation teams across the country, allowing them to translate various local language Bibles. “Basically, for MAF Technologies, we are helping in fast tracking the process of Bible Translations by lending hands to the Bible translators through supplying appropriate Technology for National Translators or (TNTs) for efficient and accurate Bible translations.” MAF Technologies, based in Goroka, is known to be the Asia Pacific region's sole media center that sells audio Bible device. MAF Technologies has Bible programs that are already translated into multiple heart languages as audio versions. With the initiative, many people who only speak local languages, are blessed to listen to God's word. The audio Bibles also reach people who are unable to read. In addition, Thompson Luke, a spokesman from the Kenain village in the Simbai area of Madang Province said that the initiative has enabled many older people who do not understand English and Tok Pisin to hear the word of God in their own language via audio Bibles. “Even though many of our elderly individuals are illiterate, they are fortunate to hear God's word through translations of our native Kalam language via audio Bibles. And we see that it has strengthened their faith as they listen to and meditate on God's word daily.” Meanwhile, Wycliffe Associates Highlands Regional Coordinator, Misson Ayabe, in a report revealed that seven translation projects in PNG were successfully completed in a considerably faster and shorter period of time with the help of technology. “One of the notable achievements is the completion of our Tok Pisin Unlocked Literal Bible (ULB) version project and its completion as a gateway language serves as a pivotal source text for ongoing and subsequent mother tongue translation projects in PNG.” “Working under the guidance and authority of local churches, Bible translation organizations such as Papua New Guinea Bible Translation Association (PNGBTA), Summer Institute of Linguistics International (SIL) and Wycliffe Associates liaise with MAF Technologies to create a pathway for the gospel to reach thousands of lives. " Furthermore, through the use of modern technologies, the work of translating the Bible into PNG's many heart languages is being completed at a faster pace.

Athletics competition gets underway at the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara this week. Athletes from around the Pacific arrived in the Solomon Islands capital over the past two days in preparation for their track and field events. The National Stadium will be the centre of activities, as competition rolls off at 3pm New Zealand time. Events that are scheduled for Monday includes the women's heptathlon, men's decathlon, 100 metres heats and the 5,000m on home soil. Fijian sprinter Banuve Tabakaucoro is missing from the Games after he retired early this year, having dominated the 100 and 200 metres in the past three editions of the Games. Fiji has a number of athletes they are hoping will continue the dominance, both in the men's and women's sprint events. Netball will also feature some good battles with Netball World Cup debutants Tonga, who has won both Oceania titles in 2022 and 2023, looking good to stake their claim for the gold medal in Honiara. Tonga Netball president Salote Sisifa said the Tala are looking forward to the challenge, having won silver at the 2019 Games in Apia. Cook Islands are the defending netball champions with Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Samoa all in the gunning for the top spot. Tonga meet Niue in their opening game at the Friendship Hall. Bodybuilding, touch rugby, va'a, kayak, sailing and tennis also will see competition on Monday. Attention will also be on the events at the Lawson Tama Stadium in football. The semi-finals in the women's competition will see PNG will take on Samoa while Fiji battles New Caledonia. In the men's competition at the SIFF Academy, Monday's matches will determine who gets into the semi-finals. American Samoa face Northern Mariana Islands, Tonga will take on Tuvalu and Samoa meets Tahiti. Hosts happy with Games so far Meanwhile, the Games Organising Committee (GOC) chief executive has described the first week of events at the Pacific Games as "good". "So far, so good!" Peter Stewart told the Games media team. A record 4,963 athletes and officials from the 24 participating Pacific Island countries and territories are in Honiara. Since the opening ceremony, a total of 522 medals have been presented to gold, silver and bronze medal winners in 13 sports; archery, golf, judo, karate, rugby league 9s, rugby union 7s, swimming, sailing, table tennis, tennis, volleyball and weightlifting, the Pacific Games media said. "It has been so pleasing to see how enthusiastically Honiara has embraced the Games. "From the sellout opening ceremony to the loud cheering crowds at many venues, there has been nothing but smiling faces and warm support for all our visiting athletes." With week two, new groups of athletes have arrived with others who have finished their competition returning to their various homes. "Athletes and teams who have completed their events are travelling back this week, whilst others competing this week have already started arriving this weekend. "Those that remain will be part of the closing ceremony when the Games finish on Saturday, 2 December," Stewart said. Source: rnz.com