The Department of Personal Management (DPM) recently conducted its second leg of the regional workshop for the New Guinea Island (NGI) region based on reforms currently being undertaken to inform, educate, disseminate and engage stakeholders’ participation from all government agencies. The workshop touched on certain topics that included public service housing, national medical and life insurance, Performance Management System, compliance audit and related policies consultations. East New Britain Provincial Acting Administrator, Mr. Levi Mano expressed that the province is always privileged and happy, not only to host such important national events, but to be part of such important workshops. He stated that Human Resource (HR) has played a significant part in public service in the country and for the different teams to have turned up for the workshop has given the public service hope to move on well into the next fifty years. Meanwhile, DPM Secretary Ms. Taies Sansan, said the department was responding to various National Executive Council (NEC) decisions and other undertakings by the government to address the issues of accommodation for public servants and current pay roll systems. “This workshop was significant because there are some key initiatives which the Department has undertaken, which the participants were informed of during the course of the workshop.” “The regional workshop gave the department an opportunity to touch base with the people on the ground. It was also an opportunity to provide awareness about key policy initiatives for the whole of government.” Furthermore, the workshop enabled DPM to communicate to the public service on the decisions of the government and how they could individually contribute positively to achieving the desired outcomes. The workshop, which started on the 23rd of the October, concluded on the 27th of October in Kokopo, East New Britain Province.

MAF Technologies continues the good work to support remote churches in Papua New Guinea to promote transformation and strengthening of faith in Christ through Bible distributions. This saw the Fellowship of National Bible Churches (FNBC), who upon their initiative, conducted a comprehensive study for God's word using the “Planim Pos” chronological teaching, which is available through the Audio Bible. Thanks to the donated and subsidized bibles, over 170 locals from Nandani, Okainawa and Yavaipo village in Menyamya and Bulolo district in Morobe province who participated in the Planim Pos study program, were baptized after giving their lives to the Lord and even families of participants who attended the study had their lives impacted. Kachiwi Holisa, a woman believer from Okainawa who was also baptized professed that her life was renewed in Christ through this study. “My life is not perfect, and I am a sinful woman. I thought no one could save me. But as I began to read and comprehend the Bible through the teaching, I realized that only Jesus could save me. And through his death on the cross, my sins were gone and now I am free.” This study has led to communities being rejuvenated and families being restored as they meditate on God's word daily having access to the print and audio Bibles. According to FNBC Missionary and Planim Pos facilitator, Pastor Robert Hane, the printed and audio Bibles have been an instrumental tool that assisted the participants to comprehend the word of God and I am truly grateful to MAF Technologies for their ongoing support. “The ministry has just initiated and that the collaboration with MAF Technologies will continue, as there are many people in rural communities who struggle to fully comprehend God’s word.” Being able to witness the impact of printed and audio Bibles distributed in isolated communities around Papua New Guinea serves MAF’s mission and vision, which is to declare Christ's love while acknowledging the effort that provides help, hope, and healing into people's lives.

The PNG Red Cross East New Britain branch recently completed a one- week successful Community Based Health and First Aid (CBHFA) training aimed at equipping youths and parents with new first aid knowledge and skills. The training, which was held at the Mandress Ward in the inland Baining Local Level Government (LLG) in Gazelle district, was facilitated by provincial Red Cross Branch Coordinator, Steven Kilalang along with four other instructors from the branch supervised by the National First Aid Coordinator, Kawai Wotangas from the Port Moresby Headquarters Red Cross office. According to Mr. Kilalang, the training conducted, comes under the Red Ready (RR) Project and funding from International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC), a partner of the PNG Red Cross. He said the project is piloted in three provinces including East New Britain, Milne Bay and Madang since 2019. This project, which is now nearing its end, has so far run in selected wards including Malakuna No. 2 in the Rabaul district, Bitakapuk Ward in the Gazelle district and Malaguna No. 5 in the Kokopo District and now ending it at Mandress Ward. Kilalang also stated that the Red Ready (RR) Project has also built up some of the volunteers in the branch to become trainers. The volunteers have been carrying out the project since 2019 and they have been assessed till now and are now qualified to be trainers. “This is a win-win situation. The participants benefit in getting the knowledge and skills of first aid and also the instructors who we build to another level.” “Every time when we need help or when there is emergency, we usually send for help and when we’re waiting or travelling to hospital, we lose people now; however, with the skills now, this will greatly help those in need.” Furthermore, First Aid training is demanding in the workplace and as well as in the communities, and Mandress Ward members are lucky to be trained in these skills so they can attend and respond accordingly when there is a disaster or situation in their community. Meanwhile, a female representative, Marry Gai expressed how much they’ve learnt from the one-week training especially in terms of emergencies such as childbirth and treating wounds, and are thankful to be given the privilege to learn such skills and training. The first aid program is basically about the various injuries that includes basic life support, bleeding management, general medical condition, fracture management, poison snake bite, lack of oxygen, burns and scalds and emergency childbirth. Moreover, the 28 participants who took part have been urged to practice what they have learnt in their family unit and in their community.

The PNG Prevention of Blindness Committee in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Ophthalmologist of the National Department of Health and the International Agency for Prevention of Blindness commemorated World Sight Day which is observed on the second Thursday of October of every year and this week they once again celebrated the significant day with the theme, “Love Your Eyes At Work.” In commemoration, all three parties have now called on all people to remember that the protection of people’s eyes at the workplace cannot be taken for granted. They are calling on those in authority, from company managers and business leaders to the bureaucrats and the policy makers to put in place the necessary mechanism in ensuring that the eye health of all workers in PNG is taken into consideration and safeguarded at all cost. Without the ability to see, the world will be in darkness resulting in people being unable to so the work they do. Meanwhile, employers all over the world have been asked to make this change happen; to protect the eyes of their employees. The country should not be an exception and so whilst it is anticipating growth in business and the economy, a lot of challenges are being faced. Therefore, it is with this regard that all employers throughout the country strive to make eye health care at their workplace be of paramount importance.

Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) celebrated International Day of the Girl Child with PNG Air this week to thank the airline for their vital contribution to literacy across the country. The children gave a warm welcome to PNG Air Chief Commercial Officer, Simon Pitt, a Pilot, and team with flying paper planes to the organization’s 6 Mile Library Learning Centre. The children enrolled at the centre read the book titled, ‘When I Grow Up, I want to be a Pilot’ produced with PNG Air in 2021. It is important to show young girls that they too can aspire to professional roles, which are normally male dominated. From June 2021 to June 2023, PNG Air has assisted BbP to fly the organizations’ popular School Library Kits to 342 schools in all provinces serviced by the airline. This represents several tons of cargo every month and a total of 171,766 books. Most school libraries across the country need books and teaching resources and it is only thanks to the partnership PNG Air, that BbP can provide donations of books to such a high number of schools in both rural and remote parts of the country. BbP Executive Officer, Leanne Resson stated that by being able to provide students with the right tools for their education is vital to improve education outcomes in the country. Restoring school libraries will help entire school communities to improve education outcomes and support the teachers with resources for the classroom. “We are grateful for PNG Air’s long-term support which allows us to restore school libraries across the country. A true community service.”

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape expressed his heartfelt sympathy and unwavering support for the people of Madang and neighboring provinces, who have been severely impacted by the devastating 6.7 magnitude earthquake that struck on Saturday evening, October 7, 2023, with its epicenter located at Basamuk in the Rai Coast District. In response to this tragic disaster, Prime Minister Marape has taken immediate action, swiftly mobilizing relevant government departments and agencies to assess the extent of the damage and the number of individuals affected. Prime Minister Marape stated, "The thoughts and prayers of the people of Papua New Guinea are with the residents of Madang, who have been enduring the aftermath of this significant earthquake." "Our hearts go out not only to the affected communities in Madang but also to their neighbours in the provinces of Morobe, Eastern Highlands, Chimbu, and East Sepik." Prime Minister Marape continued, "Rai Coast Member of Parliament and Labor and Employment Minister Hon. Kessy Sawang, together with the Madang Provincial Government, have taken swift and decisive action to assess the situation on the ground." Furthermore, Prime Minister Marape emphasized, "A dedicated team comprising officials from relevant government departments and agencies, under the leadership of the National Disaster Office, has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive assessment of the damage and the number of affected individuals." "The government is firmly committed to providing swift relief assistance once the ground assessment team submits their reports," assured Prime Minister Marape. Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed the government's unwavering dedication to supporting the Madang Provincial Government, as well as the affected districts and communities during this challenging time.

Ward members and Ward Development Committees (WDC) of the Duke of York (DOY) communities in East New Britain Province are now equipped with knowledge and skills based on how to monitor, response and manage their wards and people in terms of climate change and disaster. This after they received their certificates after completing a five- day ‘Climate Change Mainstreaming, Disaster Risk Strategy (DRS) and Emergency Response Simulations’ workshop at the Kokopo Village Resort. The workshop was co-facilitated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) which is aimed at incorporating vulnerability and risk assessments into local planning processes. According to Building Resilience to Climate Change (BRCC) project Output 1 Coordinator, George Iramu, the BRCC project is funded by Climate Investment Fund (CIF) and is committed to enhancing climate resilience and reducing disaster risk in East New Britain, Manus, Morobe, Milne Bay and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) in alignment with national and international climate goals. Iramu stated that climate change poses significant threats to communities and ecosystems in the BRCC target sites, as identified through a comprehensive climate change vulnerability assessment conducted under BRCC project. “This assessment has highlighted the urgent need to integrate adaptation approaches into wards, districts and provincial level planning processes in terms of addressing disaster risk, safeguarding lives, assets and livelihoods.” The objectives of the workshop include climate change mainstreaming and disaster risk strategy as well as an emergency response simulations training. The participants took part in activities and discussions followed by presentations and sharing of their experiences. In addition to this, representing the ENB Provincial Administration was Acting District Administrator for Kokopo district, Darius Kunai, who acknowledged the support of United Nations Development Programme, Climate Change and Development Authority and the Building Resilience to Climate Change team for the successful workshop. He said the Atoll Islands and the surrounding communities are vulnerable to disasters and are experiencing sea level rise, food shortage and climate change; therefore, this workshop is important in informing and helping the province as a whole. Furthermore, Kunai said the district will work together with the LLG and the Wards to roll out their programs and also announced that they will include this human development program in the Kokopo district budget for its sustainability and management. The participants shared that they have learned a lot and are now capable to lead, educate and implement what they’ve gained. For most, is their first time to attend such workshops as they face challenges in terms of access to clean water, health services, education, good roads and transport, clean environment and access to cash income.

Cronulla halfback Nicho Hynes and Panthers fullback have been added to the Gallagher Kangaroos squad for the upcoming Pacific Championships in place of Nathan Cleary and Josh Addo-Carr. Cleary has withdrawn due to a knee injury sustained in Penrith's premiership win over Brisbane while Addo-Carr has been issued with a breach notice following an NRL Integrity Unit investigation into an alleged incident at NSW Annual Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout Competition on September 30. Hynes recently featured as part of the Australia Prime Minister's XIII side in their 30-18 win over Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby last month. Hynes and Edwards join Broncos trio Selwyn Cobbo, Thomas Flegler and Kotoni Staggs as potential debutants in the 21-man squad, with the Brisbane trio joining teammates Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan in the green and gold. Dolphins fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, who played centre for Queensland in their Origin series win earlier this year, is the other rookie in the team. The updated squad, listed alphabetically, is as follows: Patrick Carrigan (Broncos) Daly Cherry-Evans (Sea Eagles) Selwyn Cobbo* (Broncos) Lindsay Collins (Roosters) Reuben Cotter (Cowboys) Dylan Edwards* (Panthers) Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Titans) Thomas Flegler* (Broncos) Harry Grant (Storm) Payne Haas (Broncos) Valentine Holmes (Cowboys) Ben Hunt (Dragons) Nicho Hynes* (Sharks) Liam Martin (Panthers) Cameron Munster (Storm) Cameron Murray (Rabbitohs) Kotoni Staggs* (Broncos) Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow* (Dolphins) James Tedesco, capt. (Roosters) Jake Trbojevic (Sea Eagles) Isaah Yeo (Panthers) Australia will play its first game of the Pacific Championships against Samoa in Townsville on October 14 before taking on New Zealand in Melbourne on October 28. The final of the tournament will be played the following week in Hamilton. Source: NRL.Com

The East New Britain Provincial Government (ENBG) officially launched its ten-year Strategic Development Plan (SDP) 2022-2033 as of last week Friday at Palmalmal, Pomio. Prime Minister (PM) James Marape who was accompanied by Minister for National Planning and Monitoring Rainbo Paita, Minister for Public Service Joe Sungi and Minister for Works and Highway Solan Mirisim, expressed that his government recognizes the leadership of Governor Marum and the Member for Pomio Elias Kapavore, for the benefit this plan will bring to the people of Pomio. This saw ENBPG led by ENB Governor, Michael Marum, Pomio MP, Acting Provincial Administrator Levi Mano together with the Provincial Executive Council (PEC), who were on hand to receive the delegation for the program with all LLG members present and the people of Pomio. He stressed that all provincial governments must have a plan and this development plan will set the development path forward for the province for the next ten years. “East New Britain always set an example to the country as it portrays how well organized the province is and I congratulate you all on that.” He said the National Government has a function as well as the province, district and LLGs, stating that whatever plans of the province and districts, the government will be there to support it in terms of development. In addition, some of the projects that the government will be supporting the province with includes, the West New Britain and East New Britain road, Tokua to Takubar road in Kokopo, phase two of the Jacquinot Bay rural air strip, regional hospital in ENB and support of the ENB Free Trade Zone. Meanwhile, Governor Marum stated that this is the strategy that his government has undertaken, and he expressed how pleased he was to realize that these are the principles and values that this ENBSDP 2023– 2033 has built upon. “This ten-year strategic plan depicts a development road map encompassing the needs and aspirations of our people to attaining a future East New Britain, whose citizens will be, wise, smart, healthy, prosperous, and resilient, living in peaceful, safe and secure communities.” Governor Marum commended the East New Britain Provincial Administration for implementing the plan.

The Palmalmal Secondary School in the Pomio District of East New Britain (ENB) province recently received a cheque funding of K100, 000 to assist the school’s function and upgrades. The presentation of the cheque was presented to the school management by the Provincial Government as of last week at the Palmalmal Secondary school hall. Both teams from the Provincial Government and Provincial Administration were led by ENB Governor, Michael Marum, Pomio District Member Elias Kapavore, Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) and the delegation to Pomio to officiate in a number of district and provincial programs. Speaking during a recent dinner hosted by the Palmalmal Secondary school, Governor Marum announced that the K100, 000 from the ENBPA will support the school including an additional fund of K165, 000 given for a school truck. A K30, 000 funding was also given to support the Pomio District Sports Sector from the ENB Provincial Support Improvement Program (PSIP). “It is a privilege for the ENBPG and PEC team to be in Pomio to officially launch some of the district and provincial projects, which the ENB ten-year Strategic Development Plan included.” Meanwhile, Acting Provincial Administrator, Levi Mano, explained that the K100, 000 is from the provincial budget and will help in managing and running the school. He also informed the school management that now the system has changed from the national education funding, which is channeled straight to the school account and must be used appropriately for the benefit of the school and students. "The school must continuously check your account, if there are any discrepancies you must raise them and reach out to us to talk to us or the education division.” Mano also urged the school students to respect properties and know their responsibilities as to why they are in school and respect the teachers. Furthermore, he also urged the teachers to work as a team and be connected in order to move well forward.

Warriors star Shaun Johnson has ruled himself out of the New Zealand squad for the upcoming Pacific Championships but insists the Kiwis will still have a strong team without him. Johnson, who was pipped at the post by Knights fullback Kalyn Ponga for the NRL Dally M Medal, received the halfback of the year award and was expected to revive his international career in the series against Samoa and Australia. The 2014 Golden Boot winner admitted he was ready to quit the game at the end of last season but is now looking forward to 2024 and he hasn’t ruled out playing for the Kiwis in the future. “I am going to take a bit of time off,” Johnson said. “The Kiwis are going to be fine. It is not a World Cup year. “Where I am at, after the season I have had, I really feel like I do need a break. “I don’t ever turn down the opportunity to represent New Zealand, and I think a lot of people who know me know that, so this was a very hard decision but it is one that I am very comfortable with, and I am just going to enjoy some time with my family." Melbourne’s Jahrome Hughes and Parramatta’s Dylan Brown were the Kiwis halves at last year’s World Cup, with Johnson’s 32-Test international career appearing to be over after he was overlooked for the New Zealand squad. However, the 33-year-old enjoyed arguably the best season of his career as he led the rejuvenated Warriors to a preliminary final under rookie coach Andrew Webster. “Last year I was done. I was ready to call it quits,” Johnson said. “I was like, ‘this isn’t what I remember rugby league to be’, and then in pre-season I was like, ‘who knows’. “The Warriors never promised me anything but they said ‘if I performed, let’s talk’. I was okay that I might not be signing on for another year at the Warriors. It was a reality. “The season played out the way it did so Webby said you have got to come back for one more and we can re-evaluate then as well. “I never want to overstay my welcome but right now I feel like I am in a really good place, and it would be silly not to see where that can take us next year.” While disappointed to be edged out by Ponga, Johnson said the Knights captain was a worthy winner and he took consolation from being one of three Warriors in the NRL team of the year – along with prop Addin Fonua-Blake and winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak. Webster was named NRL coach of the year, while Tohu Harris and Wayde Egan were finalists for captain of the year and hooker of the year. “I thought Kalyn had a great year, he was the centrepiece of the Knights when they went on their run and he really stepped up,” Johnson said. If there was a person I thought was going to get it, it was him. He had a great year. “I am really happy with my year. After where I was 12 months ago this is honestly a very proud moment for my family, my partner, my team-mates – they are the ones who know just how hard I have worked to get myself in this position. “It was a special night for the club. I thought Wayde was unlucky, I thought Tohu was unlucky, and I thought Charnze [Nicoll-Klokstad] was unlucky not to even be here with us. “We have got a group of players who can really take this club forward, not one individual and that is what it is going to take for us to go to the next step.” Source: NRL.Com

Newcastle Knights have taken out Dally M double, with Kalyn Ponga winning the men’s Dally M Medal and Tamika Upton earning the women’s Medal. The two fullbacks capped an historic night for the Knights, with both men’s and women’s medals going to players from the same Club. Ponga became the first Knights men’s player to win the award since Danny Buderus in 2004 during a glittering ceremony at Winx Stand at Royal Randwick Racecourse. “This year both competitions came down to the final match of the final round to decide the finals line-ups,” NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said. “You cannot script that. “The game has never been stronger. “The players have never been fitter, faster and – we’re proud to say – more engaged in the community. We marvel at their brilliance on the field and the positive impact they have on communities. Tonight is recognition for them.” A Dally M Female Team of the Year was named alongside a Dally M Male Player of the Year during a fully integrated awards ceremony. Brisbane Broncos Grand Final skipper Adam Reynolds won Dally M Captain of the Year just days out from the Grand Final against Penrith Panthers. The Broncos also had four players in the Dally M Team of the Year – centre Herbie Farnworth, five-eighth Ezra Mam, prop Payne Haas and lock Pat Carrigan. The Panthers earned two positions in the Team of the Year – centre Stephen Crichton and second-rower Liam Martin – while Sunia Turuva was also crowned Rookie of the Year. Warriors mentor Andrew Webster won Coach of the Year honours, as reward for his Club’s stunning rise in 2023. 2022 Dally M winner Nicho Hynes won the Provan-Summons Medal, having also won the prestigious award last year. While Upton’s award gave the Minor Premiers Newcastle Knights a boost ahead of Sunday’s Grand Final, opponents Gold Coast Titans’ surge to the decider allowed Karyn Murphy to take out Coach of the Year honours. Expansion Club the Dolphins earned the Peter Frilingos Headline Moment Award for their first-up win over the Roosters, while winger Jamayne Isaako won a Dally M trifecta, winning Winger of the Year, the Ken Irvine Medal for top try-scorer, and the top point scorer awards. Source: NRL.Com