Historical Government Documents dated back from 1998 will be misplaced as the Government Office Allocation Committee (GOAC) has directed Department of Implementation and Rural Development (DIRD) including other key departments to re-locate to newly constructed Twin Tower building in Port Moresby. DIRD, one of the key government department that facilitate, coordinate and monitor Service Improvement Program (Provincial and District Service Improvement Program) and Constitutional Grants (Provincial & District Support Grants) will be greatly affected by the proposed re-location exercise.  This will also affect the 118 elected MPs of Parliament including sub-national administrations who frequent DIRD for technical support and advise on the successful implementation of the SIP program in the country.  Historical Government Documents dated back or since the establishment of the then Office of Rural Development (ORD) in 1998 (24 years) will be misplaced as there is not enough space to file and store at the newly built Twin Tower.  Most of these documents are PSG and DSG including PSIP and DSIP Acquittal Reports, in which some of these documents are subjected to investigation by Ombudsman Commission and Fraud Squad.  Secretary Aihi Vaki stressed that the department (DIRD) is happy to re-locate and welcome GOAC's decision to move out and feel comfortable with a new environment that is more luxurious, however concern now is the backlog of historical documents, province & district data and other vital communication infrastructures.  Mr. Vaki has written to the GOAC Secretariat seeking extension of date   for the re-location exercise and further requested more than K800,000 for ICT equipment and infrastructures to be purchased and establish at the new Twin Tower building. The funds requested from the Government through GOAC has not been honored as the due date for the re-location plan is two weeks away.   GOAC has recently issued a circular instructions to DIRD, Department of National Planning, Department of Finance, National Procurement Commission and other line agencies to re-locate to Twin Tower building at Waigani by November, 2022.  "Our current office here at the Kumul Building is okay, however we have spent K1.5 million on this building for maintenance and other facilities using government funds to be well equipped. Government has to claim these money from the landlord, nothing was here since we moved in 1998, the building itself was skeleton with no office equipment and ICT infrastructures," Mr. Vaki said.  Vaki said there are lot of historical documents, assets to be disposed and ICT infrastructures to be purchased and establish before moving out and the timeframe was not enough. 

The United Nations Development Programme under the European Union funded Preventing and Countering Corruption in Papua New Guinea Project (PNG Anti-Corruption Project) worked jointly with the National Government’s Department of Justice and Attorney General and the Business Council of Papua New Guinea to deliver a workshop on whistleblower protection in the private sector in Port Moresby on Thursday, 6 October. Delivered by UNDP, the workshop was one of a series of three workshops and trainings related to the implementation of the Whistleblower Act 2020. The workshop was attended by, among others, representatives of the private sector, Government of Papua New Guinea, the Business Council of Papua New Guinea, the Chamber of Commerce, Transparency International. Of particular focus was the Whistleblower Act 2020 and the model draft Whistleblower protection policy developed by UNDP as part of the PNG Anti-Corruption Project. “The fight against corruption is not straightforward. It is a challenging task. This workshop is crucial in highlighting why whistleblowing is a powerful instrument to expose corruption in the workplace, both in the private and public sectors,” said Thomas Eluh, Chairman of the Papua New Guinea Interim Independent Commission Against Corruption. The Papua New Guinea Whistleblower Act was passed in 2020. However, its implementation has not started yet. UNDP provides support to the key partners in developing regulations, guidelines, and policies to implement the new Act and to build the capacity of those responsible for its implementation. “Addressing corruption in this country is crucial. Corruption not only impacts citizens and communities, but also businesses, and the whole country. Corruption is one of the key issues to address to create a conducive business and investment climate in order to leverage both domestic. and foreign investments,’’ said Dr. Hans Lambrecht, First Secretary and Head of Cooperation of the European Union Delegation to Papua New Guinea. The three-day training session on whistleblower protection for public officials started on Monday, 3 October and finished on Friday 7 October with the internal consultations on the implementation of the Whistleblower Act 2020 and on the associated draft regulations with key Government departments. “Corruption is a major issue in any country. It erodes basic services. This training gives participants the chance to gain a thorough knowledge and understanding of international standards and best practice related to whistleblower protections, frameworks and ways to report the alleged wrongdoing within the private sector,’’ said Edward Vrkic, UNDP Officer in Charge. The PNG Anti-Corruption Project is generously funded by the European Union and implemented by jointly by UNDP Papua New Guinea and UNODC. It aims to strengthen the Government’s commitment and capacities to address corruption for the benefit of all Papua New Guineans.

Papua New Guinea’s leading superannuation provider, Nasfund, has partnered with one of the country’s leading insurance provider, Capital Insurance Group Limited, CIG, to provide more value for Nasfund contributors. Through the Fund’s Membership Discount Program (MDP), Nasfund members can now enjoy discounted rates on the following general insurance products offered by CIG; Homeowners / home insurance, Motor insurance – Private and commercial, and Plant machinery & equipment CIG Group Chief Operating Officer Roger Baweja said this partnership seeks to provide outstanding value for Nasfund contributors, especially as we try to survive this most challenging economic environment. “Capital Insurance Group has developed an extensive range of insurance products, which are tailored to Papua New Guinea’s needs. Through this partnership with Nasfund, CIG is delighted to offer discount rates to Nasfund members. These discounts range from 5% to 20%, depending on the premium range for each insurance product. Nasfund members will have to show their Nasfund membership ID to take advantage of these discounts. This offer is available immediately, nationwide, and is in place for the next 12 months.” Nasfund CEO Ian Tarutia, welcomed CIG as its latest discount service provider to the Nasfund membership. "We thank Capital Insurance Group for coming on board the Fund’s MDP to provide discounts to our contributors". This offer is the first in the general insurance space, and provides more value for our members, especially during these challenging times. We encourage our members to take advantage of this partnership, to save more while you work today. We are committed to supporting our MDP partners, as we work together to provide value for our members while they work, so that they are ready for tomorrow.”

The district of Samarai Murua welcomed its first load of district services materials for this new term of parliament in a barge from Port Moresby this week. The barge left Motukea wharf last week Friday and travelled three days and nights before arriving in the district centre at Bwagaoia Station, Misima Island on Monday this week. Samarai Murua MP Hon. Isi Henry Leonard who officially discharged the barge from Motukea, was again on hand to receive the barge on Misima Island. He flew in to Alotau over the weekend and travelled by boat to Misima with his team to receive the barge. Mr Leonard while officiating at the program at Bwagaoia wharf, reiterated the importance of service delivery for a maritime district like Samarai Murua. He said now after his re-election back in office, he was looking forward to continue on most of his ongoing programs from the last term of parliament including new ones for this term. He highlighted some of the materials and items in this first load of the barge run. “We have eight PMV trucks, Misima secondary school building materials, East Liak United Church building materials, Pantava United Church building materials and Tagula government outpost building materials for maintenance works. We also have solar street lights, we have eight copra driers from India and eight bales of copra hasen bags for the copra farmers among other building materials and items,” Mr Leonard said. He indicated that after the unloading of these cargoes, the barge would return to Motukea wharf and load more items and materials for the district that were not loaded due to space. “The next load would include motor vehicles for the district administration and one more PMV truck among solar products like freezer and lighting systems for the remote clinics and health centres that will be distributed. Adding that more building materials for schools and churches within the district would be loaded in the second trip of the barge as well. Mr Leonard expressed his satisfaction that the loaded barge had arrived and was docked at Bawgaoia station wharf ready to be unloaded with the much needed materials and items for the district. While officiating at the program, he thanked his people for their patience since his re-election three months ago. Meantime, Mr Leonard has called on all leaders within his district to come together for the common good and development of the people of Samarai Murua. Expressing his concerns that many leaders especially election candidates with ulterior motives were only going to delay further development progress for their people. He said that the people of Samarai Murua had spoken through the ballot boxes and as the re-elected MP he was ready to serve his people for the next five years. Mr Leonard said it was time they put aside their differences and come together for the sake of their people and district.

Victorians are being warned a storm forecast to be the biggest of the year could cause flooding across the state on Thursday. Premier Daniel Andrews said full catchments and saturated ground had elevated the flood risk across the state. "Even a minor amount of rain would be a risk in terms of flooding, but it's not a minor rain event that we are forecasting," Mr Andrews said. "It'll be significant rainfall in certain parts of the state and that will pose a flooding risk to communities in lots of different places." The effects of a third successive year of La Niña are being felt across the country, with tropical moisture building over the top end of Australia. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) said a combination of warm water and air moisture was bringing increased rainfall to the south-east of the country. BOM meteorologist Kevin Parkyn said the heavy rainfall last week was a "pulse" of the tropical moisture, with the rain this week expected to be more significant. [caption id="attachment_28264" align="alignnone" width="702"] Days of heavy rain flooded properties across Victoria last week.(Supplied: Rod McErvale)[/caption] Mr Parkyn said he was most concerned with the intensity of the rain which was expected to peak on Thursday. "Wednesday is a day when we'll see showers and storms build across Victoria as the day unfolds," he said. "The real concern though is from the very early hours of Thursday morning right through to Friday morning where we're expecting widespread falls of 20 to 50mm across much of Victoria. "I can't stress the importance that Thursday is very much a flash flood, heavy rain day. Be prepared." SES tells residents to prepare for flooding Short-term flash flooding is being forecast, while longer term riverine flooding is also expected. Victoria's State Emergency Service (SES) has asked residents to begin preparing for the storm. "Now is the time to be clearing out your storm pits, your gutters around your house and making sure you don't have any debris lying around that may become a missile during strong winds," SES chief officer Tim Wiebusch said. The SES said residents in flood-prone areas should prepare for up to 72 hours of potential isolation. Mr Wiebusch said residents should be aware that roads would be cut off due to the expected flooding and asked anyone who must travel to plan accordingly. "This Thursday, we're asking people to avoid driving across particularly the northern parts of the state with these flash floodwaters that will be about," he said. "Don't drive into flash floodwaters, because it could be the last decision you ever make." [caption id="attachment_28265" align="alignnone" width="698"] Continued rainfall has lead to overflowing rivers and dams across Victoria.(Facebook: Mele Jane) [/caption] Victorians in the state's north have been told they are most at risk from flooding, with hundreds of thousands of sandbags to be made available at local collection points in high-risk areas. Residents have not yet been asked to evacuate but updates will be posted on the Vic Emergency app should conditions change. Seven helicopters and hundreds of generators are on stand-by around Laverton, in Melbourne's west, to help residents deal with flash-flooding where needed. Mr Andrews also said the government had prepared "community containers", which could provide communities isolated by floodwaters enough supplies to sustain 50 people for five days. No formal request has been made to the Australian Defence Force for support, but Mr Andrews said he would not hesitate to seek support if necessary. Meanwhile, regional communities are bracing for more wet weather following last week's downpours. In Charlton, a town of 1,100 halfway between Melbourne and Mildura, the Avoca River peaked at 6.78 metres on Monday night. The peak was just shy of the moderate flooding level, after heavy rain upstream made its way down the river. But local residents told the ABC they feared with more rain forecast, the risk of flooding remained serious. Authorities said the wet conditions would also affect Tasmania, New South Wales and parts of South Australia. Source: ABC News

The proposal was ambitious: to turn a remote, overgrown Pacific island into a private city, built entirely on cryptocurrency. People buying real estate on the island wouldn't get traditional land deeds. Instead they would receive digital non-fungible tokens (NFTs), which have more famously been used to certify artwork. "One day I got contacted, and [was asked]: 'Hey, would you be interested in running operations? We've got this great idea'," Mr Troyak said. Mr Troyak was hooked. Without visiting Vanuatu where the project would be based, he agreed, becoming the project's logistical director and spokesperson. [caption id="attachment_28246" align="alignnone" width="702"] This digital mock-up shows a plan to turn a remote Vanuatu island into a thriving city built on cryptocurrency.(Supplied: Satoshi Island)[/caption] Earlier this year, Mr Troyak shut his busy Surry Hills cafe and moved to the Pacific country of Vanuatu to live and work full-time on Satoshi Island. The project is named after Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonym used by the creator of the digital cryptocurrency, Bitcoin. For those steeped in the world of cryptocurrency, Satoshi Island is a fantasy coming to life, a revolutionary experiment to create a new, decentralised society built entirely on cutting-edge technology. The team behind it are committed to making that dream a reality. Ardent supporters have already snapped up plots on the remote island using cryptocurrency, buying "Land Deed NFTs" stored on the blockchain. However, with a litany of logistical and legal hurdles between the vision for Satoshi Island and its reality, experts say investors need to be wary, and fear the project may eventually fall flat or run foul of local laws. A crypto island experiment The company's slick website promises Satoshi Island will soon transform into a high-tech city, built from the ground up by a global community of cryptocurrency enthusiasts. Hundreds of families are set to live in oblong, modular homes, stacked on top of each other like massive glass Lego blocks by the sea. Their goal is for every aspect of people's lives to be mediated by cryptocurrency. Coffee and rent could be paid for with digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Cryptocurrency startups are being encouraged to buy land to create a commercial centre for the digital economy. Proponents such as Satoshi Island's architect, James Law, said it could be a real-world case study for what a future community might look like, governed entirely online by the blockchain. "I think we are very brave entrepreneurs who are putting our skills and resources into the project, earnestly trying to make it into something truly special," he said. [caption id="attachment_28247" align="alignnone" width="707"] Satoshi Island is located off the eastern coast of Vanuatu's largest island.(ABC News: Jarrod Fankhauser)[/caption] Most countries, including Vanuatu, don't recognise digital currency as legal tender, nor do they have regulations to oversee crypto markets, which are notoriously unstable, making it risky to trade or invest in them. However, Satoshi Island is attempting to remove many barriers to crypto trading. Instead of national banks, politicians or courts controlling the community, the company hopes to use blockchain — a technology that can store information without risk of it being changed, hacked or corrupted — to ensure money or property isn't stolen. 'Doesn't stand up to scrutiny' It sounds utopian, and for sceptics like software engineer and prominent cryptocurrency critic Molly White, that's the point. She said Satoshi Island was just one in a "long line" of naive cryptocurrency projects set on tropical islands. "There's been a lot of energy and money put into convincing people that this is the future of technology, the future of the web, the future of society," she said. "A lot of that really just doesn't stand up to scrutiny. But it does work very well for convincing people to put their money into it." Ms White said "less-glamorous" aspects — such as waste management on a remote island, food distribution and even electrification — were not considered in many crypto island plans. Blockchain as an 'exit from nation states' Ellie Rennie, from RMIT University's blockchain innovation hub, said there was potential for blockchain technology to re-imagine how societies might operate. "They're often talking about the possibilities of automating certain functions of the state," Professor Rennie said. "Many of those tasks can be done through technologies more efficiently and, so, that raises the possibility of alternative societies forming and alternative nations." However, she added, it was "too early" to predict if any of the proposed cryptocurrency utopias would work, and with that uncertainty there was risk. "In some cases, they are experiments in doing things differently. They're a form of exit from nation states," she said. "The problem is that others can pick up on these narratives and hopes and ideologies and exploit them for financial gain." [caption id="attachment_28248" align="alignnone" width="695"] Satoshi Island's homes have been developed by Hong Kong-based architect James Law.(Supplied: Satoshi Island)[/caption] Private land sales 'not possible' At the moment, the island — called Lataro by locals — is an unruly, tropical forest. It's about 800 acres, a bit bigger than Sydney's CBD, and "90 per cent untouched by man", according to a real estate notice advertising the island. The island is mostly uninhabited, but a family of Indigenous landowners have ultimate custody of the land, and can lease it out to companies such as Satoshi Island to develop and use. Philip Warele negotiated the deal with Denys Troyak and the Satoshi Island company. He does not know much about cryptocurrency but is optimistic about the opportunities that Satoshi Island offers. "We knew it would improve the economy of Vanuatu and bring money into the country," he said. Mr Troyak and the team have employed around 10 members of his family, and Mr Warele says another 10 will join the team soon. The company also made payments to Mr Warele's family — another reason why he says he is happy for the partnership. As to whether Satoshi Island investors can buy physical property with cryptocurrency, Mr Warele said that would be impossible. "My understanding is that they're not selling plots, but they're just renting out the plots," he said. "There's one man who has paid for a lease, so we have an agreement with him. But, for him to sell land inside the island, that's not possible." Mr Troyak told the ABC "one cannot own land in Vanuatu" and "NFT holders have exclusive rights to the blocks of land on Satoshi Island". But he did not elaborate on why the company's website and promotional material states "anyone can own a piece of the island". Is it a scam? Although they don't give any property rights to customers, the asking prices for Satoshi Island Land NFT Deeds range from $900 to $11,000. In January, the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) issued a public notice which said the operation "could be a scam". [caption id="attachment_28249" align="alignnone" width="697"] According to local reports, 90 per cent of the island used to be a Conservation Reserve for Vanuatu's endangered coconut crab.(Supplied: Satoshi Island)[/caption] The financial services regulator said that, because Satoshi Island did not have a licence to trade in digital assets, what it was advertising online was false and misleading. A few months later, Satoshi Island claimed the notice was damaging to their business and took legal action against the commission. VFSC said it had to remove the notice while the case was pending, and that the matter was still before the Vanuatu courts. Mr Troyak did not respond to ABC's questions about why his company took legal action against the VFSC. In February, Vanuatu's acting financial minister, Johnny Koanapo Rusao, told the ABC he supported Satoshi Island in principle, but said that Vanuatu's legislation needed to be updated to provide adequate oversight on the project. "We need to have legislations updated so they can absorb the implementation of the cryptocurrencies," he said. Mr Troyak said Satoshi Island's legal team were ensuring the project would be lawful. "We feel very strongly that the legislations of the Vanuatu government will come through, and it's going to be friendly to us," Mr Troyak said. "We're going to make sure we go through to our lawyers locally, and make sure everything is clear." Professor Rennie said there was a "clear precedent" of cryptocurrency schemes making promises they they could not fulfil, and urged potential investors to be cautious. "There's a very fine line between a scam and a failed business project," she said. "Ultimately, it's up to anyone who is interested in participating in these things to look very, very closely at what they think it is, and to know the risk." 'Flexible' laws and murky ownership rights According to Vanuatu's land management department, Mr Troyak and his team do not have the rights to Lataro Island. In lease title documents obtained by ABC, the Satoshi Island company is directed by Theresa Jane Allen, a long-time property developer in Vanuatu. The ABC was unable to contact Ms Allen, and her name is not listed on Satoshi Island's website, promotional material, nor on any of the company's NFT land agreements. Mr Troyak said Ms Allen was "not part of the Satoshi Island team", and said Satoshi Island's Land Deed NFTs were sold by another organisation, registered as a non-profit in the Marshall Islands. He did not answer questions about who financially benefits from the Satoshi Island project. Despite lack of clarity around the company's ownership, legal experts say it is unlikely the company would face barriers in Vanuatu's courts. Vanuatu lawyer Didier Hamel-Landry said that, as long as investors were clear they could not buy Vanuatu land using NFTs, Satoshi Island's activities were lawful. "In Vanuatu law, there's enough flexibility in the legal system and in the rules for such a project to go ahead and to exist," Mr Hamel-Landry said. [caption id="attachment_28250" align="alignnone" width="696"] Lawyer Didier Hamel-Landry says the project is legally sound. (Supplied: Didier Hamel-Landry )[/caption] Compared to countries such as Australia, Mr Hamel-Landry said Vanuatu did not have robust tenant, property or foreign investment rights. Instead, he said, land agreements — such as the one with Satoshi Island — were made personally between customary landowners and developers. "It doesn't guarantee that it's a good idea and a sound investment, of course … My advice to anyone investing in that particular project, or any project generally, would be to make serious due diligence and look at who they're dealing with," he said. Supporters undeterred Ms White said underdeveloped property laws could be the reason why cryptocurrency enthusiasts experimented in countries like Vanuatu. "The reason that they want to do this in some remote island versus in London or New York City or someplace that is fairly established already, is that they want to create basically a micronation, where they can create their own rules," she said. "I think the majority of people who are actually putting money into these projects are speculating … are hoping to flip the NFTs, based on news coverage." Satoshi Island is one of a number of blockchain and cryptocurrency experiments in the Pacific. In Fiji, a similar cryptocurrency "paradise" called Cryptoland was attempted but, after being widely mocked, the project eventually ran aground for failing to secure the island. Despite these concerns, some of Satoshi Island's supporters remain undeterred. Monty Metzger — founder and chief executive of a blockchain platform called LCX — has long been a fan of Satoshi Island. "Participating in Satoshi Island is a fun thing. I want to learn how they are doing it, and I want to see how much interest it will gain," he said. "I'm always skeptical, but I'm also enthusiastic … I also would not put my life savings into it but rather participate, like being part of a club." Source: ABC Pacific News

South Pacific Brewery had an impressive finish in the 2022 Corporate Bowls challenge over the weekend by claiming the Plate shield. SP Brewery beat an experience Lae Medical Services side, 18 points to 6 to claim the title. The team attributed the victory to the spirit of “brewing the joy of true togetherness”. “We played as a team and our team spirit was always on point therefore, we won despite being a newcomer to the competition,” says SPB staff and player Nellie Sikat. "Almost every one of us on the team did not know much about bowling, but we gradually learn in the process of playing.” A total of 16 corporate companies participated in the 7 weeks challenge.

Brian To’o and Jarome Luai have revealed how a pact to replicate Tonga’s rise at the 2017 World Cup inspired some of NRL’s biggest stars to commit to Samoa and are backing the Pacific nation to upset England in the opening match. To’o and Luai are among six members of Penrith’s premiership winning team in the star-studded Toa Samoa squad, which includes State of Origin props Junior Paulo and Josh Papalii and teen sensation Joseph Suaalii. Luai, Paulo and Papalii played for Samoa in 2017 but the Pacific nation didn’t win a match, while Tonga shocked New Zealand to turn the World Cup on its head and only missed the final after a controversial loss to England. [caption id="attachment_28225" align="alignnone" width="862"] Brian To'o poses with the Provan-Summons Trophy and a Samoa flag after the grand final [/caption] Tonga have since beaten Australia and Great Britain to enter the World Cup as the No.2 nation behind the Kiwis, according to the IRL rankings. However, many believe Samoa have a stronger squad, with playmakers of the calibre of Luai and Anthony Milford, while To’o was a certain selection on the wing for Australia before declaring his allegiance to the Pacific nation. “We are obviously inspired by what Tonga did and the way they were playing for their jersey,” To’o said. “It was more than just a game and it meant something to them. They were playing for their people and playing for their country. It is something that drives us to play for Samoa. “I just really want to replicate what Tonga did. Imagine if Samoa could do that. It would change the game. The first match against England will be mad. It is something we are really looking forward to.” When the World Cup draw was done two years ago, organisers couldn’t have envisaged what a drawcard Samoa would be and are now hoping for a crowd of more than 40,000 for this weekend's tournament opener in Newcastle. [caption id="attachment_28226" align="alignnone" width="906"] Match Highlights: Samoa v Cook Islands [/caption] However, there is now the very real possibility of a Samoa upset setting the host nation, England, on a collision course to meet Tonga in the quarter-final and an early World Cup exit. “It will be a good test for us to see how we go against one of the top dogs of the world,” Luai said. “I have got an idea of how passionate England are about their sports and about their people, as well, so it will be a pretty crazy atmosphere to be a part of. “I think there is a good pool of talent in the Samoa team, so we have a good chance against one of the top teams.” To’o was the first Origin star to commit to Samoa and Luai, Panthers centre Stephen Crichton, Paulo and Papalii followed, along with Suaalii, who was tipped to be selected for the Kangaroos at just 19 years of age. If Samoa are successful, their actions will be compared to Jason Taumalolo and Andrew Fifita turning their backs on New Zealand and Australia to play for Tonga at the 2017 World Cup. “We are probably in the same boat as Tonga were in terms of just wanting to represent the mother land and commit because we can build something special,” Luai said. [caption id="attachment_28227" align="alignnone" width="840"] Jarome Luai has previously played five Tests for Samoa [/caption] “It would mean a lot to us personally and we know what kind of effect it would have in the country and for Samoans everywhere if we can do something special at this World Cup.” To’o said there was no pressure put on players to choose Samoa but once a few big names committed others followed and their squad is now so strong that there was no room for the likes of David Nofoaluma. “I think some of the boys were a bit indecisive, but I was really happy with what I decided. and I think it spread,” To’o said. “Word got around quick, and it was cool to see the other boys commit to Samoa as well. "I obviously made the first move by deciding my allegiances and a few of the boys followed, but we said that it was up to each player and no matter whether they chose Samoa or elsewhere we would support each other.” With Samoa and Tonga on the same side of the draw, there is the possibility of the Pacific powerhouses and arch-rivals meeting in either a quarter-final or semi-final. Australia and New Zealand are destined to play-off in the other semi-final and To’o said Samoa would back themselves against the Kangaroos. “It would be a massive opportunity, given that the Kangaroos were the top team at the last World Cup, especially with all the top players in their squad. as well,” he said. “It would be something to look forward to and a big challenge for us but I’m sure we would rise to the occasion.” Source: NRL.com

As part of its member engagement, Nasfund participated at the 59th Morobe Show. Hosted at the Lae showground on Saturday 8th, and Sunday 9th October 2022, this event saw close to 1,500 Nasfund members from across Morobe and neighboring provinces, access the Fund’s services. Nasfund Chief Executive Officer Ian Tarutia thanked the Fund’s members for utilizing this service at this event. “Morobe Province accounts for over 111,000 Nasfund members from across 300 employers, which constitutes approximately 18% of the Fund’s total membership. The 59th Morobe Show provided a wonderful opportunity for the Fund to interact with our members, some of whom who may not have time during the week. [caption id="attachment_28256" align="alignnone" width="642"] Nasfund members were able to take their pictures, to be issued new membership ID cards.[/caption] Over the two days, our members were able to check their Nasfund account balances, update their membership details, register for the Fund’s Text-Bal and online services, and be issued new Nasfund membership ID cards. The event also provided an opportunity for entrepreneurs involved in micro and small to medium enterprises (MSMEs) to register to save for retirement through the Fund’s Eda Supa product. Furthermore, our team was also able to interact with representatives from our contributing employers, who also exhibited at this event, to discuss how best to work together to continuously improve our offering in Morobe Province. We thank the Morobe Show Committee for providing this opportunity for the Fund to interact with our members. First held in 1959, this show is one of the longest running annual events which showcases a variety of exhibits from across the agriculture, horticulture, livestock, commercial, industry, education and culture sectors – all sectors which provide a large part of our membership.We remain committed to working together with the Morobe Show Committee, so that our members are ready for tomorrow.”  

PNG Pepes, our national netball team is all set to attend the 2nd Pacific Netball Series (PNS). PNG Netball would like to thank PNG Sports Foundation through its S&C Coaches for partnering with Netball PNG in preparing this team. Netball Australia, under the PacificAus Sports program will host these games from 13th October to 21st October 2022 in Sunshine Coast, Australia. NPNG would also like to thank Netball Australia for creating pathways and platforms to strengthen High Performance programs. Pepes depart our shores on Wednesday 12th October and return Saturday, 22nd October 2022. PNG will be playing against other Pacific Nations, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa and two Australian Teams in this Series. The Board of Netball PNG has duly endorsed the final team and wishes them well for the Series.    

Barrick Chief Executive Mark Bristow, in PNG for quarterly operational reviews, said that the incorporation of New Porgera Limited (NPL) on 22nd September, following execution of the New Porgera Shareholders Agreement by Barrick (Niugini) Limited, Kumul Mineral Holdings Limited and Mineral Resources Enga, marked an important step towards the long delayed restart of the Porgera mine. Once certain conditions are fulfilled, the company intends to apply for a new Special Mining Lease (SML) in coming weeks. Bristow said that New Porgera will work with the State and the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) to ensure that the SML application process proceeds without delay and in accordance with the Mining Act and the Porgera Project Commencement Agreement (PPCA). “The application and early approval of a new SML is the goal that all Porgera stakeholders should be striving for. The mine has sat idly for far too long – almost two and a half years – depriving landowners and the communities of Porgera of employment and other essential benefits that the mine delivered successfully for 30 years,” said Bristow. Together with Barrick’s executives, Bristow arrived last night in PNG and today travelled to Porgera to kick-off the security forum alongside the Mining Minister Sir Ano Pala, Porgera MP Maso Karipe, SML and LMP landowners, community, women groups and business leaders. Also in attendance was Enga Provincial Police Commander and representatives of the Enga Provincial Government, Porgera District and PNG Defense Force. “We had a constructive kick-off meeting in Porgera and everyone agreed that law and order is crucial to the restart of Porgera mine and the long term future of Porgera District. The Parties will continue to meet and collaborate on law and order initiatives and their implementation. All landowner and community leaders acknowledged the urgent need for leadership at ground level to complement the work being done by security forces. There was a call from the landowners for a signing of a Peace Agreement and the need for a Government endorsed Police Operation to address the current lawlessness in Porgera” said Bristow. As a sign of Barrick’s commitment to restart, we are building a dedicated team, comprised of a majority of Papua New Guineans, to get the mine up and running so that the people of Porgera can finally see the ‘white smoke’ they have been waiting for. To date, Barrick and Zijin have funded USD 391 Million (approximately 1.37 billion kina) solely for Care and Maintenance. Bristow and Barrick executives are expected to meet with Prime Minister James Marape, the State Negotiation Team led by Dari Vele, Kumul Mineral Holdings Limited and attend the inaugural board meeting of New Porgera Limited.

Lester Biama Pitaro from Northern Province was diagnosed with Filariasis of the scrotum since 2019 and has been living with this condition until now. He is the current breadwinner for his family and due to his condition, he has left work and is unable to continue to provide. Lester is currently admitted at the Popondetta General Hospital awaiting surgery, however his surgery cannot go ahead as he needs blood. The hospital’s blood bank doesn’t have blood to assist with his surgery. He is making a call to friends, families and people living in and around Popondetta town who are able to donate blood to come forward and help him. His blood type is A and he needs at least 5 bags of blood for his surgery to go ahead. A family member and also a patient in the same ward, Nicky Kukiva has made a post on a local forum page on social media appealing to the people in Popondetta to come forward and donate blood. “I have received a lot of responses from people that want to come and donate blood for Lester.” “As soon as enough donations have been received then the doctors can schedule Lester to go in for Surgery.” Kukiva said that anyone that is able to donate can do so at the Popondetta General hospital or contact him on 72841498.