New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan is going out to thank his voters for putting him back into office after his absolute majority win of 31,717 votes to make up for his absence not campaigning at all throughout the election period because of illness. His first location was at Fissoa, where he thanked the people of the Tikana LLG for their support. He was greeted by students of the Fissoa Primary School who lined the roadside to welcome him. “ I came back to say Thank you to everyone in the Tikana LLG for bringing me back. I was sick during the campaign period and you campaigned for me,” said Sir J. In all respects this is the peoples victory. He reiterated his commitment in ensuring free Primary Health care would be introduced during this term. “When I say Primary Health, this means the basic health services like medicines, injections, maternal health, immunizations and preventive care will be free under my new PPP Government. He urged all New Irelanders to feel proud of themselves because it was New Irelanders that established all the Universities and banking institutions in the country during the early days. “When we leave this world we must pass on something better then when we inherited from our parents,” said Sir J. Giving a background on Education improvements in the province since his return a decade ago he said there are currently twelve secondary schools with an enrolment of over 18,000 students. Overall over 60,000 children have access to education compared to only 25,000 before PPP policies were introduced in 2008. Girls are given the same opportunities as their male counterparts. Girls tend to miss out because parents cannot afford to pay school fees. A battle song on Autonomy sang by the Fissoa Womens Choir joined by students after the speeches left all the community in high spirits. Sir J’s “Thankyou” visits will continue in the coming weeks and months ahead.

Officers from Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) took part in Coral Planting on Sunday the 21st of August 2022. Its was an Initiative of Kokoda track Development & Livelihoods Association Inc, Conservation Environment and Protection Authority (CEPA) with Lakwaharu Coral, a local group from Tubusereia village in Central Province. CCDA’s Adaption and Projects Division, General Manager Mr Jacob Ekinye who led the team to Lion Island for Coral Planting said this was a new experience for himself and his team. Mr Ekinye said corals provide an ecosystem for life underwater. They protect coastlines from the damaging effects of wave action and tropical storms. Corals are source of nitrogen and other essential nutrients for marine food chains and they also assist in carbon and nitrogen fixing etc… Mr Ekinye said CCDA would like to participate in such activities in future and also in other provinces as well. Hollen Mado from Kokoda Track Development & Livelihoods Association Inc. said the coral planting event is a sole initiative of the Kokoda Wild Adventures under the name Kokoda Track Development and Livelihoods Association Inc. “The coral planting initiative is supported by the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority through their Marine Branch,” Mr Mado said. Koivi Egu from with Lakwaharu Coral said they have been planting coral in the sea near their village and they already have a coral farm. This coral gardening activity in Bootless Bay area is being undertaken by his family and the community members from Tubusereia village. Egu said this reef restoration activity is sponsored by Kyeema Foundation from Brisbane, Australia. Egu and his son work together with Kyeema Foundation to address the ever-increasing climate change issues affecting coral reefs in PNG. Kyeema Foundation sponsors this activity in PNG with support from the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP). Egu said he they have been engaging in this activity for four (years) and are able and willing to assist any organsations that are interested to plant corals to save the ocean and the environment. He said they are also engaged in looking after chicken and Mangrove planting. The Coral Planting was a success as over 200 corals were planted that day.

New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan kept his tradition of paying respects to late Stephen Mokis an outstanding New Irelander and Public Servant who was known for his great work to move the Province Forward through his position in the Public service. This is the 10th consecutive year Sir J continues to pay tribute after his passing on the 23rd of August 2012, he would be 73 years this year, while speaking during a Public Service day event in Kavieng. “When I remember Stephen Mokis, I remember a man who was dedicated above all to making the lives of New Irelanders better. Stephen Mokis embodied all that the public service should be. All he did was work for the Good of the people of New Ireland and Papua New Guinea, “said Sir J. Mokis was the first Chairman of the Provincial Autonomy Committee. He led discussions to define rights to equitable sharing of rights and fair hearing and representation in the Governance systems. “It was upon this recognition my Government declared the day of his passing 23rd of August every year a Public Service holiday in honor of him,’ said Sir J. After the formal laying of wreaths , Sir J gave an outline of his Government policies after being officially sworn into the 11th Parliament. “My policies of the PPP will look after you, your children and your grandchildren later on. I have already planted the tree of development and that tree has already produced fruits. The fruits of Free and Subsidized education, Roof over heads, Ward level grants, Church grants, Institutional grants and many more. The tree I planted is a good tree and therefore will be good fruits as Mathew said,” said Sir J. He said even though the two Open MPs have taken all the funding for the royalties away the PPP will still manage public funds to ensure the sustainability of the PPP policies.

Standing in the tunnel at Suncorp stadium, tears began to trickle down Ivania Wong's cheeks as she prepared to make her Wallaroos debut. Ready to run out in the gold jersey, the hard work had paid off for Wong as she reached her goal of representing her adopted nation. Moving to Brisbane from Rabaul, Papua New Guinea, at just eight years old, Wong, alongside her parents, older sister and three older brothers, began to settle into Australian life. In a scary new place and learning English, a sports mad Wong took up every opportunity she could as she emerged from her shell and looked to find her place in a new country, eventually taking a shining to rugby by accident as much as anything else. "I moved with my family for work and school. It took a while to get used to [living in Australia], English being a second language and everything, coming here it was getting used to everything," Wong told ESPN. "It was just a bit new; it was scary when you're that young as well, but exciting. "At school I was kind of into every sport, so playing different sports from primary through to high school brought me out of my shell and just helped me make friends really. But I didn't really know anything about 15s or sevens until a mate brought me down for a preseason trial at Sunnybank and ever since that day and getting a taste of it, I've just stuck around." Shy and softly spoken, Wong was quick to find her voice on the rugby pitch as she rose through the ranks first at Sunnybank, the Griffith University Sevens side in AON Uni 7s and then the inaugural Queensland Reds Super W squad in 2018, making her debut in the opening round. Lighting up the Super W competition from the outset, Wong's speed saw her dart through the defence and put on sizzling displays, but with her slight build she knew she'd have to work hard to overcome the bigger bodies in the 15s game.   "Just with my size and everything, I had to run at the big girls to know that if I can do it here, I can take on anyone," she said. "So it was just trying to block out the fear and run at the big girls and get whacked around. "It was definitely scary, but also something that I had to bring into my game to know that if I can do the contact, it'll help more as a winger. I can't be too scared just hanging out on the wing." Wong missed Wallaroos selection after her Super W debut, but she would eventually be named in the Players of National Interest squad in mid-2021 after impressive performances during the curtailed Super W competition in Coffs Harbour. It was another step in her journey to a Wallaroos debut, but with no Tests to be played that year the wait for a gold jersey continued. Working hard in the offseason with her Sunnybank coaches, determined to crack into the Wallaroos side in one of their biggest year's to date, Wong took her game to a whole new level in the 2022 Super W season, repeatedly slicing through opposition defences and scoring a hat trick in her side's win over the Force. It was enough to finally see the star in the gold jersey she'd coveted for so many years as the extra work and support paid off. "Just being in the Super W and playing for the Reds for so many years and not making it, it was pretty tough," the winger told ESPN. "It was just going back making sure I put in the work and just went hard at training and whatever I was playing for. "It took a lot of hard work and I think to finally receive the jersey and know that I was finally going to get to put on that jersey was pretty big and special because a lot of people helped me; from different coaches, my teammates and friends. It was pretty special. "I've been at Sunnybank Rugby since I started playing 15s and I've been with [former Reds coach] Moana Virtue, who's pretty tough and she helped me turn into the player I am today; then just playing sevens with her as well, being coached by her. "Having Brando Va'aulu now, our current coach at Sunnybank, who has just been working with me on a lot of stuff and extras that he's been helping me out with. There's just a lot of coaches that have helped me along the way and that I've kind of taken little things from to help me become the player I am today. "Hearing my name get called out and going out to grab the jersey, there were a lot of tears, I think all that hard work and everything that I've put in, it kind of just was a big moment. All the stuff we've been doing was to get a gold jersey, so to receive a jersey, it was pretty special and emotional." Overcoming the tears and emotion of singing the national anthem and seeing her family in the crowd at Suncorp Stadium earlier this year, the 25-year-old would go on to produce a starring performance against Fiji, her sideline dodging run in the opening minutes one of the many highlights of the match. She'd back it up twice more against Japan and New Zealand, before a knee injury would rule her out of the side's following Test matches. Healthy and fit again, Wong has been named to make her fourth start for the Wallaroos in one of their final preparations ahead of the World Cup, the first of two Tests against the Black Ferns for the O'Reilly Cup. With plenty of competition for a position among the Wallaroos' back three, Wong is making sure to focus only on what she can control as she eyes a World Cup berth. "I'm pretty confident with myself, my biggest thing is just to worry about myself," Wong told ESPN. "Obviously it's going to be tough, but I think my main focus is just worrying about myself and playing my best footy. The competition is pretty strong, but that's what you want because we've got to push each other, we want to put our best foot forward and compete and just prove whoever gets picked wants to win. "The big goal is to get named in that World Cup squad. But the first step is just seeing how things go with selections and playing well, going hard with whatever game time I get, putting my best foot forward to see what happens with World Cup if I go or not." Source: ESPN

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape says all those involved in election-related violence and crimes will face the full force of the law. He said this yesterday  (August 21 2022) when commenting on the ongoing violence in Mendi, Southern Highlands, since the burning of ballot boxes in the Mendi Police Station in the early hours of last Thursday (August 18 2021). PM Marape said he met with Mendi-Munihu MP-elect Raphael Tonpi, Police Commissioner David Manning and PNG Defence Force Commander Major-General Mark Goina immediately after the burning of ballot boxes. “We met in anticipation of the situation in Mendi getting a bit out of control, which happened over the weekend,” he said. “Police and PNGDF will ensure the law-breakers are brought to justice, and the situation is curtailed and not allowed to get out of hand. “We will start work immediately into post-election investigations into illegal practices, violence and crimes.“ "This work will be headquartered in Mendi and will move on there to Enga, Hela, Western Highlands and the other Highlands provinces.” PM Marape said those involved in illegal practices, violence and crimes during the elections should release that they were just being used as “pawns” in a deadly game. “The sponsors of these crimes will get away and you, who are just being used as pawns, will either end up being killed or face the full force of the law,” he said. “I encourage those involved in these activities in Mendi to stop immediately because Police and Military will be in full force there for the rest of the year to investigate, arrest and bring you to justice. “This applies not only to Mendi and Southern Highlands, but also to Enga, Hela, Western Highlands and other Highlands provinces.” Pm Marape said in 2017, after large-scale violence in Southern Highlands, there was no commitment by then prime minister Peter O’Neill to prosecute those responsible. “My Government chooses to differ and is totally committed to bringing to justice those responsible for election-related crimes,” he said. “I will leave no stones unturned in as far as the Mendi incident, and others in the Highlands provinces, are concerned.” PM Marape announced that a Parliamentary Committee would be established as a matter of urgency to review the 2022 General Election. “As far as Government is concerned,” he added, “we gave full monies of K600 million to the PNG Electoral Commission, Police and Military to conduct the elections and we do not know why all these problems have erupted,” he said. “I assure the nation that we at Government will undertake a full review into what transpired, including the Common Roll, logistics, transportation, performance of Electoral Commission officers from the top right through the rank-and-file. “The investigation will be carried out by a high-level Parliamentary Committee that will be composed of both Opposition and Government MPs. “It will probe and report to Parliament so that the mistakes of the past are never repeated as we look to the 2027 General Election and beyond.”

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape says an MP does not have to be a minister to change Papua New Guinea for the better. He said this is a message to all Government MPs as he prepares to announce his full Cabinet on Tuesday (August 23 2022) and as a week-long Parliament induction for new MPs starts tomorrow (August 23, 2022). PM Marape stressed that an ordinary MP could transform PNG for the better if he or she put “200 per cent” effort into their job. “We are now almost 47 years old as a nation and we will be 50 soon, yet, our country is in a diabolical state,” was his message to Government MPs.“ We all have to work very hard to fix it. “You do not have to be a minister to reconstruct and build a better PNG; your role as MP, if utilised 200 per cent, can change our country. “As I settle with who to fill in Cabinet and vice-ministry positions on Tuesday, I will not be able to satisfy all of you, so I beg your understanding and I will do my best to ensure that your role as MP is well supported.“ Our Coalition Agreement, as well as having all provinces and regions fairly represented, will be considered when making the line-up. “In the line-up, I also hope to match ministers with department heads, who can deliver the outcomes we want for our people. “We are here not to enjoy the ambiance of the office of an MP but to achieve national outcomes. “Hence, let us rally in our collective talents and get work done. Together we can; on your own you cannot!” PM Marape urged all MPs, whether a minister in the new Cabinet or not, to work harder for the good of PNG. “Time flies and it must not be wasted,” he said. “I campaigned hard with my Pangu Pati on certain priorities to better PNG, and these will be attended to with no second-chance mindset. “ Those of you who will be in the National Executive Council must be PNG patriots to put the country first and your district last. “You will be a PNG minister and not a district minister, meaning, you there to serve others first. “If you want to serve your district first, then my advice is that you opt out of Cabinet, because I will require 100 per cent attention to the country as we travel the road to 50 years and beyond. “ For those who are not ministers, you will have much time on hand, and with Pangu’s policies on leaving no places behind - especially our rural areas - we will assist you with development funds to make PNG a better place. “My only request is that your work is delivered consistent to national focus areas so our nation collectively benefits.” PM Marape said the country had many outstanding issues and it required all MPs to attend to those tasks. “I am presently going over our work over the last three years, and when the ministers are appointed, we will hit the ground running,” he said. “Addressing law-and-order, fixing our education and health sectors, connecting our enabling infrastructure as well as growing our economy will be our core focus and I will have no time for complacency or politics. “I would rather lose Government doing the right thing then keep Government by doing wrong things!”

The SP PNG Hunters took to Bycroft Oval, Runaway Bay for the final time this year on Saturday, 20th August ahead of their return to Papua New Guinea next week. With a host of supporters in attendance to finally farewell the Hunters from the Gold Coast, the PNG side produced a stunning 32-24 win over competition heavyweights Burleigh Bears in Round 19 of the QRL Hostplus Cup. The occasion seemed to bring the best out of the Hunters who started strongly and maintained their dominance right through until the final stages to notch an emotional victory at their home-away-from-home in Runaway Bay. The Hunters defended their errors strongly to begin the game, pressuring Bears’ winger Tony Francis into dropping the ball in Burleigh’s first attacking movement and then cleaning up a dangerous Guy Hamilton grubber shortly afterwards. The confidence with which PNG defended their line then quickly translated into their efforts with the ball. A clever chip kick from Kingstimer Paraia from inside his own half forced an error from the Bears and fullback Tyler Han was in perfect position to punish the mistake, plucking the loose ball out of the air and running in PNG’s first try in the 6th minute. Hunters prop Francis Kembis was next to get in on the action when he scored beside the right upright in the 13th minute. Some lovely deception from hooker Wartovo Puara fooled the ruck defence and pitched Kembis into half a gap on Burleigh’s tryline and the powerful front rower would not be denied from there. The Hunters were almost in again in the 30th minute when a smart left edge shift through Judah Rimbu and Han created the space for Han to drop a grubber kick into the in goal. PNG centre Benji Kot won the race to the ball but the Hunters were called back for an obstruction in the lead up. The Bears managed to slow PNG’s momentum as the game settled into a grind but didn’t look like threatening to score as the Hunters’ dominated proceedings to take a 12-0 lead into the break. Both sides came out firing in the second half but again it was the PNG side who would quickly gain ascendency, winning the ruck with their power game through the middle and kicking effectively thanks to Rimbu and Paraia in the halves. Eventually the Hunters’ possession and field position would translate into points when Benji Kot scored seven minutes into the second stanza. In what’s become a pet play for the Hunters this season, Rimbu took possession down the left edge and drifted outwards before dropping his backrower underneath. It’s usually an action we’ve seen Kitron Laka execute with great success in 2022 but this time it was vice captain Keven Appo charging onto Rimbu’s pass to break the line and find Kot in support. The linebreaks kept coming for the Hunters when Wesser Tenza orchestrated a short side raid as PNG were working out their own end soon after. Tenza used his vision and guile from dummy-half to send Paraia at the retreating edge defence and Paraia summed things up smartly to tip Sherwin Tanabi into a hole off his hip. Tanabi’s run broke the Bears’ line before he found Tenza in support back on his inside. Rimbu was next to score for the Hunters as the clock wound down and the scoreboard kept ticking over. Interchange forward Jordan Pat was the instigator this time with a late offload in front of the posts landing in the hands of Puara, who then drew in two more Burleigh defenders with a swerving run before passing Rimbu into space on the left edge to score. The Bears were finally afforded the chance to build some pressure when they earned consecutive sets on PNG’s line late in the second half. Burleigh winger Tony Francis would capitalise on this in the 67th minute to finish off a smooth right edge movement by the visitors. Finding their second win late in the piece, Burleigh would then score back-to-back tries when Alofiana Khan-Periera crossed in the 71st. The Hostplus Cup’s leading try scorer showcased his trademark speed to burn the Hunters’ defence in a 60+ metre effort that took the Bears to 12 points. Two more late consolation tries to Burleigh helped add some respect to the final score when Francis crossed for his second at the 67 minute mark and Josiah Afu scored in the final seconds. The end result was all about the Hunters though, who capped off a exhausting two-and-a half year relocation period with a stunning win over the competition leaders. Head Coach Matt Church was delighted with the result. “I’m just really pleased that we get to finish our time here on a high,” said Church. “Relocating to the Gold Coast has been an incredibly challenging period for the club and I’m really proud of the boys efforts today against a quality side.” “Our kicking game was much improved, we completed well and we stuck to the gameplan – things we have been working hard at all season. It’s rewarding to see the fruits of that labour today.”

Santos together with the Papua New Guinea Cancer Foundation (PNGCF) are pleased to announce the launch of the 18th Daffodil Corporate Golf Challenge to be held on Friday, 02nd September 2022 at the Royal Port Moresby Golf Club. Santos Country Chair, PNG, Mr Leon Buskens at the launch event said, “We recognize the golf tournament not only funds PNGCF’s annual programs, but it is also an important platform to spotlight the alarming statistics being seen and felt in our country especially with breast and cervical cancer in our women.” For the last 18 years, the support provided to the cancer foundation has reached communities across the country extending Santos’ impact in health, education and youth empowerment. The company is now looking to invest more heavily in cancer prevention through greater collaboration with other partners including the National Department of Health. “We cannot continue doing the same things and expect a better result as the gap has grown worse. It will take every one of us in both the public and private sectors to fight this disease. We owe it to all those touched by cancer and to our future generations,” said Mr Buskens. Representing the PNGCF Board, Dr Lynda Sirigoi (PNGCF, Deputy Chair) thanked Santos for its commitment to the Daffodil campaign and assistance with hosting the annual Golf Event. “It is my pleasure to launch the 2022 Daffodil Corporate Golf Challenge on behalf of the board of the Papua New Guinea Cancer Foundation and to also thank Santos for their continued commitment to the Daffodil Campaign for the 18th year.” The Santos-funded golf event has been an annual activity on the Royal Port Moresby Golf Club’s charity event calendar since 2003, receiving great support from Port Moresby’s private and business community every year. The annual golf day is hosted by PNGCF under the Daffodil Campaign to encourage individuals to make healthy lifestyle choices to reduce their cancer risk and to inspire the message of hope for a healthier Papua New Guinea. In spite of the challenge of returning to normalcy after COVID-19, PNGCF has conducted 20 community visits to implement its public health and cancer prevention education programs schedule with the assistance generated at the 2021 Daffodil Golf event (a sum of K144,000 was raised from team registrations, an auction and raffle sales). With this support, PNGCF extended its reach to over 500 men and women through 10 awareness sessions in settlement communities across the National Capital District. A total of 10 hybrid sessions (in-person and virtual) for corporate & business houses were also conducted, and up to 9,000 Information Education Communication, or IEC materials (awareness brochures and flyers) were distributed through the community visits. The PNGCF programs schedule will continue into next year with provincial programs to be conducted in Momase region (Lae and Madang Provinces). PNGCF Executive Manager, Ms Priscillar Napoleon acknowledged key supporters of the Daffodil campaign and the cancer foundation such as Moore Printing, Telikom Limited, The National and BSP Finance. "At last year’s golf day, we saw an overwhelming 44 teams register for the Daffodil Corporate Golf Challenge with Origin Energy taking the title. We have 20 teams registered at present including Marsh Limited, Motu-Koita Assembly, PNG Ports, RH Group, and Origin Energy, defending the Daffodil Cup. We are keen on receiving more registrations in the coming weeks," Ms Napoleon said.

Postnatal care is an essential part of safe motherhood and child delivery. The Waniati Maternal Waiting Hut (WMWH) in Goroka is a place dedicated especially to pregnant women in disadvantaged situations. Through our Community Grant Support Program, the association was able to construct a postnatal building in Okiufa Village within Goroka district - adding to it's facility a much-needed hand in housing mothers who usually find it difficult during the repatriation process. Waniati Maternal Waiting Hut ensures food and accommodation, labour ward items such as maternity pads, soap and toilet paper are provided to the women, including transport from the hut to the hospital labour ward or when the mothers are repatriated back home. Director Victor Timothy, a Man of Honour recipient and his wife Sr. Bolena Azimo have given their time in serving their community selflessly by giving up their time, effort, money and land to house this program. Officiating the opening, Digicel PNG Foundation Regional Manager, Brian Malone, thanked the community and everyone involved in the successful program. "It's humbling to meet people who are so dedicated in committing their life to the betterment of their communities; and it’s very rare." Appreciating the efforts, Mr Timothy thanked the Digicel PNG Foundation and other partners saying "It serves the whole eastern Highlands Province; that's the only waiting hut. We even get mothers as far as from the Simbu and Madang Province." Waniati Maternal Waiting Hut will now meet the demanding needs for better maternity and postnatal care within the Province and contribute towards minimizing the high rate of maternal and infant mortality rates in Eastern Highlands Province and the country as a whole.

Nambawan Super and Kumul Hotels Ltd, trading as Holiday Inn & Suites and Holiday Inn Express, are pleased to announce the renewal of their Discount Partnership which caters to all Nambawan Super members. Nambawan Super members, with membership ID cards, can now enjoy a whopping 20% off Best Available Accommodation Rates at both the Holiday Inn & Suites and Holiday Inn Express and an exceptional 15% discount on the mouth-watering food and beverages on offer at the Kopi Haus Restaurant and Gekko Bar. Area General Manager Mr Mauro Leone when signing the agreement expressed that Kumul Hotels Ltd, trading as Holiday Inn & Suites and Holiday Inn Express, has always maintained a strong relationship with Nambawan Super. The Discount Partnership provides an opportunity to connect with the Fund’s members through their excellent service offerings. Mr Leone said, “Our brands are household names throughout Papua New Guinea connecting with different need states’ of guests. Both hotels are very strong brands in their respective global category, hence the target guest type specific to each brand will vary. Holiday Inn & Suites is the ‘family friendly’ hotel, whilst the Holiday Inn Express targets the ‘smart traveller onthe-go’. “Our Kopi Haus Restaurant and Gekko Bar outlets cater to a wide range of guests both domestic and international, with a diverse food and beverage offering to suit all needs” “We hope that all Nambawan Super members, both Port Moresby based and travelling in from other provinces, can have a chance to experience the high standard of service on offer with us through this Partnership”, he added. Nambawan Super Limited CEO Mr Paul Sayer stated that through this renewed Partnership, Holiday Inn & Suites and Holiday Inn Express re-join over 160 participating businesses across the Country as a Nambawan Discount Provider. “We are very pleased to be renewing this partnership and upgrading the discount rates with Kumul Hotels Ltd as it allows our members to access the world class dining and accommodation experience on offer at the Holiday Inn & Suites and Holiday Inn Express”, Mr Sayer remarked. “As an investee company of Nambawan Super, Kumul Hotels Ltd has been a key partner throughout the years in delivering returns for our members and now members have the added benefit of enjoying the product of their invested funds”. “Being the majority shareholder of Kumul Hotels Ltd with a 55% shareholding, Nambawan Super is committed to growing this partnership and exploring more opportunities to deliver returns for our over 214,000 members”, he added. Nambawan Super members, including members of RSA and Choice Super, can shop and save with several leading PNG businesses every time they present their Member ID cards Nambawan Super members can request a Membership ID card via email: callcentre@nambawansuper.com.pg or FREE CALL 180 1599 or by visiting their nearest Branch, to participate in the Discount Program. Nambawan Super offers over 160 discount providers across Papua New Guinea, where Members can shop and save, every time they present their Member ID cards.

 “The historical Mt Hagen Show is on again this weekend (Saturday 20th to Sunday 21st August, 2022) and BSP Financial Group is proud to be supporting the show as Bronze sponsors,” said BSP Mt Hagen Branch Manager Theresa Pilamp. Mrs Pilamp in presented a dummy cheque of K20,000 to the show organisers on Thursday 18th August, 2022, said BSP is pleased to be supporting the oldest show in the country that not only showcases people and culture but continues to strengthen community and business relationships in the Highlands region and PNG as a whole. “At BSP we grow with our communities and to support events like this enhances our relationships with the community while promoting tourism at the same time. The Mt Hagen Show was first staged in 1964, and it continues to bring together a mixture of tribal traditions and modern entertainment at the famous Mt Hagen show grounds “BSP has been a long time partner of the Mt Hagen Show and is proud to continue supporting it. With this sponsorship, we wish the organisers the very best this weekend,” Mrs Pilamp added. Manager of the show committee John Bonny, in receiving the sponsorship support thanked BSP for its continued support to the show. Up to 100 tribes will attend where they will share their cultural traditions through their costumes, dancing and music.

The SP PNG Hunters are delighted to announce that approval has been given by the Queensland Rugby League (QRL) for the club return home to Papua New Guinea next week. The homecoming will coincide with the SP PNG Hunters’ Round 20 Hostplus Cup fixture with the Mackay Cutters, which will now be played at the Santos National Football Stadium on Saturday, 27th August with kickoff at 3pm. SP PNG Hunters CEO Scott Barker has welcomed the news. “We have been working tirelessly with the QRL over the last few months to bring the Hunters home and it’s exciting to see that become a reality next week,” Barker said. “The club is extremely grateful for the support and guidance of the QRL and the processes they have followed to support our safe return home.” The Hunters’ return to PNG next week is made possible thanks to the Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports Program and Newcrest Mining Limited, owner of the Lihir Gold Project, who are co-funding the operation. Tickets for the SP PNG Hunters v Mackay Cutters Round 20 Hostplus Cup game will go on sale at the National Football Stadium, Port Moresby from next Wednesday, 24th August.