Balimo College, funded by the Sustainable Development Program (SDP), celebrated a landmark recently with the graduation of its first 26 students earning Bachelor of Education (Primary) degrees.The Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST)-accredited graduates completed their Diploma of Primary Teaching in March, fulfilling requirements to advance and tackle teacher shortages in their home communities. Now with 105 students enrolled across Years 1-3, the K72 million SDP-backed college- open since 2022, also launched a Bachelor of General Nursing program this year. SDP Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lesieli Taviri, called the milestone vital for provincial capacity-building. “This underscores our commitment to quality education by addressing teacher and health worker shortages.” “Our priority is strengthening school systems through training and professional development, so these graduates return home to shape the next generation.” The program partners with the Kokoda Track Foundation for management and Western Sydney University for curriculum support, ensuring a steady pipeline of local educators.

Morobe businessman Justin Parker has handed over K25,000 in cash vouchers to police in Lae, Wau, Bulolo, and Mumeng to recognise their dedication during the Christmas season.“Every business is having a hard time, but our police are always on duty and ready to help. That’s something Morobe can be proud of,” Mr. Parker said.The vouchers were presented today to Northern Divisional Commander Peter Guinness and his officers in Lae. Commander Guinness praised the donation, saying it is rare for a private citizen to support police this way.“This contribution is very much appreciated, especially during the festive season,” he said. “It shows that the community values the hard work of our officers.”Mr. Parker added that the gesture is a small way to help officers enjoy Christmas with their families and commended the dedication of younger officers stepping up under strong leadership.

A young man is currently in hospital nursing his wound after being shot in a gun fight with police at Kamkumung Speedway in Lae city this week. The incident occurred around 3am on Tuesday, December 17, while members of the Police Sector Response Unit (SRU) were conducting night patrols in the green and yellow sectors. Police were returning from duties at Talis Kona in East and West Taraka when they spotted a group of youths gathered near a trade store along the Speedway. Lae Metropolitan Commander, Chief Superintendent Chris Kunyaban, said officers ordered the group to stop, but they fled towards the Bumbu River. “During the pursuit, one of the suspects fired a shot at police. Officers took cover and returned fire, wounding one suspect while the others managed to escape,” he said. Police recovered several offensive items at the scene, including homemade pistols, live ammunition, wire catapults and a bag containing personal belongings. A container with a mixed homebrew substance was also found. The wounded suspect was taken to Angau Hospital and identified as a 24-year-old man from Mingendi Village in Kerowaghi District, Simbu Province. He is receiving treatment for a gunshot wound to his right leg. Chief Superintendent Kunyaban said the suspect will be formally arrested and charged once discharged from hospital. He warned that police will continue intense patrols in known crime-prone areas. “We will not tolerate armed criminals threatening the safety of our communities or our police officers,” he said. Police investigations are continuing, and efforts are under way to locate the other suspects who escaped during the incident.

The draw for the highly anticipated 2026 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup has been officially unveiled, sparking excitement among rugby league fans across Papua New Guinea and marking the countdown to another action-packed season.The 2026 competition promises fierce rivalries, memorable matchups and expanded opportunities for supporters to follow their favourite local stars, with fixtures scheduled across major rugby league centres nationwide. Fans in Madang will be among the first to feel the excitement, with the Kandes Rugby League Club set to open their campaign with a Round 1 home clash. The fixture is expected to energize the local community and set the tone for the season ahead. One of the headline fixtures of the opening round will see reigning premiers Lae Snax Tigers begin their title defence against the Kroton Hela Wigmen. The marquee match will form part of a triple-header in Port Moresby, delivering a full day of top-tier rugby league action in the capital. The season will culminate with the Grand Final scheduled for 13 September, where the competition’s top teams will battle for premiership honours. Adding to the excitement, two Super Rounds have been confirmed, with Round 3 to be hosted in Goroka and Round 16 in Lae, bringing elite-level rugby league closer to fans in key heartlands of the sport. Organizers say the 2026 draw has been designed to strengthen the connection between clubs and supporters by increasing matches in regional centres and providing greater access to live rugby league action. Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Chairman Adrian Chow thanked sponsors and shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming season. “On behalf of the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup, I extend my heartfelt thanks to our sponsors who make this competition possible. The 2026 season promises to deliver spectacular games, skills and excitement with unforgettable moments for our incredible fans to enjoy. We are excited to see whole rugby league communities across PNG come together with rugby league spirit, and we look forward to a year of thrilling competition and passion as the game continues growing,” said Chow. With the draw now confirmed, anticipation is building for what promises to be another outstanding year of rugby league. Fans are encouraged to mark their calendars, rally behind their teams and experience the thrill of live matches as the 2026 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup gets underway.

 Papua New Guinea has reaffirmed its commitment to combating corruption at all levels, with the government highlighting sustained reforms and strengthened partnerships at the 11th Conference of States Parties (COSP11) to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) in Doha, Qatar.Speaking to delegates from 192 countries, Minister of State for the Ministry of Administrative Services, Richard Masere said, addressing corruption remains a key national priority, stressing that Papua New Guinea’s security, stability and sustainable development must not be undermined by unchecked corruption. Minister Masere led a 21-member Papua New Guinea delegation comprising government officials, civil society representatives, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and members of the judiciary. The delegation’s participation was supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Papua New Guinea Government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). He told the forum that the government’s ongoing reforms have strengthened collaboration between state institutions, civil society organizations, and bilateral and multilateral development partners, both domestically and across the region. Among key initiatives highlighted were the Whistle-blower Protection Act, passed in 2020, which is currently under review to expand protections for individuals reporting corruption, and ongoing reviews of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing legislation to align with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations. Minister Masere also said Papua New Guinea has mobilized capacity-building programmes for integrity institutions, the judiciary and law enforcement agencies. These efforts have included corruption risk assessments across national and provincial government agencies, with the findings expected to inform the country’s next national anti-corruption strategy. He welcomed UNODC’s decision to establish a programme office in Papua New Guinea, saying it has strengthened engagement and cooperation in implementing UNCAC and its Implementation Review Mechanism. Officer in Charge of UNODC’s Programme Office for Papua New Guinea, Ms. Marie Jane Fatiaki, welcomed the minister’s remarks, noting that tackling corruption requires a whole-of-society approach. She said Papua New Guinea’s inclusion of civil society in its official delegations demonstrated its commitment to corruption prevention and accountability. Papua New Guinea also featured prominently in a judicial side-event at COSP titled “Judicial well-being as the foundation of judicial integrity.” Speakers included Chief Justice Sir Gibuma Gibbs Salika, Justice John Carey, and Justice Rangajeeva Wimalasena of the Supreme and National Courts. Chief Justice Salika said the attendance of Minister Masere and other government officials at the session signaled strong national support for judicial integrity. Senior Vice Chair of the American Bar Association, David Sachar, told participants he was guided by a Papua New Guinean saying: “A path is made by those who walk it.” Other PNG delegates contributed to special sessions, including Deputy Secretary of the Department of Justice and Attorney General, Mrs Josephine Pitmur, who spoke on building trust and collaboration between government and non-state actors in implementing Papua New Guinea’s National Anti-Corruption Strategy. UNODC’s anti-corruption work in Papua New Guinea is supported through the European Union-funded PNG Anti-Corruption Project and the Fairness and Accountability Now bilong Gutpla Sindaun (FANGS) Project, funded by the United States Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.    

 A 32-year-old man from Usino Bundi District has been remanded at Beon Correctional Services over an alleged defamatory post about Madang Governor Ramsey Pariwa.Arnold Vegofi of Menia Village is charged under the Cyber Crime Act for posting an edited video on Facebook, suggesting the Governor was responsible for a former provincial administrator’s death. Madang Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Robert Baim, said Vegofi applied for bail in Madang District Court today but was refused. He will remain in custody until his next court date. Superintendent Baim warned the public about misusing social media, urging anyone affected by cybercrime to lodge formal complaints at police stations rather than posting online. “The law applies to everyone. Social media is not a substitute for official reporting,” he said. Vegofi was arrested on 15th December 2025 by the National Criminal Investigation Unit following a complaint from Governor Pariwa. Police say they will continue to enforce the Cyber Crime Act without fear or favour.

Baliora Primary School has received a generous donation of building materials valued at K13,000 under the Public–Private Partnership (PPP) Program.The materials were presented by the Office of the Governor, Michael Marum, in collaboration with Agmark Group of Companies, as part of their ongoing partnership to support local educational initiatives. The building materials will be used to complete the school’s new 3-in-1 classroom project, aimed at improving learning facilities for students at the school. The Head Teacher, on behalf of the school, expressed heartfelt thanks to Governor Michael Marum for his leadership and support, as well as to Agmark for their valuable contribution. Baliora Primary School is now set to provide a better learning environment for its students, thanks to the support.            

The Chairman of Ralubang Primary School, Komet Malari, has expressed deep gratitude to the Office of the Governor, Michael Marum, for their support towards the development of the school in Kokopo District, East New Britain.Ralubang Primary School, located in the Ralubang Ward of Bitapaka Local Level Government, currently accommodates around 300 students. However, with growing enrolment and limited facilities, the school has faced challenges in providing sufficient classroom space for the upcoming 2026 academic year. In response to this issue, Malari, who also serves as the Board Chairman, mobilized the local community to construct two additional classrooms for Grade 4 and Grade 5 students. This initiative aims to address the current overcrowding and ensure the school can meet the needs of its expanding student body. “We are immensely relieved and grateful for the assistance from the Governor’s Office.” “With their timely support, we are hopeful that the double classroom will be completed in time for the 2026 academic year, providing a better learning environment for our students.” Governor Michael Marum’s office has been instrumental in the school’s expansion, providing crucial funding through the Partnership Program with Agmark. The Agmark partnership will also supply the necessary building materials to complete the project.                            

The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) has announced by mutual agreement, that Tahnee Norris will step down as head coach of the Santos PNG Orchids ahead of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.PNGRFL Chairman Sandis Tsaka praised Norris for her transformative impact on women’s rugby league in PNG. “On behalf of PNGRFL and the entire rugby league community in PNG, I want to sincerely thank Tahnee for her dedication, experience, and tremendous effort over the past years,” Tsaka said. “Tahnee has played a pivotal role not only in leading the Orchids but also in developing the women’s game across the country.” During her two-year tenure, Norris guided the Orchids through the Pacific Championships while prioritizing youth development. In addition, over ten young players made their Test Match debuts under her leadership, marking a key focus of her coaching philosophy. Norris reflected positively on her time with the team expressing how incredibly proud she was of how far the group has come. “Watching our young players step onto the international stage and prove they belong has been one of the most rewarding parts of my role.” The decision comes as PNG and Australia prepare to co-host the 2026 Rugby League World Cup in October and November. Meanwhile, PNGRFL will launch an immediate recruitment process to appoint a new head coach, aiming to build on recent successes and position the Orchids for strong performances on the global stage. Further updates on the recruitment and team preparations will follow.                        

The Worldwide Fund (WWF) Papua New Guinea has formalized a strategic partnership with East New Britain Provincial Government (ENBPG), CELCOR, and FORCERT through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at advancing sustainable community development, enhancing climate resilience, and building local capacity in the Pomio District.The agreement underscores the parties shared commitment to empowering communities through engagement and collaboration for the benefit of both people and nature. This also establishes protocols for joint planning, knowledge exchange, and mutual support to strengthen conservation programs across partner communities. The ceremony reflected Pomio’s rich cultural heritage, marked by the symbolic presentation of a taboo shell, signifying unity and partnership. This cultural gesture reinforces the importance of integrating traditional values into modern conservation efforts. The MOU was signed by Mr. Cosmas Makamet – FORCERT Manager and Mr. Ted Mamu – WWF Country Manager and witnessed by representatives from the WWF, Climate Change office, ENB Provincial Administrator including Mr. Peter Bosip – CELCOR Executive Director and others. The partnership will run for two years from the date of signing, with automatic renewal for a further two years upon expiry, ensuring continuity and sustained impact. WWF PNG will also prepare for an official signing with the Provincial Administrator of East New Britain Province in early 2026. “Together, we can create lasting change for people and nature.”                         

Manalos Aviation is stepping up emergency medical response in Morobe Province with the construction of a health clinic at its Lae helipad facility, aimed at providing immediate care to patients flown in from remote areas.Commercial and Compliance Manager, Nellie Tumai, said the initiative was driven by the need to save lives through timely medical intervention."The aim of the Manalos Aviation Mountain Area Medical Airlift Foundation is to bring patients to the nearest hospital immediately so they can receive medical help that is crucial to their survival," Ms. Tumai said.The clinic, which is still under construction, will ensure patients receive critical care as soon as they arrive in Lae. "We have had experiences where patients died because they were not treated early or did not receive the special care and attention needed," she said.Ms. Tumai explained that the decision to build the clinic was a proactive measure by the company to address these gaps. "Manalos Aviation has taken its own initiative to set up this clinic so patients can be attended to immediately upon arrival, before they are transferred to hospitals," she said.The project has received financial support from Kabwum District, which contributed K100,000 through the MAMA Foundation programme.Since 2021, the MAMA Foundation programme has benefited more than 200 patients by providing emergency medical airlift services. Ms. Tumai said the initiative highlights the importance of partnerships in improving access to healthcare for people living in remote and hard-to-reach areas.

Kabwum District MP Patrick Basa has donated K100,000 to support the Mountain Area Medical Airlift (MAMA) Foundation’s new clinic.The contribution aims to improve medical services for mothers and patients in remote mountain areas.Basa said the funding responds to the long distances and challenges faced by families needing urgent care. “I have seen mothers and families waiting for hours for medical attention. It is painful as a father and community leader to watch this happen. When we can help, we must. That is why the district gave K100,000. It is a step to save lives and provide care,” he said.He encouraged other leaders and stakeholders to support similar initiatives, noting the need for medical services extends beyond Morobe Province.Basa also praised the MAMA Foundation for their dedication. “They operate the only medical chopper in the area, serving Morobe and neighbouring provinces. This service has saved countless lives, and their commitment is excellent,” he said.The MP also wished residents a safe and peaceful festive season. “I urge everyone to enjoy Christmas responsibly, stay safe, and have faith in God. Together, we can solve many challenges in our communities,” Basa added.