Buk bilong Pikinini has received more than K50,000 from the Australian Government’s Direct Aid Program to fund hygiene, nutrition and safety upgrades at the St Steven Library Learning Centre and St Steven Elementary School in Lae, benefiting children, teachers and families in the Miles community.The grant was announced on December 11th by Australian Consul-General in Lae, Brenton Kanowski, and formally presented during the St Steven Library Learning Centre graduation ceremony earlier this month. The funding supports essential infrastructure improvements aimed at strengthening learning conditions and student wellbeing. Upgrades include the installation of a new water tank and communal sink to improve access to clean water, hygiene resources to promote healthy school environments, and solar lighting to enhance safety across the school and parish grounds. The project also includes training and teaching materials for Buk bilong Pikinini’s Nutrition Education Program for both teachers and students. Mr. Kanowski said the initiative reflects Australia’s focus on education-based partnerships. “Strong local partnerships are at the heart of Australia’s support in Papua New Guinea,” he said, explaining that investments in school infrastructure help create safe and engaging learning spaces for children to grow and succeed. Founder and Vice Chair of Buk bilong Pikinini, Anne-Sophie Hermann, said the project will help address health and nutrition challenges facing PNG children. She explained that improved hygiene facilities and nutrition education will reduce illness-related absences and support better learning outcomes in a country where malnutrition remains a major concern. The graduation ceremony also celebrated 90 students completing the program, highlighting the impact of community partnerships on early education. Buk bilong Pikinini says implementation of the upgrades will continue into next year, as partners work together to further strengthen learning environments in Lae.

The Provincial Member and Governor for Madang, Hon. Ramsey Pariwa, is inviting the Government of the People's Republic of China to invest more in Madang Province. Governor Pariwa extended the invitation to the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to PNG, His Excellency Yang Xiaoguang, during his official visit to Madang last Friday, December 12 to deliver 2000 solar-powered lightings to be installed in Madang Town."I invite the Chinese Government to invest more in Madang Province," Governor Pariwa said. "Madang is where you've tested your investment and you have seen the success through Ramu Nickel and Cobalt mine," he stated. He assured that he looks forward to holding hands with China in a collaborative partnership to progress trade and investment opportunities. "I must state that the only major development partner for Madang is China through MCC," Governor Pariwa said.He further stated that in the country Madang has contributed much to the economy of China through the Ramu NiCo Project. "We have a shared interest and that's Ramu NiCo and we have a shared future because of Ramu NiCo," Governor Pariwa stated.  He further stated that as long as Ramu NiCo remains, Madang and China would continue to work together.The Governor was blunt in arguing that other provinces and cities in the country seem to be getting huge assistance from China particularly Port Moresby, Mt. Hagen, Lae and others yet they are not contributing any of their resources to China compared to Madang. This is quite unfair. Going forward Governor Pariwa stated that China must focus its attention on assistance and support to Madang because Madang is hosting the Ramu Nickel mine which is the only Chinese mine in the country and also in the Pacific. Governor Pariwa also acknowledged the presence of the Chairman of Ramu NiCo Management (MCC) Limited, Wang Zhou, at the occasion. The Madang Governor said he would hold hands and work together with Ramu NiCo on the extension and expansion of the mine, but the interest of the people of Madang must come first."You must comply with the laws and regulations that the country has in place," Governor Pariwa said. "We will work together and finalize that, and all parties must be in a win-win situation," he stated.He further stated he wants to work in collaborative cooperation and partnership and the relations between Madang Province and Pintang County in the Fujian Province of China would be based upon the foundation that MCC has already built."I am looking forward to more cooperation, not only China giving to Madang. We have already given our nickel and cobalt, but we are also looking at giving our coffee, cocoa and other agriculture resources through our sister-city arrangement between Madang and Pintang County," Mr. Pariwa said.  He said going forward Madang needs to light up and he thanked the Chinese Government and its people for donating two thousand solar-powered lights to Madang."Together with China, Madang will see more lights. Not only in solar-powered lightings, but more investments in other sectors of the economy, so I look forward and must say a big thank you to the Chinese Government," Governor Pariwa said. Ambassador Yang thanked Madang Province for looking after Ramu NiCo.Mr. Yang said in Madang Ramu NiCo is the bond and bridge for a closer relationship and also wants to see that friendship maintained through people-to-people exchanges. Ambassador Yang said he believes Ramu NiCo will comply with the mining regulations of this country and fulfill its corporate social responsibility to bring more benefits to the people of Madang and become an important bridge for both PNG and China.

Madang Governor, Ramsey Pariwa, has supported the Madang Softball Association with K10,000 to host the Governor’s Cup Softball Tournament, scheduled from December 25th to 28th.The funding was officially presented at Yabong Field by Madang Provincial Sports Coordinator, Panchito Amapou, on behalf of the Governor.Madang Softball Association President David Takaili thanked Governor Pariwa for his continued commitment to softball and sports development in the province, describing sports as an effective tool for positive youth engagement during the festive season.“Thank you Hon. Ramsey Pariwa and the Madang Sports Office for the funding support,” Mr. Takaili said.He said twelve (12) teams have already confirmed participation in the tournament and extended an invitation to teams from Ramu Sugar and Yalium to take part, as both areas have established softball associations.Mr. Takaili added that the funding will greatly assist the association in successfully running the tournament and preparing for the upcoming season.Governor Pariwa’s ongoing support for sports is part of his broader commitment to engaging young people in positive activities and keeping them involved in sports as a way to reduce involvement in criminal activities.

Two urban clinics in the city of Port Moresby are now in a better position to provide better health care service to the people, all thanks to a timely donation by the Kina Bank.Kina Bank’s Asset, Investment Management and Strategy (AIMS) team recently donated essential medical and office items to both the St. Therese Clinic in Hohola and Lawes Road Urban Clinic in Konedobu. The donation included medical equipment such as thermometers, blood pressure monitors, hand sanitizers, face masks, gloves, glucometers with strips, weight scales, as well as cleaning supplies like air fresheners and disinfectants. In addition, the clinics received office essentials including chairs, tables, standing fans, manila folders, A4 paper rim, and two refrigerators. Boge Dikana, General Manager of Kina Investments and Superannuation Services, said the clinics have served his family and many others for years despite operating with limited resources. “We saw the conditions these clinics work under and knew we had to support them so they can continue providing quality care to our communities,” he said. Sr. Joslin Kulin, Clinic Manager at Lawes Road Urban Clinic, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Kina Bank stating “Kina Bank is the first to assist us. We lack so much equipment to treat our patients. God saw our need and used you to bless us at this time of the year.” The AIMS team, along with other business units at Kina Bank, raised funds and contributed personally to give back to the communities they serve.

For coffee farmers in Nabak, the poor condition of the road to Lae is more than an inconvenience—it’s a daily struggle that threatens their survival.Farmers like Martin Kisu spend hours carrying heavy coffee bags from remote villages just to reach transport. “We work hard to grow quality coffee, but without proper roads, we can’t get it to market. Every step is a fight,” he said.In upper Nabak, hundreds of farmers manage hundreds of thousands of coffee trees, producing hundreds of bags destined for the Homestead Coffee Factory in Lae. Partnerships with Homestead Coffee and the Coffee Industry Corporation have opened markets, but poor roads put all of this at risk.District Program Manager Nelson Darina said the road from Bumayong to Misiyawang, which effectively ends at the village, urgently needs maintenance. “Even though Lae is close, communities struggle to access markets, schools, and basic services. This road has been neglected for years, yet it is vital for the people of Nabak,” he said.Local families pay high transport costs or walk long distances to survive. For Nabak farmers, the road is not just infrastructure—it is the lifeline that keeps their families fed and their communities alive.

A young father in Lae is pleading with the public for help as a mysterious breathing sickness slowly takes away his ability to live a normal life.Thirty-year-old Chris Ankik first struggled to breathe in late 2021. Four years later, his condition has become so severe that even walking a few metres leaves him gasping for air. Cold weather, smoke or stepping inside a poorly ventilated building can trigger attacks that feel like asthma, but no doctor has been able to explain what is happening.Chris said the sickness has taken away his independence and left his wife to carry the full weight of providing for their family. “I depend on her for everything now,” he said.He has visited clinics, health centres and hospitals, done X-rays, sputum tests and even tried TB treatment. All results were negative. Overcrowded emergency rooms meant he often left without answers. One health worker told him they did not know what else to do for him.Chris now urgently needs a CT scan, lung function tests, an ultrasound and specialist checks. These tests are available in private clinics, but he has no money left.He fears his condition will become life-threatening without help.

The Modilon Provincial Hospital in Madang has received a second batch of basic medical drugs from the Madang Provincial Government under an initial funding allocation of K130,000.The drugs were presented to the Madang Provincial Health Authority and Hospital Management by the Provincial Member and Governor, Ramsey Pariwa, on Sunday 07th December 2025. Madang PHA CEO, Dr. Martin Daimen, upon receiving the drugs thanked Governor Pariwa for his continuous support to the hospital and the health sector in the province adding that they are grateful and appreciative given the current crisis faced by the health system in the country. "This gesture displays that at least our Government on the ground has identified our needs at this period of time where medical supplies have become an issue around the country," Daimen said. "Most of the other PHA's are facing the same issue and have come up with plans in their own way to get support so for us we reached out to the office of the Governor and the Provincial Government and they approved a funding support," he said. "On behalf of the Madang PHA, the staff and the patients, we are grateful for the timely support from the Madang Provincial Government under the leadership of Governor Pariwa," Daimen said. Dr. Daimen added that just within a short period of time, the Madang PHA and Modilon Hospital has seen a number of assistances from the Provincial Government which displays the type of leadership, concerns and priorities under Governor Pariwa. Provincial Member and Governor for Madang, Ramsey Pariwa, when handing over the second batch of medical drugs reminded the hospital management and staff that such timely assistance will eventuate when all stakeholders in the province work in collaboration. "We can only identify the needs when we work together and we address it on time," Pariwa said. "When we work in isolation, we will achieve nothing and the people will suffer, as they say no man is an island," he said. Governor Pariwa encouraged the Madang PHA Management and the Hospital Staff to always work hand in hand with his government and to identify issues faced by the health sector and bring it to his attention so it could be addressed in a timely manner and ensure effective service delivery to the people of Madang.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) is progressing in its transition to the use of green energy and having a much greener economy in the future and is looking for potential partners to go on this journey.It is for this particular reason that Prime Minister James Marape is urging investors to help PNG transition from a resource-dependent economy to a manufacturing and green-energy powerhouse, as per the country’s 20-year vision.Speaking during a live Question & Answer at the PNG Investment Week in Sydney Australia, PM Marape said looking ahead to 2040 and 2050, ordinary Papua New Guineans must feel the benefits of investment through more local businesses and the export of finished, high value products.“Incubate more local business and migrate to a manufacturing-based economy,” he said. “Local produce must translate to finished products for export.” PM Marape told investors the Government is working to shift PNG from “resource potential to a predictable pipeline of financeable, climate-resilient projects” that attract global capital at scale.He confirmed PNG aims to define itself internationally as a clean, green energy economy, powered by hydro resources and supported by the country’s vast forests and oceans.“Australia is moving towards closing their fossil fuel facilities. We’re looking at supplying Australia with energy harvested from PNG,” he said.“Our negative carbon footprint is an advantage we offer investors.” He added that “conservation dollars” from carbon-offset markets could become a major new revenue stream, calling on companies with significant emissions to partner with PNG to keep forests standing.

The Rai Coast Leg of the Madang Governor's Cup Tournament at Billiau is into the top 16 for the men's division whilst the women's division are on standby for the semi- finals.According to the match official Mr. Lance Aing, the turnout was impressive with a total of 32 men's and 8 women's teams from the 34 ward areas of Saidor LLG of Raikos District taking part in the games since last Tuesday when the tournament commenced. "So far, the games ran smoothly since last week and over the weekend till now, we are going into the top 16 for the men's division," Aing said. "As for the women's division, only 8 teams participated so they completed their round matches and a waiting to go for the semis," he said. "Right now, we are into the top 16 play offs for the men's and if we finish early, we will go ahead with the semis for both men's and women's division this afternoon," Aing said. Aing said the only setbacks to the tournament now is the weather affecting the only one soccer pitch they are using. "The weather has been unpredictable and it's been raining since we started the tournament, so at some point we had to stop to wait for the rain to stop," he said. "Also, that there's only one soccer field here so we had to manage our matches but otherwise everything went smoothly," Aing said. Meanwhile, the finals are expected to be completed by the end of the week. The Madang Governor's Cup is an initiative of the Madang Provincial Member and Governor Ramsey Pariwa to engage youths in sports and keep them away from drugs and alcohol; thus, addressing law and order issues in the province and groom the next generation of Madang sportsmen and women.

NCSL was recently at the Atlas Steel PNG - Baruni in Port Moresby city during its Open House Day showcasing its financial solutions to interested homeowners on Saturday, December 6, 2025.NCSL’s dedicated Business Relations Team was on-site to share detailed information about its savings and loan products, focusing on its flexible personal lending products that help members finance home purchases even without a dedicated home loan product. Through higher ratio loans such as 1:2 and 1:5, members can maximize their savings to access funding for major expenses, including housing. Several non-member visitors also ended up registering their membership to NCSL via the Wokabaut Tablet and MyNCSL member online. These new members received their membership numbers and had their accounts opened instantly marking the beginning of their financial journey with NCSL. Among NCSL were other corporate entities like the National Superannuation Fund, National Banking Corporation Ltd, Bank South Pacific Ltd, Nambawan Supa Ltd and few others.

Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) recently celebrated its first-ever graduation of 90 students from its St Steven Library Learning Centre (LLC) in Lae’s Miles community.The centre, established earlier this year, operates through partnerships with the Chow Foundation, Lae Biscuit Company, St Steven Catholic Parish, and St Steven Elementary School, which host BbP programs and provide ongoing support. The ceremony was officially opened and blessed by Father Christubabu Chamallamudi, parish priest of St Steven Catholic Church. Distinguished guests included John Chow, Managing Director of Lae Biscuit Company; Brenton Kanowski, Australian Consulate-General in Lae; Bernard Pamba, Teacher-In-Charge of St Steven Elementary School; and BbP’s leadership, Anne-Sophie Hermann, Founder & Vice Chair, and Leanne Resson, Executive Officer. During the event, Kanowski announced an Australian Government grant of over K50,000 through the High Commission’s Direct Aid Program (DAP) to support the school. The funding will be used for small-scale infrastructure improvements, including sanitation and hygiene facilities, as well as resources and training for a nutrition program implemented by BbP. “Strong local partnerships are at the heart of Australia’s support in Papua New Guinea. These investments help create safe, engaging spaces where children can learn and grow.” Graduates showcased their learning through songs, recitations, and classroom presentations, and each received a goodie bag from Lae Biscuit Company. Hermann highlighted that the funding will expand library resources and pilot complementary programs, ensuring activities are locally led and sustainable. Chow emphasized the importance of early learning. “The Chow Foundation is proud to partner with Buk bilong Pikinini to strengthen early literacy and ensure children have the skills, resources, and encouragement they need to thrive.” “Congratulations to our first-ever graduates, and thank you to everyone shaping their future.” Buk bilong Pikinini extended gratitude to the Australian Government, Chow Foundation, Lae Biscuit Company, St Steven Catholic Parish, teachers, parents, and community partners for their continued support in improving early learning outcomes in Lae.

Deputy Prime Minister and Lae MP John Rosso officially launched the new Police Emergency Toll Free Number 112 for Morobe Province and delivered 18 new police vehicles to the Lae Metropolitan Command on Monday (8th/12/25).The launch of the 112-emergency number marks an important step in enhancing emergency response systems. The toll-free number is now accessible across the province, allowing residents to contact police in emergency situations at no cost, regardless of whether they use Digicel, Telikom, or Vodafone networks. The 112 number, a collaborative effort between the Lae City Authority (LCA), the Australian Government, Telikom PNG, Vodafone, and Digicel PNG, is designed to improve public safety by providing a quick and easy way to reach police in times of need. Rosso emphasized the importance of this initiative. “Lae Police continue to lead from the front. Our role is to ensure they have the tools, infrastructure, and support to fight lawlessness and protect our communities. The new 112 number is a major milestone for Morobe Province, enabling quicker access to emergency assistance.” In addition to the emergency hotline, the Deputy Prime Minister confirmed the delivery of 18 new police vehicles, four of which were handed over earlier in the year, with the remaining 14 officially presented today. This is part of a long-term investment in law enforcement by the Lae City Authority, which has supported the delivery of nearly 50 police vehicles since 2018. The aim of this initiative is to eliminate the use of hire cars, reducing operational costs, while also improving the mobility and capacity of the police force. As a result, there has been a noticeable decline in the rate of major crimes in Lae, which is attributed to the enhanced policing logistics. Rosso also acknowledged the valuable contributions of the PNG Defence Force at Igam, Correctional Services, and St. John Ambulance. He further praised the PNG Fire Service for their ongoing commitment to community safety. “With these new vehicles and an improved emergency response system, Lae continues to strengthen its position as a safer, well-supported, and well-policed city.” The new police vehicles and the 112-emergency hotline are expected to significantly improve the effectiveness of emergency response services in Lae and surrounding districts, making the city more responsive and resilient to public safety challenges.