SP Brewery’s corporate darts teams, the Brew Masters and the Draught Masters, donated K11,000 to the Port Moresby General Hospital Oncology Unit following their victory in the Port Moresby Metro Corporate Charity Darts Competition.The cheque presentation took place on Friday 5 December at the SP Brewery Head Office in Port Moresby. “Winning the competition was an honour, but the true reward comes from being able to support those who need it most. By giving this donation to the hospital’s cancer unit, we hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and families facing an incredibly challenging journey,” said Joshua Wanji SP Brewery company lawyer and team captain. “At SP Brewery, care for people is one of our values. Supporting the cancer unit reflects that commitment, and we are proud to stand with the community in the fight against cancer,” he added. Dr. Benjamin Daur, Pediatrician at the Port Moresby General Hospital Oncology Unit, was present to receive the donation on behalf of the unit. “Thank you for thinking of us during this festive season; we are truly grateful for the support. This donation will help us to carry out essential tests that enable timely diagnosis and treatment,” Dr. Daur said. SP Brewery is among 35 corporate teams in Port Moresby that participated in the competition.

The FODE Central Provincial Centre successfully hosted its 3rd Graduation Ceremony of 2025 under the theme Breaking Barriers – Celebrating Life – Lifelong Learning.A total of 453 students graduated this year, including 303 Grade 12 Full Correspondence students, 135 Grade 10 Full Correspondence students, and 15 Grade 8 students. The milestone reflects continued growth in student enrolment and highlights the centre’s commitment to accessible education. Outstanding academic performance was recognized through awards in various categories, showcasing the dedication and achievements of the graduating students. The ceremony began with a welcome from the FODE Principal, Anthony Rayappan, who acknowledged the graduating class, distinguished guests from the Education Department, and the keynote speaker, Commander Defence Force (CDF) Rear Admiral Philip Polewara. The event featured a speech from FODE Central students’ representative Madiu Andrew, who emphasized that the day celebrated the graduates’ efforts and marked the beginning of the next chapter in their educational journey. The ceremony also included recognition of the support provided by FODE management, teachers, and staff in guiding students to this achievement. First Assistant Secretary for Flexible, Open and Distance Education & Inclusive Education (FODE&IE) Division, Andrew Angobe, commended the graduating class and highlighted the importance of FODE pathways in providing opportunities comparable to the formal school system. Deputy Secretary – Schools & Directorate, Walipe Wingi, underscored the significance of education and encouraged graduates to maintain determination in pursuing further studies, while acknowledging the contributions of teachers and staff. Keynote speaker, CDF Rear Admiral Philip Polewara, acknowledged the vital role FODE plays in offering second-chance educational opportunities to students outside the formal school system and stressed the importance of education in helping students achieve their life goals. The ceremony concluded with closing remarks from Principal Anthony Rayappan, who encouraged graduates to continue their studies with perseverance, emphasizing that their dedication would prepare them to become future leaders contributing to national development.

The Provincial Member and Governor for Madang, Ramsey Pariwa, has assured that his commitment to addressing issues faced by the displaced Manam Islanders remains steadfast and he pledges to build their human resource capacity going forward.Speaking during the presentation of a K218,200 cheque to the new Fr Frank Zuccolo Memorial Manam High School at the Potsdam care centre in Bogia District of Madang over the weekend, Pariwa said due to their situation and unavailability of land, human resource would be the solution to empower the people of Manam and improve their living standards."I am confident that human resource will bring Manam forward," Pariwa said."With the current situation, we all know that there is no other way Manam people can sustain themselves, except through human resource and that can be achieved if we invest in the education of our children," he said."I have realized that there is potential in our young generation because I've come across many elite Manam people who are well educated and living successful lives both in PNG and abroad," Pariwa said."Most of them are household names in Madang Town, Port Moresby and elsewhere," he said."So, we will cultivate Human Resource for the people of Manam from today going forward in the next 50 years and beyond," Pariwa said.When questioned by a representative of the Chiefs (Kukurai) of Manam if special consideration would be given to Manam students attending tertiary institutions under the Provincial Government's Sir Peter Barter Scholarship school fee subsidy scheme, Pariwa assured them that he has taken it into consideration and will bring it up with the scholarship committee to act on it because education remains a priority under his government.Governor Pariwa also told the Manam people that should they come across any issues they can always feel free to see him as his office is always open to everyone from all over Madang Province.Board Chairman of the newly established Manam High School, Gabriel Sila, in a very moving speech, reminded Governor Pariwa of the hardships they have faced while trying to ensure that their children pursue education and make it in life."As Chairman, what I am going to say is a sad story for us Manam people especially our children," Sila said."There was a situation that has happened and one of our kids lost his life and this has driven us to work towards what you see before you, a school of our own and we are so proud having come this far," he said."Even though we had no money, we have parents gave support in whatever little way we could, and the Yabu Local Level Government stepped in and helped to build this school," Sila said.He concluded that they still need classrooms, teachers house, clean drinking water and sanitation and electricity source to ensure effective operation of the new Manam High School.Madang Provincial Education Director, Mr. Alphonse Igag, who also attended the program and took note of the school boards concern of registration, assured the board and management that the issue will be sorted out before school starts next year."I can confirm that this school is the only school in the province that has all the necessary infrastructure and qualified to be a registered junior high school," he said."This school came about mainly through the support of Manam people who quietly build this school without noise," Igag said. "So, first thing next year, we will bring School Registration Compliance Committee to do a check list and make sure they give junior high school status given your situation," he said.Igag reiterated that most schools in Madang have applied to attain junior high school status but were rejected because they did not have the necessary infrastructure having relied in infrastructures belonging to the primary school.Former Madang Governor, James Yali, who accompanied Governor Pariwa to the program also stressed on the struggles of the Manam people since the eruption in 2004."Governor, in 2004 you were in secondary school when the eruption occured and I know you understand their issue well," Yali told Pariwa."Manam people are resilient and very intelligent because their cultural structure made them resilient," he said."We can sort out other issues but if we don't sort out Manam issue, then we will still have problems as they have been disadvantaged for the past 20 plus years," Yali said.Chief of Yasa Village, Willie Rupunai, when speaking on behalf of the Manam Chiefs called on Governor Pariwa to give special consideration to the Manam children in terms of their education."I apologize that we Manam people are a constant liability to your government," he said. "We Manam people have been like this for too long, which you are well aware, and we have been regularly visiting your office," Rupunai said."Regarding the scholarship, we Manam people feel that it's too much and can you at least pay 75 percent of the fees for our students attending tertiary Institutions?" he asked Governor Pariwa.Rupunai said it would be a relief to the parents if they can get some consideration in the education sector as their children will be their human resource to support them in the future financially given their current status.

Police investigators in the NCD- Central command are investigation the boat accident that occurred over the weekend just outside the city of Port Moresby that claimed the lives of four (4) people. According to police, the 4 individuals including a woman died in a boat accident that occurred in the waters between Gereka and Lion Island on Saturday. Several others were fortunately rescued.The acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Benjamin Turi, confirmed that his officers in the Criminal Investigation Division are investigating the incident."I had assigned the Criminal Investigation Division officers to investigate the boat owners and those who organized the event to see if they had taken into consideration the safety of the people they invited when traveling out to sea. It was an unfortunate situation, and I want the relatives of those who are victims to assist the police with the investigation and not blame the Gereka locals or do anything that is not right. The party was organized, and those who were part of it are related to each other in one way or another. We must not blame innocent people,” stated ACP Turi. “The boat operator must surrender himself to the police. He must not hide from the police because many people have lost their lives, and the others are also victims of this boat tragedy. I want him to surrender to the police and provide his statement on what happened.” ACP Turi also strongly advised the collaboration of the National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) to ensure that those who were involved in any way in the incident are held accountable for their actions. He said the investigation team will look at the status of each individual who was on the boat and how many passengers were on the boat when the incident happened.Meanwhile, in light of this boat tragedy, Turi stressed that boat safety must always be priority. "Overloading and boat operators operating the boat under the influence of alcohol might be some of the causes of the deaths, but we will wait for the investigation team to update us when they complete their investigation. Otherwise, the public is asked to always take care and be safety conscious when traveling on boats.”He said the function was attended by Remington Technology employees, most of whom reside in the Gereka area.

Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Benjamin Turi has confirmed that Drugs and Alcohol Testing kits have been received and tests will be implemented in the command next week.Police officers in the National Capital District (NCD) and Central Provinces will now be tested for drugs and alcohol, according to ACP Turi. Moreover, ACP Turi added that the Commissioner of Police, David Manning, had launched the alcohol and drug initiative last year, but it was withdrawn due to a lack of available equipment. "Now that we have the machines in place, the Internal Affairs Directorate officers will be moving around to conduct testing on all police officers in the command. This is good because we want our officers to be in a good state of mind to carry out their policing duties.” “The tests will be administered to police drivers whom we suspect are under the influence of liquor while on duty driving police vehicles. The IIU officers have been directed that testing is compulsory for all members in the command to ensure everyone is in the right state of mind when performing their duties," ACP Turi said. Meanwhile, Turi added that the alcohol and drug testing machines will be used, and reports will be provided to the management to ensure discipline and positive workforce. Officers who are found to be taking drugs or consuming liquor will be dealt with accordingly. ACP Turi said during the launching of the two machines, two officers were tested with the machines to confirmed that they give proper reading. The readings were all negative.

The Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) concluded its 20th Ordinary Congress on December 5, 2025.Delegates endorsed several significant resolutions aimed at strengthening governance, expanding membership, and elevating the national teams’ identity. The Congress brought together affiliated Member Associations, regional delegates, and key football stakeholders to review the progress of the game and approve strategic directions for the coming years. 1.    Three New Member Associations Granted Full Membership The Congress formally recognized and endorsed the following regional associations as fully-fledged Member Associations of PNGFA: •     Alotau Soccer Association •     Wewak Soccer Association •     Vanimo Soccer Association Their elevation to full membership acknowledges their compliance with PNGFA statutes, sustained football activity, and administrative capacity. The inclusion of these associations strengthens PNGFA’s national footprint and supports the development of football in Milne Bay, East Sepik and West Sepik provinces. 2.    PNG Women’s National Team Officially Renamed “PNG Bilums” The Congress unanimously endorsed the adoption of a new official name for the PNG Women’s National Team. The team will now be known as the: PNG BILUMS This replaces the former nickname “Lakatois”, marking a refreshed identity that reflects national culture, unity, and the strength of women across Papua New Guinea. The bilum- an iconic national symbol of creativity, resilience, and connection- represents the values that the women’s team carries on the regional and global stage. The PNGFA will begin integrating the new name into all competitions, communications, branding, and team representation. 3.    Endorsement of PNGFA Judicial Bodies To ensure transparency, integrity, and good governance within football, Congress confirmed the appointment and endorsement of the following judicial bodies: •     Appeals Committee •     Ethics Committee •     Disciplinary Committee These committees will oversee matters relating to ethics, disciplinary actions, and appeals in accordance with PNGFA Statutes and aligned with FIFA and OFC governance standards. Moreover, the PNGFA President and the Executive Committee extended their appreciation to all delegates, regional leaders, and partners for their continued support. The resolutions passed reflect PNGFA’s commitment to strengthening governance, expanding representation, and enhancing the identity and professionalism of football in Papua New Guinea.

St. Michael’s Brahman Secondary School in Madang province, has taken a big step into digital education with the official launch of its first Learning Management System (LMS).This new system is designed to improve teaching and learning for students in the Usino-Bundi district. The launch took place after the school’s Grade 8, 10 and 12 graduation ceremony on November 30th, 2025. Vincent Ambane Kumura, Member for Usino-Bundi, officiated the event and described the LMS as a milestone achievement for rural schools in Madang. Mr. Kumura said the new system will help close the digital gap by giving students access to online learning materials, better classroom interaction, and modern tools needed in today’s world. Mr. Kumura thanked Dr. Zureken, the Madang Provincial Education Team, District Education officers, and the school’s staff and management for making this initiative possible. He added that his team, in partnership with Lighthouse International, has a shipment of computers on the way from Townsville. These computers come with an electronic library and can integrate with the new Learning Management System to further strengthen digital learning at the school. Teachers and students expressed their excitement, saying the system will support assignments, assessments, digital resources, and real-time communication. Meanwhile, the School Principal Mr. Malagen, also said that the LMS will reduce paperwork and help students develop the digital skills needed for higher education and future employment. The launch marks an important turning point for Brahman Secondary School and is another step forward in the digital transformation of schools across Madang Province.

The residents of Kulel, Ward 8, Astrolabe Bay Local Level Government (LLG), in Rai Coast District of Madang province, now have improved access to healthcare with the successful construction of a new Community Health Post (CHP).The project was realized with a K75, 000 grant from the Rai Coast District Development Authority (RDDA). The CHP will serve the large, inland community of Ward 8, which is currently located far from the coast and other health services. The funding was approved last year when Minister Sawang and the RDDA team visited Kulel and held a DDA meeting. Recognizing the critical need for local health services, DDA members allocated the necessary funds based on a proposal submitted by community leaders. The construction was a success thanks to significant community input and volunteer efforts. Residents demonstrated remarkable dedication by volunteering to carry the majority of building materials from the coast up to the construction site. Minister Sawang was thanked by Kulel leaders for allocating the funds to assist with the new CHP. Meanwhile, Andrew Tekma, the newly elected Councilor for Ward 8, also expressed his gratitude to the Minister for supporting his ward with the vital funding. This project is part of a broader effort by the RDDA to address the deterioration of health infrastructure across the district. Moreover, Minister Sawang affirmed that Health remains a key priority for the DDA, stating that more CHPs in rural locations will be constructed as funding becomes available. Due to the ward’s current lack of road access, quickly transporting patients for further assistance remains a major difficulty. The new CHP will, however, ensure immediate health intervention for the community members who are currently far removed from coastal facilities.

The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) Regular Recruitment Training is now open for interested applicants residing only in National Capital District (NCD), Central and Gulf Provinces.RPNGC wishes to advise the general public that applications are open, and applicants shortlisted from this drive will form part of Batch 02/2025 who will undergo Regular Recruit Training in April 2026. Moreover, a separate call out Advertisement for the 2026 Regular Recruit Training covering all provinces across PNG will be released early next year. This recruitment drive forms part of the National Government’s strategic commitment to increase the national police strength to 10,000 personnel by the year 2030, in line with the ongoing law and justice sector reforms. To support this directive, the Constabulary aims to recruit approximately 700 new recruits per intake from 2026 onwards. To enhance recruitment process, the RPNGC through its Human Resource Directorate has introduced the Online Recruitment Portal System. All applications for the 2025–2026 intake will be processed strictly through this digital platform, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and equal accessibility for all applicants nationwide. Following challenges of internet access and low digital Literacy for young confident candidates in rural areas especially grade 12 school leavers, the RPNGC Recruitment Team from Police Headquarters will conduct a scheduled provincial awareness and walk in application support tour to assist applicants across the country starting with Central and Gulf Province. During these visits, the RPNGC Team will: Conduct public awareness sessions on how to navigate and use the Online Recruitment Portal,Provide hands-on assistance in completing and submitting online applications,Offer guidance and clarification on eligibility criteria, required documents, and the overall recruitment process, andSupport applicants experiencing connectivity issues or lacking basic ICT resources. An information brochure outlining details about the RPNGC, entry requirements, and step-by-step application instructions will also be distributed for public consumption. Additionally, an animation video demonstrating how to apply via the online portal will also be published on the RPNGC website as a guide for interested applicants. The Constabulary is committed to ensuring that all eligible Papua New Guineans regardless of location, are given a fair and equal opportunity to apply. All interested applicants are encouraged from NCD, Central, and Gulf to take advantage of the Open call-out and begin submitting applications via the Online Recruitment Portal.

The Australian Government, through its Team Up program, is making a positive impact in Papua New Guinea by partnering with local sporting organizations to use sport as a platform for promoting social change.As part of the global 20 Days of Activism campaign, Team Up partners recently conducted a series of activities aimed at promoting gender equality, respect, and empowerment. These initiatives highlighted how sport can unite communities, foster inclusivity, and drive progress. One of the standout events took place on Women Human Rights Defenders Day, when AFL PNG’s Pilai Long Senis program led a collaborative visit to Bomana Correctional Services. The visit was joined by other Team Up partners and focused on engaging women inmates in discussions about human rights, wellbeing, and empowerment. Through the use of sport, the visit aimed to promote physical and mental health, resilience, and the importance of community support. Participants were introduced to a variety of sports, each with a focus on teamwork and skill-building: Australian Football League (AFL) drills, led by AFL PNG. Basketball fundamentals through Basketball PNG’s Basketball4Good program. Teamwork and collaboration exercises from Hockey PNG’s Hook In4 Health initiative. Rugby League skills through NRL PNG’s League Bilong Laif program. The day culminated in interactive games and mini matches, reinforcing the values of respect, inclusion, and teamwork. Bomana Prison Chief Inspector, Mrs. Iuki Gerason, praised the initiative, noting that the activities offered inmates a valuable opportunity to engage in positive, uplifting experiences. "Their participation in these activities makes a significant difference. It provides relief from sadness and depression and contributes to improving health.”

Three suspects were apprehended and an M4 rifle was confiscated by the members of the Special Operations on Wednesday 3rd December, who monitoring the on-going tribal conflict at Wapenamanda in Enga province.Members of the Special Operations swiftly neutralized the situation between 8pm and 9pm at the vicinity of the Wapenamanda airport, following executing warning shots into the air. Under the command of Commander Anthony Wagambi (Jnr), the three suspects were immediately transported to Mt. Hagen city in Western Highlands to be detained and processed by the Investigative Task Force attached to the Special Operations. Moreover, Wapenamanda station is home to the Yakuman tribe who are in a tribal conflict with neighboring Yangukim and Itoken tribes. The Yakuman tribe, which is a signatory to the Wapenamanda Peace Agreement sign in Port Moresby quite recently, has since stopped fighting in honor of the provisions of the Peace Agreement to lay down arms and surrender suspects. Eighteen (18) of their tribesmen were apprehended last Friday by members of the Special Operations for failing to comply with terms of the Peace Agreement. Meanwhile, earlier that afternoon the Yakuman tribe handed over two of their suspects to the Mediation Team led by ACP Western End Joseph Tondop. According to Mr. Tondop, the two suspects were not the main suspects involved in the initial killings, but his mediation team accepted them only for formal clearance. Yakuman tribe has also failed to handover the firearm confiscated from police in Wapenamanda earlier in the conflict to ACP Tondop. They instead informed the Mediation Team that the police issued firearm was taken by their opposing Yangukim tribe during one of their confrontations. Mr. Tondop did not accept their reason for not returning the firearm and gave them an ultimatum till tomorrow to surrender the main suspects and return the police issued firearm.

School students living in communities along the Kikori River in the Gulf province can expect to learn in new and improved learning facilities next year when they start the new school year.Thanks to the Minera Resources Development Company (MRDC) working in collaboration with Gas Resources PNGLNG Pipeline Ltd, vital educational facilities in schools in Kikori were improved and commissioned recently. Known as waterway projects, the facilities were built in schools situated along the Kikori River system which includes Kopi Primary School, Kitomave Primary School, Veiru Primary School, and Babaguina Elementary School.The facilities commissioned include classrooms and teachers’ houses, critical to improving the education experience in the community.MRDC Managing Director Augustine Mano was pleased that children in such remote part of Gulf province would have access to quality learning facilities.The classrooms and teachers ‘houses were delivered under the MRDC managed Community Investment Trust Fund (CITF) program.The CITF program is aimed at providing critical services in Health, Education, Social and Economic sectors to improve the quality of life of project beneficiaries.“Education is a powerful tool to empower our children from our resource project communities, and this investment reaffirms MRDC and its subsidiaries focus in this area,” Mr. Mano said.“Isolated by the river system, sometimes the geography and change in weather conditions impact the teachers and students’ movement, learning, teaching and living conditions using the old facilities. These new buildings will provide a more comfortable and conducive education environment for the teachers and the students.”Through the CITF program, over K80 million has been spent since 2017 in providing critical infrastructures in project impacted communities.These communities in Kikori are PNG LNG Pipeline landowners who get royalty and equity payments from the PNG LNG project because the gas pipeline runs through their land.Approximately 30% of their royalty and equity benefits are spent on the CITF program managed by MRDC.