Four young athletes; Kondup Samson Wailo, Mark Sondo, Nelson Samson Wailo, and Clinton Hanku will be representing Papua New Guinea in Sydney, Australia on the 5th of December at the World Kickboxing Championships.Thanks to the assistance of The National Youth Development Authority in partnership with the PNG Kick Boxing Federation, these youngsters will be participating not just in the World Championships but also pre-championship fights leading to the main event starting on November 28th. Hanku will kick off the first international fight in the 67kg. Meanwhile his fellow athletes will partake later in the 88kg (Nelson Samson Wailo), 94kg (Kondup Samson Wailo) and 96kg (Mark Sondo). The Director General of the National Youth Development Authority, Mr. Joe Itaki, expressed his gratitude to PNG Kick Boxing Federation President, Mr. Stanley Nandex, for providing second-chance opportunities to youth through kickboxing. He emphasized that involving young people, particularly those at the grassroots level, in constructive activities like sports not only exposes them to new opportunities but also offers economic benefits, helping them sustain their livelihoods. This initiative aligns with the new National Youth Engagement Strategy, and the travel support provided by the NYDA highlights the positive impact of their ongoing partnership with the PNGKBF. It aims to create valuable opportunities for youth, promoting national pride, international exposure, and community leadership through sports.

In light of recent accusations made by the Member of Chuave James Nomane regarding the Marape- Rosso Government’s fiscal record, the prime minister has come out to dismiss them as misleading, describing them as politically driven accusations. Prime Minister James Marape said the Government remains firmly committed to responsible fiscal management, economic diversification, debt stabilization, and strengthening of provincial and district funding systems, despite the unprecedented global shocks that have affected economies worldwide since 2019. Prime Minister Marape said it is irresponsible and misleading to ignore the global realities that shaped every country’s fiscal position.“Between 2019 and 2025 the world endured COVID-19, international inflation, supply-chain disruptions, higher fuel prices, geopolitical conflicts, and collapsing commodity markets.Every major economy — Australia, New Zealand, the UK, the US — increased borrowing to protect services and livelihoods. PNG was no different.”He said the Government ensured the protection of essential services during this period, keeping schools open, hospitals functioning, law-and-order operations running, SME support programmes active, and ensuring no public servant went unpaid.Prime Minister Marape said commentary on debt must be matched with acknowledgment of PNG’s unprecedented GDP expansion.“Over the last six years, we have grown the economy faster than at any other time in our history — adding K50 billion to GDP. No government before us has achieved this level of expansion. “In 2019, we set a target to grow our economy beyond K200 billion, and we have now added K50 billion on top of the K79 billion economy we inherited from O’Neill in 2018.”“Our deficit peaked at 8.9% in 2020 due to COVID-19. Since then, deficits have declined every year — now under 3%, next year under 2%, and we remain firmly on track for abalanced budget by 2027.” He said the Government has restructured debt, secured long-term concessional financing, improved revenue compliance and strengthened the overall fiscal position.

The St Francis TVET Centre proudly marked its 35th Graduation Ceremony – another step in fulfilling its commitment to equipping young Papua New Guineans with vital technical and vocational skills.A total of 223 students graduated this year under full sponsorship from Jason Peter, Member for Huon Gulf and Minister for Community Development, Youths and Religion. His strong support for education continues to create opportunities for families across the district, enabling young people to develop their skills and pursue meaningful careers. Minister Peter further reinforced his commitment by announcing that more young men and women are encouraged to enroll at St Francis TVET in 2026, assuring that he is prepared to continue providing full scholarships. This sustained support reflects his clear vision for empowering youth, fostering community development, and building long-term human resource capacity in Huon Gulf District and throughout Papua New Guinea (PNG). The St Francis TVET Centre conveys its sincere gratitude to the Minister for his ongoing leadership and support. The Centre also acknowledges the dedication of its staff, parents, partners, and community leaders who continue to contribute to the institution’s success.

Australia reaffirms commitment to Papua New Guinea’s humanitarian assistance and disaster response at the 9th Provincial Disaster Coordinators’ Conference in Mt Hagen this week.  Australia was pleased to jointly sponsor the conference alongside the Government of Papua New Guinea and supported by the United Nations. This year’s theme was “50 years on: Reset, Realign, Resource, and Respond – Building Resilient Communities Together.” The National Disaster Centre (NDC) led conference brought together more than 100 Provincial Disaster Coordinators from across Papua New Guinea, key PNG Government agencies, development partners, donors and humanitarian specialists to consider how to bolster PNG’s disaster preparedness, response and management capabilities. Secretary for Defence and Chairman of the NDC Mr. Hari John Akipe delivered the keynote address, setting out the PNG Government’s priorities for building resilient communities and strengthening coordination across all levels of government. Representing Australia, Ms. Elizabeth Le Bas, Minister Counsellor at the Australian High Commission, presented at the conference highlighting Australia’s long history supporting humanitarian assistance to PNG during disasters, as well as its strategic assistance in preparedness and community resilience. Ms. Le Bas emphasized Australia’s commitment to working side by side with the PNG Government in responding to disasters. “Australia stands with Papua New Guinea in building resilient communities.” “Australia is proud to be the first responder to support the PNG Government’s disaster response efforts, and we are committed to working with key PNG stakeholders to carry out preparedness, response and recovery efforts.” Ms. Le Bas stated that the PGK68 million humanitarian and disaster relief package announced at the recent Ministerial Forum will support PNG’s disaster management and response capabilities. Australia and Papua New Guinea’s close cooperation on disaster management reflects the depth of the broader bilateral relationship, said Le Bas. “In times of disaster, Australia is a trusted partner, working with Papua New Guinea side by side and step by step to protect lives, livelihoods and communities.” The humanitarian and disaster relief package announced in October responds to the priorities identified by Minister Billy Joseph and the PNG Government, and includes: Construction of new humanitarian warehouses to strengthen PNG’s ability to respond rapidly to disasters across the country. A twinning partnership between Australia’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the PNG National Disaster Centre (NDC) to enhance capacity building, training and institutional links. Scoping for the construction of an emergency command and control centre in Port Moresby to improve risk monitoring and coordination of disaster responses at national level. This builds on a broad suite of Australian support already in place to work with the PNG Government and Provincial Disaster Coordinators, including through multilateral and non-government organizations. Australia supports the PNG Defence Force’s response efforts, including through the National Disaster Centre, and work with humanitarian partners to build the capacity and capability of the national humanitarian preparedness and response systems. “Australia maintains in-country humanitarian warehousing capabilities to enable timely deployment and distribution of lifesaving relief in the event of an emergency.” To build resilience, Australia supports the PNG Government and local communities to lead inclusive national adaptation and disaster risk reduction efforts to mitigate the shared threat of environmental disasters and continue support for capability in geohazards and forecasting through Geoscience Australia and the Bureau of Meteorology. “We also work with Australian and International NGOs and their local partners through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership to build community resilience and contribute to disaster and humanitarian response efforts.”

The Papua New Guinea (PNG) economy, despite global uncertainty along with the fluctuating commodity prices, continues to perform well and is set to further grow, something which the prime minister attributes to good policies and measures in place.According to the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank, PNG remains one of the fastest-growing economies in the Pacific, despite global uncertainty caused by trade tensions, slowing Chinese demand, and volatile commodity prices.PNG’s economy is projected to strengthen in 2025, with major international financial institutions forecasting growth between 4.2% and 4.7%, supported by improvements in the resource sector, expanding agriculture, and significant Government investment in infrastructure, education, and household relief measures. Prime Minister James Marape welcomed the latest assessments, saying they confirm that Government reforms, fiscal responsibility, and targeted support to families and businesses are positioning the country for long-term stability.“Through global shocks and domestic challenges, our economic fundamentals have held firm,” Prime Minister Marape said.“We remain committed to responsible fiscal management, diversification beyond extractives, better provincial and district funding systems, and reforms that place families and small businesses at the centre of economic recovery.”

COMMUNITIES living along the Transgogol road from Bau in the Ambenob Local Level Government (LLG) up to Mawan in the Transgogol LLG of Madang will now have access to better upgraded road system as contractors have begun road works in this inland part of Madang Province.The road upgrade project, funded by the Madang Provincial Government under the leadership of the Provincial Member and Governor, Ramsey Pariwa, at the cost of K500,000 has seen contractor Kobimel Construction commencing work last week with 2 kilometres already cleared. During the launch of the road upgrade program on Tueday, 18th November 2025 at Bau Village, mothers who frequent the markets, PMV owners and the community at large, expressed gratitude towards their government for this vital infrastructure which was neglected for the past 7 years. Sofain Niku, a mother from Efu village who frequents the market at 4 Mile to sell betelnuts and garden food said lack of transportation especially PMVs has been an issue which affects them. "Every day we do marketing but because of the road, we do not have many PMVs travelling to town and back and it affects our routine to sell our products and buy basic necessities from the store," Niku said. "Sometimes our children who attend schools in town turn up late for classes and our families who are working are also late for work," she said. Niku said drunken youths sometimes capitalize on the situatuon and intimidate them while they travel to the markets and back especially on the weekends. Nillah Kikireng, another mother who is married to Dahe Village shared similar sentiments saying most times they become stranded at the markets at 4 Mile and town late in the afternoons because PMVs refused to operate late due to law and order issues where youths stop PMVs along the worst parts of the highway. Ambenob LLG Ward 20 Councilor, Jonah Gulul, whose area stretches from Suyau Mountain all the way to Weliwel Village along the road project upgrade area says the road upgrade is a relief for the simple people in the village. "The project gives hope to us the villages along this part if the highway and those inlands who frequent the highway daily to access basic services, mothers going to the market and students who attend schools in town and those working," Gulul said. "For 7 solid years we've seen this road condition worsen because of neglect by our government," he said. "We are a bit okay but my heart cries for our people at the back like Mawan and those along the Utu road and further inland," Gulul said. New Ambenon LLG Ward 21 Councilor, Libok Sawan, who also expressed the same sentiments as his counterpart, Jonah Gulul, said the negligence of this particular economically viable infrastructure clearly indicates the negligence from the Madang District Administration. "This road is our lifeline to access government services such as schools and aid posts and we appreciate the Madang Provincial Government for allocating funding for its upgrade and thanked the Governor for coming down to our level and addressing our needs," Sawan said. Upon thanking the Governor for engaging a local contractor who understands the geography of the area, Sawan added that locals have PMVs but with the road condition, it's costly to maintain them. Provincial Member and Governor for Madang, Ramsey Pariwa, who skipped a day of Parliament sitting to attend the program told the people that he understands their needs as road infrastructure is the vital connection for the rural population to basic government service and contributes to economic development. "My first reason for funding the road upgrade is because of the education service. We have two schools here, Transgogol High School and Bau Vocational and with better road access, our children will travel to and from school with ease to get educated and contribute to nation building," Pariwa said. "Secondly, is because we have plans in place to extend this road connection from Mawan to Wanuma. We have approved their new LLG and it's only proper that we give them road access," he said. Madang PTD Works Project Supervisor Michael Sakarim assured the people that the DoWH will be on standby to support the contractor Kobimel Construction wherever necessary to ensure that the upgrade is completed on time and within budget to ensure smooth flow of services. "2014 was when I last saw the condition of the road and seeing its current status now, I am saddened by what I see," he said. "Our machines from DoWH will come and support this upgrade project," Sakarim said. "The Governor has put funding into Works for road projects to service the people not only in this area, but also in other parts of the province and we are commited to play our part in this road projects," he said. Meantime, Sakarim assured the Governor that the Transgogol to Poata road works which will continue to Akraski and Ramu River is progressing. Kobimel Construction Director, Sule Kuri, gave assurance to the Madang Provincial Government and the people that his team is committed to complete the project as per their contract within the given time and budget.

An old man who is believed to be a glassman and often claims to have the power to identify supposed sorcerers has been arrested and formally charged under the Glassman Act 2022 for inciting violence that resulted in torture, killings, and the displacement of more than 100 people across four villages in Kerowagi (Simbu) and Banz (Jiwaka). Kerowagi Police Station confirmed the suspect, in his 50s from Moroma Village in the Kerowagi District, was apprehended by police at Ganiga Market last Friday. He was charged on Monday this week with offences under Glassman Act 520(b), willful murder, and arson. Police said the suspect is charged relate to a major incident in Moroma Village which occurred back in September. The suspect is also alleged to have instigated three incidents in Barawagi, Duagona, and Kombulno between 2023 and 2025. Police said the suspect had been moving between communities claiming to be a glassman who could identify sorcerers whenever sickness or deaths occurred. His accusations reportedly triggered brutal attacks, the killing of innocent women, and the destruction of homes and properties. PNG Tribal Foundation President GT Bustin said the Foundation has supported police and survivors throughout all four incidents. “We have been working closely with the Kerowagi CID team since last week, which resulted in the arrest of this glassman,” Bustin said. “Our support has included logistics for police and essential supplies for victims.” Tribal Foundation has records of three deaths, including a mother and child in Barawagi, six survivors with severe injuries from torture, and homes burned as a result of the suspect’s accusations. Kerowagi police station, arresting officer Detective Willie Keba said the suspect has been charged in relation to the Moroma case due to strong evidence and witness support, however investigations into the three additional incidents are still pending at this time.

More than 86 teachers from Goilala in Central Province have significantly strengthened their skills and confidence in fostering inclusive and safe learning environments, thanks to a recent comprehensive training initiative.The recent training, a collaboration between the Central Provincial Division of Education, the Catholic Diocese of Bereina, the National Department of Education, and the Australian-funded Partnerships for Improving Education program, highlighted the importance of including every child in teaching and learning. For educators in some of Papua New Guinea’s most remote schools, the experience was transformative. Mr. Kanansio Kito, the teacher-in-charge at Kerau Primary School, noted that the training opened his eyes to drawing on policies more effectively. “Before this session, I did not know much about GESI (Gender Equality and Social Inclusion) and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene).” “I am now ready to implement these new policies,” said Mr. Kito, a 14-year veteran at the school. Mr. Francis Paru, who has taught at Kivori Primary School for eleven years, described the training as transformative. “The training showed me how to maintain a safe and hygienic environment for both school and community.” He highlighted that the policies provided practical strategies for promoting equal participation in class and preventing the spread of illness, ensuring every student has the opportunity to learn. This policy in-service, supported by Australia’s Partnerships for Improving Education program, has now reached over 700 teachers and almost 100 education officials acting as trainers. The initiative has not only equipped teachers with critical knowledge but also empowered them to champion inclusive and safe education practices. As these educators return to their classrooms, they are determined to share what they have learnt, foster equity, and nurture the potential of every student. The Partnerships for Improving Education is a $75 million AUD, 5-year Australian Government program delivered through the PNG-Australia Partnership, focusing on supporting quality education for all children in the early grades (Prep – Grade 2).

A change is underway in Hela Province, where young men are being supported to find new pathways away from violence and drug abuse.Led by Sister Claire Lembo of the Hela Family Support Centre, the “No Health Without Mental Health” program is delivering targeted training to promote wellbeing, behavior change and resilience. In late October of this year, the Hela Family Support Centre, supported by the Australia–PNG Law and Justice Partnership Community Justice Fund, delivered its latest “No Health Without Mental Health” training in Hiwanda Village, Tari-Pori District for 41 participants, including youths and two women. Sister Claire was joined by co-facilitator Mr. Luke Ango, known locally as ‘BigBook’, whose deep knowledge of Hela’s history and culture helps guide participants through difficult truths. “Community Justice Fund brukim history blo Hela lo bringim kaikai go daun lo ol ples lain,” (“Community Justice made history in Hela by training to the villagers”) said Sister Claire, reflecting on the significance of bringing mental health education directly to village communities. Delivered in the local Huli language, the training helped participants explore mental health as a holistic concept and to reflect on their role within their families and communities. “This is the best description of mental health I have ever heard,” said one male participant. Another, aged around 14, shared: “I smoked marijuana, consumed homebrew and assisted the fighting, but now I am going to change and go back to school.” The training’s impact was immediate and visible. By Day Two, participants arrived clean, well-groomed and focused. Many of the weapons carried for protection were left at the door, and phones were silenced, so everyone could focus on the training. One man, who left mid-session to join a nearby fight, returned the next day to apologies. “I realized I did the wrong thing. I will not do that again.” In addition, women also played a vital role in the success of the training, both as attendees and in encouraging male family members to join. “As a mother, I plead for my sons to change,” said one female participant, who encouraged youth to attend church and seek peace. Meanwhile, in November 2024, Hela Family Support Centre received a K25,000 grant to pilot the mental health training in Hela. Following strong community engagement and positive outcomes, the program is now being expanded across more communities. Australia is proud to support locally led initiatives like this, to strengthen community resilience, promote inclusive development and contribute to safer, healthier futures for all Papua New Guineans.

The Sumkar Tertiary Students Union (STSU) has commenced an educational awareness drive across schools in Sumkar District, bringing together university students to inspire, guide and equip younger learners with vital information about tertiary education pathways.STSU representative and DWU Madang student team leader, Nicholas Gamuna said the program involves tertiary students from four major institution, the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG), the University of Goroka (UOG), Divine Word University (DWU) and the University of Technology (UOT)working collectively to motivate students to take education seriously and understand opportunities available after completing high school. Gamuna said the main focus of the awareness is to encourage students to value education, learn about courses offered in different universities, and appreciate the growing need for qualified human resources within Sumkar. “Our younger generations must understand the importance of education,” he said. “We want them to know what courses are available, what career paths they can follow, and why Sumkar needs more trained professionals. Our district lacks human resource, so we must empower our students now.” He acknowledged strong support from the district’s leadership, adding that the local MP has prioritized education and sponsored many students to pursue studies in tertiary institutions across the country. “We see our MP doing great work and putting education first. Many of us are in tertiary institutions because of his sponsorship. This awareness drive is the least we can do to give back and create a positive impact in our district,” Gamuna said. The union also expressed gratitude to Hon. Alexander Suguman, who assisted the team with K5,000, supporting logistics and enabling the awareness program to proceed as planned. So far, the awareness team has visited Talidik and Mirap Primary School, reaching students with motivational messages and career guidance. However, the group was unable to visit Megiar Primary School after the school administration did not respond to their request for approval. Gamuna said the union remains hopeful that Megiar will consider such opportunities in the future, as exposure to tertiary students helps young learners broaden their understanding of life “outside the box.” He added that the Sumkar Tertiary Students Union is the first of its kind in the district, and its leaders are committed to strengthening the initiative in the years ahead. Meanwhile, the union has released updated dates for its awareness program, now scheduled to begin on 17 November 2025. According to the revised schedule, the program will open at Talidik High School on 17 November, followed by Mirap Primary School on 18 November. The team is expected at Divine Mercy Secondary on 19 November, though this session is yet to be confirmed. On 20 November, the awareness drive will continue at Karkar Secondary School in the morning before moving to Ilu Bangme Primary School in the afternoon. The team will proceed to Anul Lutheran High School on 21 November, and conclude the program at Dangsai High School on 22 November. The union is calling on school administrations, students and community members to take note of the revised program and support the visiting tertiary students as they deliver the education awareness.

The Department of Community Development, Youth and Religion recently concluded a successful three-day Financial Literacy Training Workshop from 12th to 14th November 2025 at St. Theresa Catholic Church Hall in Kamkumung, Lae, Morobe Province.The workshop aimed at enhancing the financial knowledge and skills of participants, including informal market vendors, youths, widowed mothers, and persons living with disabilities from the West Taraka community. Organized by Ben Pamundi, Huon Gulf District Community Development Officer (CDO) and Welfare Officer, the training focused on two critical modules: Budgeting and Savings. These topics were specifically designed to improve the financial capacity of participants, particularly those engaged in the informal market sector. Through practical lessons, 60 attendees learned effective methods for managing daily earnings, planning expenses, and building sustainable saving habits. Sessions were led by Cecilia Wrondimi, Assistant Director of the Informal Economy Section, who provided tailored financial advice, suited to small-scale earners. One of the major achievements of the workshop was the opening of bank accounts for all participants with the Women’s Micro Bank, ensuring greater access to financial services. In addition, each participant was registered for paramedic insurance, offering essential financial protection and access to healthcare services. Alongside the financial literacy training, the Department launched its Community Needs Assessment (CNA) initiative, utilizing the KOBO online data-collection platform. This tool enables the real-time collection of vital community data on indicators such as the presence of persons with disabilities, cases of abuse and violence, offenders and vulnerable groups, access to health facilities, police stations, and other community service gaps. The data gathered will play a crucial role in guiding future planning and government interventions in areas most in need of support. The CNA operations in Morobe and East Sepik Provinces are coordinated by Marina Abala, while field implementation, verification, and reporting are overseen by Opama Henry, DCDC Officer for both provinces. A spokesperson from the Department noted that financial empowerment combined with accurate community data was critical for improving livelihoods and strengthening social protection. “These initiatives ensure our communities have both the knowledge and evidence needed to support sustainable development.”

Like father like son; the eldest son of the Member for Kairuku Electorate Peter Isoaimo has taken after his father to become a leader of his people, being elected to office as the President of the Vanapa Brown Local Level Government (LLG) in the Hiri Koiari Electorate of Central province.Francis Isoaimo Namea was officially declared the President of Vanapa Brown Local Level Government, securing the mandate with 3,731 votes after the 9th exclusion on Saturday 15th November 2025. His victory marks not only a personal achievement but also, a powerful moment in the history of leadership within the Hiri-Koiari District, Central Province.Francis’s election represents a blend of youthful energy and inherited wisdom. Residents across Vanapa Brown have expressed optimism that the new president will bring fresh ideas while upholding the values of service and integrity embodied by his father.In his maiden speech, President-elect Francis delivered a heartfelt acknowledgment of the people and systems that enabled a peaceful and successful election. He commended the tireless efforts of electoral officials who ensured the election proceeded smoothly and transparently.“I want to acknowledge our ancestors of the Motu Koita, Koiari, and Doura people, on whose land we stand. Their legacy and presence guide us today,” he said.“My appreciation goes to the ARO (Assistant Returning Officer), polling officials, counting officials, and the entire team who worked tirelessly. I also thank the police and security personnel who maintained order and ensured this was a safe LLG election for everyone.” Francis also extended deep gratitude to those who stood beside him throughout his campaign.“To my supporters, friends, and family — thank you for your faith, trust, and confidence in me. Thank you for mandating me as your leader. I am humbled and ready to serve. As your President, I stand ready to work with all of you. Together, we can bring the much-needed services that our communities have waited for — from infrastructure and education to health, law and order, and economic opportunities.”The election of Francis Isoaimo Namea marks a promising era for Vanapa Brown LLG. His ascent shows the strength of community trust and the continuity of leadership within the Isoaimo family. As he prepares to lead, many believe his blend of vision, dedication, and respect for tradition will guide Vanapa Brown toward more effective governance and improved service delivery.