The Sharks have bounced back in style from last week's defeat to down the Bulldogs 48-10 in front of a sell-out home crowd. Coming off a disappointing 54-10 defeat to the Storm, Craig Fitzgibbon's men were desperate to make amends with the Cronulla faithful, running in five first-half tries before piling on another 18-points in the second term. With all eyes on Nicho Hynes after the halfback missed selection in the NSW side for Origin II, the reigning Dally M Medallist had a shaky start with several errors but quickly took control of the match, featuring in several of his side's tries and running for 236 metres. Losing halfback Matt Burton to Blues camp earlier in the week, Cameron Ciraldo unveiled a new-look spine in Karl Oloapu and Kyle Flanagan and while the two sides traded sets for the first 10 minutes, the Sharks soon took the wind out of the Bulldogs' sails. Hynes put his stamp on the match early, having his hand in two early tries for the home side. Firstly, breaking through the Bulldogs line to streak downfield and opening up space for Teig Wilton to crash over the left edge in the next play and nine minutes later finding Braden Hamlin-Uele on the inside who surged over to make it 14-0. The Sharks extended their lead in the 24th minute when Hynes ignited a raid down the left-hand side, linking up with fullback Will Kennedy who created an overlap out wide for winger Ronaldo Mulitalo to score. The Bulldogs got on the board ten minutes before half-time when Kyle Flanagan got one against his former club. In his first game back since being dropped to NSW Cup in Round 9, Flanagan looked to have a point to prove when he fooled Sharks defenders, scooting from dummy half to burrow over the line and score. But the Sharks just about put the game out of reach late in the second half when hooker Blayke Brailey set up tries for forwards Cameron McInnes and Jack Williams who both barged over next to the posts, handing the home side a 30-4 lead at the break. The second half was all the Sharks with rookie Tom Hazelton crossing in the 47th minute for his first NRL try and putting the game out of reach, handing the Sharks a 30-point lead. Milestone man Briton Nikora crossed for his 30th career try, while centre Jesse Ramien got in on the action five minutes later, strolling across the line. A consolation try to Bulldogs forward Kurtis Morrin in the 71st minute brought the final score 48-10 but that's as close as the visitors came to reducing the deficit. Source: NRL.Com

The Cowboys continued their resurgence with a thrilling 27-23 golden point victory over the Panthers in Townsville on Friday night. On the back of an impressive win over Melbourne in Round 14, the Cowboys recovered from 20-12 down at half-time to claim another big scalp thanks to a superb solo try by Scott Drinkwater with two minutes to play in extra time. In the absence of their Origin stars it was playmaker Tom Dearden and returning big man Jason Taumalolo who came to the fore as the Cowboys racked up a seventh win of the season. In the early going it was the Panthers striking first after just three minutes on the back of a penalty against Chad Townsend for late contact on Jack Cogger after he had put in a kick. On the ensuing set the Panthers marched down field and Cogger launched a kick which was spilled by Zac Laybutt, with Izack Tago picking up the scraps to score his fifth try of the season. The home side hit back in the 13th minute when Dearden split the Panthers defence and send a perfectly timed pass inside for Drinkwater to score. Townsend converted to level the scores at 6-6. Panthers powerhouse Spencer Leniu got the ball over the line in the 18th minute but was penalised for a double movement and the Cowboys came away. Midway through the half the Cowboys had a second try when Laybutt put Kyle Feldt away down the left and the veteran winger sent a pinpoint kick back inside for Dearden to gather and score. Come the 25th minute and the premiers hit back when a left side shift featuring Dylan Edwards and Jaeman Salmon finished with Tago getting a free run to the line for his second try. Cogger failed to convert and the Cowboys led 12-10. A dropped ball by Semi Valemei in the 30th minute handed the Panthers field possession and they capitalised through Salmon, who broke through a couple of flimsy tackles from close range and the visitors led 16-12. Playing in just his second NRL match, Panthers winger Tom Jenkins had his first try when he crossed in the right hand corner after good lead-up by Salmon, Edwards and Tago. After leading 20-12 at the break the Panthers stretched their lead to 10 points when Valemei was penalised for getting in front of the kicker on a short dropout and Cogger slotted the goal. A first career try to Kulikefu Finefeuiaki in the 54th minute put the Cowboys right back in the contest at 22-18. The home side drew level in the 63rd minute when Feldt flew into the left corner before the teams traded sets in an attempt to break the deadlock. The Cowboys had a long range shot at field goal fall short before Cogger's attempt for the Panthers was charged down. With 90 seconds remaining it was Townsend who stood tall for the Cowboys, slotting his 15th career field goal to make it 23-22. Cogger then had another field goal attempt charged down but the ball rebounded to the Panthers who set for a shot again and the fill-in halfback nailed it to send the game to golden point. A dropped ball by Edwards on the halfway mark in the Panthers' first set handed the home side a golden opportunity but Luciano Leilua made a mistake on the second tackle to hand Edwards a shot at redemption but his field goal attempt sailed wide. A penalty against the Panthers for a strip then gave Feldt a shot from halfway but the kick was well wide of the mark and the battle continued. With two minutes to play in the second period a dropped ball by Tyrone Peachey gave the Cowboys possession and Drinkwater made the premiers pay with a weaving run to the line from 30 metres out to secure a stunning 27-23 win. Source:NRL.Com

Thanks to the Digicel PNG Foundation, another school in the country now has a double classroom to cater for the advancement of education. The Gawa Konda Primary School in Simbu province were recently blessed to have a fully kitted double classroom. Digicel Foundation has been investing in education for the past 15 years, as it believes that every child has the right to education. Through its Education Infrastructure Development Program, the Foundation announced the completion and launching of the new double classroom for the school. Gawa Konda Primary School is in ward 7 of Gena Waugla LLG of Kerowagi District in Simbu Province with a total of 430 students from grades one to eight. The school has been operating for five years now with little infrastructure. School Board member and community leader Mr. Michael Kigl thanked Digicel Foundation for the timely support of a new classroom. “The school previously had grades four to eight, and just this year took in grades one to three. With the addition of the three grades, the school desperately needed a new classroom to cater for the additional students.” On behalf of Gawa Konda Primary School and community, Mr. Kigl thanked the Digicel Foundation for the timely assistance of the new double classroom which will be used by their grade seven and eight classes. The project led by Chaperz Building Construction Company commenced in February this year and was completed over a period of three months at a cost of K350,000.00. The school and community assisted the construction workers with food and accommodation to ensure the successful completion of the project. This is the fifth primary school double classroom the Foundation has built in Simbu Province. The completed school infrastructure project comes with two fully furnished classrooms inclusive of 20 standard student desks, whiteboards, pin boards and teachers’ tables and chairs for each classroom. The project also includes a 9,000L Tuffa tank on a reinforced concrete base with a lockable tap to ensure the students have access to clean drinking water, and an additional two 900L Tuffa tanks are provided with a WASH facility for students. The official launch event was organized by the school and community. Jeremiah Mana, General Manager for Digicel PNG in Goroka was present to officiate the event. He said, “The DNA of Digicel, as our business grows, so too must our communities grow. A good education opens doors for children to escape poverty. And that is why, for the past 15 years, Digicel Foundation continues to invest in education to ensure the next generation of Papua New Guineans have access to opportunities, so that no child gets left behind.’’ Mr. Mana also asked the students to act responsibly and take care of the new classroom. Mr Mana was accompanied by Digicel PNG Sales, Marketing and Cellmoni teams who assisted the community with purchases and activations. Since its establishment in 2008, Digicel Foundation has invested over K169 million into social projects in all 22 provinces across PNG. In Simbu Province alone, Digicel Foundation has invested over K2.837 million into projects. This includes: • 6 elementary school classrooms, • 5 primary school classrooms • 2 Libraries • 4 Mobile Health Clinics (ambulances) • 1 female safe house, and • 2 community grants Digicel PNG Foundation will continue to work in partnership with the government, communities, and other stakeholders to ensure we create a world where no child is left behind.

On the eve of the NSW squad being named for Origin II, Mitchell Moses made a commanding statement with a brilliant showing to help the Eels beat the Bulldogs 34-12 on Monday. Alongside fullback Clint Gutherson – who scored a hat trick inside the opening half hour – Moses terrorised Canterbury-Bankstown with his running game and ball-playing and was a leading figure in his side's roaring start, which included providing the last pass for two tries. A textbook covering tackle on Jacob Preston late in the match at Accor Stadium capped off a performance certain to have given a significant boost to his hopes of nabbing the vacant Blues No.7 jersey. Moses assisted Gutherson's second and third tries, while Daejarn Asi laid on the opener for his captain with a kick and then set Bailey Simonsson up before the break to give Parramatta a 24-6 half-time lead. While the second 40 minutes were a more even contest, tries to Will Penisini and Maika Sivo – who shot back to the top of the try-scoring charts with his 16th four-pointer of the year – secured a comfortable win for Parramatta. In the face of a lopsided possession count, which at times saw the Eels enjoy close to 60 percent of the ball, the Bulldogs will take heart from their ability to stay in the contest. Teenage half Karl Oloapu set up a Matt Burton try in the first half with a brilliant run, while former Eel Hayze Perham got over just before the hour mark, with Burton converting both. The victory puts the Eels back within touching distance of the top eight and was a fitting way to celebrate coach Brad Arthur becoming the club's longest-serving coach in his 244th game in charge. Source: NRL.Com

Brand Force PNG Limited donated 71 cartons of Poise Pads for the Maternity Ward at Port Moresby General Hospital worth over K5, 000. Brand Force Marketing Manager Meta – Lynne Murphy expressed their appreciation and willingness to work with Friends of POMGEN. She also added that this donation was an initiative of Kimberly Clark in conjunction with Brand Force. The Poise Pads will be used as bladder in-continence pads for females at the Maternity ward. Friends Of POMGEN Operations Lead Grace Roland who was present to receive the donation thanked Brand Force for their thoughtful donation and their interest to partner with FOPG. She further added that “Sanitary pads are some of the most essential needs of Maternity care and even needed in other wards so this donation is a huge help and boost.”

Air Niugini has supported the attendance of the head of PNG Defence Force Air Transport Wing Lieutenant Colonel, Nancy Wii at a Women in Aviation rally in Hamilton, New Zealand as this event’s guest speaker. The national airline provided Port Moresby/Brisbane return tickets for Lt. Col Wii. Lt. Col Wii climbed the ranks of the PNGDF and was promoted to Commanding Officer in February 2022 and is the first female PNGDF commanding officer, heading the force’s Air Transport Wing, as well as being a pilot. Air Niugini’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Gary Seddon in presenting the tickets said that as the national airline, Air Niugini is pleased to support the Lt. Col’s opportunity to represent Papua New Guinea, the PNGDF and PNG women pilots at this event. “Lt. Col Wii’s story is one that should be widely told, as a shining example of how PNG women can reach and break a glass ceiling in not only aviation, but also leadership in the defence force.” Lt. Col Wii also acknowledged Air Niugini for the support in ensuring she attended the women aviators’ event where she was invited to share her personal experience of becoming PNG’s first female commercial pilot at 21 and to where she is now as the first female PNG Defence Force Commanding Officer. The story of a female to command an element in the PNGDF is certainly not an everyday story and is something to be proud of. Lt. Col Wii did all her primary to secondary education in PNG before taking up her pilot training with a school in New Zealand, all sponsored by her parents. Over 100 women pilots, engineers and aviation professionals converged in Hamilton for the Women in Aviation rally from June 2 to 6, hosted by Pacific Aerospace for New Zealand Association of Women Aviators (NZAWA).

Recent articles in the local media on paracetamol shortage and health issues in the country shows that there are many things that have gone wrong in the health sector in the country. National Doctors Association President Dr. James Naipao highlighted some of the issues that the country is facing the business of health and health delivery in the country. “PNG needs another 15, 000 Cadre of health workers before the end of the current National Health Plan expires in 2030 to bring it to 25, 000 health workers.” “When the country definitely knows that human resource is a shortage, why going about building new health facilities, unless, concurrent planning has gone with it.” “New health facilities, shifting of health workers, and staff shortage will still exist in other existing health facilities.” “Only Central Province, NCD and Jiwaka Province needs a new level 5 hospital, respectively.” Dr. Naipao said that existing health facilities need maintenance and they need to fix the gaps that exist in these health facilities accordingly to the National Health Services Standard (NHSS) at which a health facility is built on whether it is from level 1 to 6. When each facility in the country has not fulfilled the requirements in the NHSS, why building a new one to escalate the existing gaps to widen itself more when it is important and necessary for these old facilities with gaps be resourced and maintained. He also said that the health sector needs another 15, 000 health workers into the health workforce by 2030 needs the support of the training institutions. Another issue is the population growth is now consuming the existing resources. The Paracetamol shortage will continue to happen because of population growth and urban pull factor is widening. The Government of PNG needs to address this population growth and urban migration factor that needs wide ranging stakeholders’ collaboration to address this as soon as possible. 6. Communicable vs non-communicable diseases (NCD). Dr. Naipao added that communicable and non-communicable diseases are escalating in NCD however, the country is addressing this in a 'snail walk and run'. “20 years from now, cancer will eat this country and heart, kidney, sugar, obesity, liver diseases will worsen.” “More patients will receive stenting and dialysis.” He reminded people to discipline his or her mind, emotion, ears, eyes, nose, hands and legs so to help control and reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases in the country and communicable diseases like sexually transmitted diseases that the country is facing at this time. Dr. Naipao further added that for the National Health Services Standard which is a Bible necessary for level 1 to level 6 in the country to be assessed and performance assessed on what is stipulated in the NHSS, the Provincial Health Authority Act and District Development Authority Act, respective needs a revisit to bridge the gap and remove the barrier that exist now with the current two acts. Otherwise, the theme, 'health is everyone's business will not be reached. The 'Panadol Shortage Cry' has just opened the can and all the problems are now creeping and crawling out into the view.

Bank of South Pacific (BSP) is supporting 5 female Maths and Science student who are studying at St. Peter Channel Catholic College in Kokopo for a degree in secondary education under the Female Scholarship Scheme. me comes under the Boosting Education Standards Together(BEST) PNG project being led by National Department of Education(NDoE) and non-profit organization Save the Children. The aim of the project is to increase the number of female teachers specializing in teaching maths and science subjects. Speaking during the awards presentation, Kokopo Branch Manager Kalat Tiriman said that as a bank, they believe in supporting the academic growth in the country and the bank is delighted to partner with Save The Children to help students to achieve their goals. “At BSP, our commitments extend beyond banking.” “It includes supporting educational opportunities, health and sports.” “Our partnership will see BSP facilitating scholarships for 5 female students to attend St Peter’s Channel Catholic College in Kokopo over a 4-year period.” This partnership is one of the many that aligns well with our commitment in giving back to the communities. “We believe that supporting the continued academic growth and educating our people, especially children of today, we are securing a better future for the communities we operate in.” Parents are foremost the first teachers in every home. Teachers too play an equally important and influential role in shaping our children’s mindsets and what they grow up to be. Being able to support upcoming teachers with the tools early on in their training is a key factor in supporting quality education for our children. Save the Children’s Country Director Fiu Williame-Igara said parents are the first educators, but teachers’ roles are equally important. “Providing support to our upcoming teachers is an important aspect of making sure our children also get quality education.” “We are delighted BSP is sponsoring these female students and committed to support quality education and a better future for children.” The support by BSP covers tuition fees, school facility fees, textbooks, boarding and annual home travel tickets. It will cover the full degree for 4 years from 2023-2026 on the criteria that the students meet the requirement for each semester. There are 55 female students being supported under the BESTPNG Female Scholarship Scheme by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), Newcrest Mining and the Bank of South Pacific who are studying at the Pacific Adventist University, University of Goroka and St. Peter Channel Catholic College.

Over 300 youths have been given a second chance to redirect their lives to positive living and to contribute meaningfully to Port Moresby’s Expansion. The National Capital District Commission is implementing the second phase of the Urban Youth Employment Project currently in the Motu Koitabu area and the Northwest electorate with the other areas in tow to benefit from the Project. This project aims to enhance and maintain a quality standard of living and to promote a peaceful and harmonious co-existence in the community. NCDC is targeting youths who are out of the formal education system and especially those that reside in urban settlements. Championed by NCD Governor Powes Parkop, he is encouraging an approach to help youths become employable through whatever skills they have. The registration and orientation of the 310 youths from Ward Seven (7) in the Northwest electorate began Wednesday 31 May 2023. The UYEP II Project aims to improve the capacity of participating young men and women in project areas, to engage in productive income generating activities. The Project is inclusive of all youths, including those living with disability, and has a gender target of 50 percent females

Monday 12th June 2023 will be a National Public Holiday throughout the country to celebrate the birthday of the Late Queen Elizabeth II. “Many members have enquired with the Employers’ Federation of Papua New Guinea if the Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday will be replaced a King’s Birthday, or an additional Public Holiday will be declared for King Charles’ Reign as the current head of the British Monarchy.” Employers’ Federation of Papua New Guinea Executive Director, Ms Florence Willie clarified that the Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday remains as there was no gazettal notice published by the government to declare a day for the King’s Birthday. In Circular No. 10/23, Ms Willie said that employers must take note that they will be required to pay the appropriate rates for their employees who will be working on the public holiday. She added that for anyone with questions regarding the public holidays, can contact the Federation office for assistance. Meanwhile, at the time of this publication, the Governor General’s office had yet to respond to queries for further clarification.

Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, James Marape has extended an invitation to the France President H.E. Emmanuel Macron to visit Papua New Guinea. The invitation was extended during a meeting between PM Marape and Mr. Walid Fouque, Special Advisor for Asia and the Pacific to President Macron in Port Moresby recently. PM Marape and President Macron previously met in Gabon, Central Africa, in March of this year on the sidelines of the One Forest Summit. While discussing the potential visit, PM Marape stated that here is a possibility that President Macron may visit PNG, however, this is subject to continued dialogue between France and PNG. Reflecting on his meeting with Mr. Fouque, PM Marape described it as “highly productive” and highlighted the ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between France and PNG. "Under my leadership, France and PNG have been enhancing our bilateral relationship, just as we have been doing with other nations." “The commitment of President Macron is evident through his decision to send his Special Advisor to engage with me and discuss matters of mutual interest between our countries." He further encouraged more French companies to follow the example set by TotalEnergies at Papua LNG and invest in PNG, particularly in downstream processing of natural resources such as forests. Recognising the evolving geopolitical landscape in the region, PM Marape emphasised the significance of PNG as "neutral ground" and urged France to consider the country's strategic position amidst the increasing regional dynamics. The visit of President Macron to PNG would further solidify the growing cooperation and shared goals between the two nations, especially in the realms of forest conservation, French investments in PNG like TotalEnergies, mobilising resources to support small Pacific Island countries and communities and other relevant matters.

The Operation Open Heart Foundation has received transportation assistance from Ela Motors for its 2nd open heart program for this year. Operation Open Heart Foundation Chairlady Ms. Katherine Johnston greatly thanked the Ela Motors for their continued support towards the Operation Open Heart (OOH) Program over the last 23 years. “The foundation in partnership with Port Moresby General Hospital and Kumul Petroleum Holdings Ltd will continue to provide the open-heart program.” Ms. Johnston said the operation open-heart has become a successful program because of the partners like Ela Motors and other partners who continue to contribute their resources and finances towards saving lives of children with congenital heart defects throughout the country. Ela Motors Marketing Manager Benjamin Niligur said Ela Motors through its corporate social responsibility program is happy to assist the open-heart program once again, in making available a brand-new Toyota Hi Ace Bus to transport the counterpart Open Heart International voluntary heart specialists from 8th-13thJune, 2023. “Ela Motors saw the importance of this program, and has been supporting since year 2000.” “With this transportation assistance, Ela Motors hopes that it can go a long way in saving lives.” Niligur said on behalf of Ela Motors, Niligur and his team delivered the bus to POMGEN Last Friday. The bus was received by members of OOH& PMGH Intervention Cardiologist Dr. Wesong Boko, Cardiothoracic Surgeon Dr. Elizabeth Alok and Cardiac Anaesthetic Dr. Arvin Karu. The key was handed to Ricky Ilo the driver assigned to drive the bus. Niligur said Ela Motors hopes to continue this vital assistance in many more years to come.