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Wild weather is battering a 1,000km (621 miles) stretch of Australia's east coast, bringing torrential rain and "abnormally high" tides to cities including Brisbane and the Gold Coast. More than 2,000 homes in the cities were out of power on Monday after strong winds tampered with power lines. Tides up to 8m (26 feet) high were recorded, eroding the shoreline in some areas. Emergency services said they had had over 700 calls for help since Sunday. About half a dozen people stranded in floodwaters had been rescued, they added. Meteorologists have warned that this Australian summer will see the impacts of a La Niña weather pattern, which typically brings more rainfall and tropical cyclones. The current wild weather has hit popular holiday spots such as the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast in Queensland, and Byron Bay in New South Wales (NSW). Many beaches were closed on Monday amid the dangerous conditions. The border between the two states recently re-opened following pandemic-related closures, and authorities have warned people travelling for end-of-year holidays to exercise caution.

The founder and CEO of FRIEND Fiji Sashi Kiran says the situation in the Western Division has continued to deteriorate with some families now surviving on one meal a day while some families have nothing to eat. She says the worst effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and unemployment have emerged over the last two months, and they have seen the need for food in Nadi go through the roof. Kiran adds in the last couple of weeks they have also noticed that people cannot come to their centre in Navakai to collect food because they don't even have bus fare. Kiran is urging the nation to look at the food needs of the 150,000 people and their families who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19. She also says that some houses in the Western Division are now catering for as much as 18 people because those who cannot afford to pay rent are moving in with those who own homes. Kiran says some people who have left for urban areas have returned to find out that their land is being utilized by others which is causing a lot of conflict. If you want to assist FRIEND Fiji, you can contact them on 8983183 or friend@connect.com.fj. You can also visit our Hands Across Fiji page on fijivillage to get the details. Source: fijivillage

Tonga and Fiji are in store for some rough weather this week with the first cyclone of the season gathering strength and a second set to emerge later tonight. Cyclone Yasa is currently a Category One storm with at least 65 kilometre an hour winds but was expected to strengthen to a Category Four system with more than 160 kilometre winds by Wednesday. Sakeasi Waibuta from Fiji's Met Service said the storm was gathering intensity in the waters between Fiji and Vanuatu. He said it bore a remarkable resemblance to April's deadly Cyclone Harold. "It will make a loop in the next, today and tomorrow, it will make a clockwise loop before it heads southeast towards Fiji. The current track that it is showing it will track similar to Harold." Waibuta said there were high pressure systems to the south that were hindering the storm's movement causing it to build intensity over the open water. Cyclone Harold devastated parts of Vanuatu and Fiji intensifying to a Category Five storm at its height. Waibuta said another cyclone was forecast to emerge tonight which could impact the Tongan islands of Vava'u while at category one strength. "There is a high probability within the next 24 hours, [that a second cyclone would form]." The new storm would be named Cyclone Zazu. Source: RNZ news

Melbourne have been rewarded for their premiership-winning season with six players named in the Gallagher Kangaroos Merit Team. NRL CEO Andrew Abdo and national selector Laurie Daley named the squad at Rugby League Central on Monday and also announced broker Gallagher as the new naming rights partner of the Australian Kangaroos.  Australian skipper Boyd Cordner retained the captaincy role in the Merit Team for his efforts in a season full of obstacles at club and state level. Along with Test regulars Josh Addo-Carr, Cameron Munster and Felise Kaufusi, their Storm teammates Christian Welch, Tino Fa'asumaleaui - who will play for Gold Coast next year - and Ryan Papenhuyzen were recognised with selection. Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary unseated Test incumbent Daly Cherr-Evans for the No.7 jersey in the merit team while Rabbitohs star Cameron Murray got the jump on Manly's Jake Trbojevic for the lock's role. Roosters winger Daniel Tupou, who has not represented Australia since his lone Test in 2014, was another player who came from the clouds to get a spot in the squad after a superb season for his club and NSW. Cleary, Welsh, Papenhuyzen, Crichton and Fa'asumaleaui are the five players chosen in the merit team yet to represent Australia in the Test arena. They will be strong contenders to make the squad for next year's World Cup in the UK. Source: NRL.com

Security has been heightened with heavy police presence at entry points into the parliament house precinct this morning as the house prepares to convene at 10am today. The Supreme Court ordered that parliament be recalled in its decision last week. Meanwhile the government has filed an application to stay the high courts decision to recall sitting. Listen in to the news on our stations Legend FM, Nau FM, Yumi FM or follow our website pnghausbung.com for more on this story.

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has announced the appointment of Ambassador Ivan Pomaleu as Secretary to the Prime Minister's Department. Amb. Pomaleu, a distinguished Papua New Guinean from Manus, who worked as Managing-Director of Investment Promotion Authority and Ambassador to APEC, was appointed by the National Executive Council, last week. Prime Minister Marape said: "Amb. Pomaleu will be Secretary to Prime Minister's Department, under my vision of a flatter public service structure. "In this structure, department and agency heads report directly and only to their ministers and not to a chief secretary, as it was over the last 20 years. "The Prime Minister's Department Secretary, however, will still coordinate Government policies and programmes by maintaining Chairmanship of the Central Agencies Coordination Committee. "This is part of the my Government’s reform agenda in the public service. We are trying to make Waigani lighter and shift public services to rural areas, provinces and districts. We want to cut down on too many offices in Central Government." Prime Minister Marape thanked outgoing Chief Secretary Amb. Isaac Lupari, for his services to Government. "As Prime Minister, I pay my respect to the outgoing Chief Secretary Amb. Isaac Lupari, who chose not to apply for this new designation. "Amb. Lupari will go out as the longest-serving and last Chief Secretary."

Over 50 women and youths who attended the 2020 Fashion Festival Workshop in Kavieng, New Ireland Province will display their products tomorrow in a Mini Fashion Show at the Malagan Hotel.  PNG Fashion and Design Week (PNGFDW) CEO Janet Sios said that Partipants will wear their own products on the runway to help them not only market their products but also boost their confidence.  "I am hoping that through the Mini Runway tomorrow, here in Kavieng, participants will be able to walk with confidence."  "I beleive in empowering women and youths through fashion, it's a dream and I am so happy to have this last workshop in my hometown." "Since 2015, when I first started I've taken the workshops to others provinces and this is the first time, I've brought it back home and I also hope that the Mini Fashion Runway will help to promote New Ireland's beauty," she said.  The 13-day workshop is a PNG-Australia Partnership Program and was run in Port Moresby, Milne Bay and Eastern Highlands before coming to New Ireland.  New Ireland Facilitator Christine Aisoli said that it was an oppertunity for women and youths in the Province.  "Fashion is a growing Industry and I saw it's potential and wanted to help empower women and youths in the Province through fashion."  " There was a lot of hunger for  it, women in the province have been asking for it and so I helped to facilitate it," she said. Aisoli also thanked the Australian Government for supporting the program through the PNG-Australia Partnership program. "I thank PNGFDW and the New Ireland Provincial Government."  "Investment Promotion Authority and the National Youth Development Authority for making the workshop possible, Kavieng Town is looking forward to the Mini Fashion Runway tomorrow (today)," she said. 

Young people who are suffering from any form of violence or abuse either at home or the workplace now have a voice to speak up for them. Youth Lead PNG is a subsidiary Youth Lead Asia and the Pacific Network of Young Key Population. Their vision is to create an inclusive country where human rights of Young Key Populations (YKP) affected are respected and the impact of HIV/AIDS is lessened through meaningful involvement of YKP to equal access to services. “Youth Lead PNG will be the voice of the voiceless young key population who are being marginalized, suppressed and discriminated. It is a youth led organisation of people between the ages of 14-24 that advocate for human rights, sexual reproductive Health and Rights, HIV/AIDS and other issues affecting young people in PNG.” “Growing up in Nipa, Southern Highlands, I have seen and witnessed young people being victimized, harassed, discriminated and abused by parents, family and relatives.” This is from the Interim Country Coordinator, Mr Gilson Rex Olgemo. He added that plans are being drawn up for the roll out of their nationwide Awareness Campaign on Discrimination against young key population. There will also be other programs and workshops that will target youths who are adamant to be agents of change. “My message to young people out there is that we must all stand together to make Papua New Guinea a better place for everyone. We must stop despising, harassing, discriminating  and abusing other people who are being affected by sickness, sexual orientation and other societal disorientation. We must respect the rights to live freely just like everyone.”

The Managing Director of Climate Change and Development Authority Mr Ruel Yamuna has been suspended over allegations of corruption and misconduct in office. The Minister for Environment, Conservation and Climate Change Hon Wera Mori has announced his suspension. Minister Mori said Climate Change is an important issue that cuts across all sectors of the economy and every aspects of life and ensuring transparent and accountable management and leadership in the office of the managing director for the CCDA was very fundamental. “Climate Change involves a lot of important partners and key stakeholders both within the country and abroad and as Minister responsible, I will am duty bound to ensure there is confidence in the Government and the leadership driving climate change agendas in our country. “Public Servants and departmental heads who are unproductive, complacent and corrupt should make way for others who are willing to walk the distance with our Prime Minister who is very serious about addressing corruption and driving national development,” Minister Mori said. The Minister said Mr Yamuna was suspended effective Friday 27th November, 2020 and an independent investigation is currently underway concerning the allegations of corruption and misconduct levelled against him. “This is done to protect the integrity of the office of the managing director and in the interim, I have appointed Mr Jacob Ekinye, the general manager of Adaptation and Special Projects Division as the Acting Managing Director,” Minister Mori said. He said Mr Ekinye is a career public servant who has been with the CCDA since its establishment from the then Office of Climate Change and Development and has made his way through rank and file to be the general manager. “He has the necessary skills, experience and qualifications to lead the organization in the interim and I am pleased to also announce his appointment as the acting managing director,” the Minister said. Minister Mori urged the CCDA staff to offer their undivided support to Mr Ekinye to lead the CCDA as climate change is an important issue affecting the nation and the global community.

A 57 year old female is the latest to be tested positive of Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in the National Capital District in the last 24 hours. She was detected at the Pacific International Hospital. At the time of testing she was experiencing fever and headache. NCD has recorded a total of 361 positive cases. Meanwhile, as cases are reported in NCD and other centres, Controller of the National Pandemic Response, David Manning has called on all citizens to adhere to new normal save themselves, their families and communities. The measures in the new normal calls on citizens to: Wear a face mask or face covering in all public places to protect yourself and others;Clean your hands often. Wash with soap and water or use an alcohol based sanitizer;Keep a physical distance of at least 1.5 meters between yourself and others;Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth;Greet others with a smile, a nod or a simple hello-no handshakes, no fist bumps and no high fives;Cough and sneeze in your bent elbow and not your hands;Limit social gathering and time spent in crowded places; andClean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. The country’s total number of cases to date stands at 721 with eight COVID-19 deaths. 16 provinces including AROB have reported cases. The distribution of the cases is as follows: ProvincesCasesNCD361Western Province204West New Britain103Eastern H/lands13Central9Morobe6Western H/lands5East New Britain5East Sepik3Enga3Milne Bay2New Ireland2West Sepik2Southern H/lands1AROB1Hela Province1TOTAL721 Globally, the total confirmed cases of COVID-19 has reached 69,143,017, including 692,165 new cases reported in the last 24 hours. The death toll is 1,576,516; of which 13,141 were reported in the last 24 hours.

A 57 year old female is the latest to be tested positive of Coronavirus disease ( Covid 19) in the National Capital District. She was detected at the Pacific International Hospital. At the time of testing she was experiencing fever and headache. NCD has recorded a total of 361 positive cases while PNG’s total is now at 721. Keep to your COVID-19 safety practices, listen in to the news on this station or follow our website pnghausbung.com for more on this story.

42 Teacher-librarians from Buk Bilong Pikinini’s Library Learning Centres across the country will attend a week-long Digital Training program from the 14-18th of December. The digital training program and associated website has been developed in partnership with Deloitte and Deloitte Digital and is valued at more than $100,000. The website will ensure that the teachers can access the new website to continue their training on a needs-basis and will be open for everyone to access. All BbP’s Library Learning Centres will see the implementation of a new Digital Learning Program in 2021 for the enrolled 5-year-old children. BbP’s teacher training program will ensure that the teachers are confident in their digital and online skills and ready to deliver the program. The Digital training program includes basic computer and tablet training, how to create and print documents, research on the internet, online safety, using digital learning in the classroom and much more. Many teachers in PNG have still not had the opportunity to use computers and tablets as part of their teaching and will greatly benefit from this comprehensive program and will enable children to enter the digital world. The launch of an early childhood development App based on BbP’s curriculum will also take place during the training. The BbP Early Learning App will be an additional and fun opportunity for the children to become literate and increase their technology skills at the same time. “Deloitte has a longstanding relationship with Buk bilong Pikinini that has benefited both of our organisations but, most importantly, so many PNG children for whom the best possible education is so important," said Benjamin Lee, Managing Partner Deloitte PNG. "A digital platform that takes advantage of new technologies can clearly facilitate new ways of both teaching and learning across the board. The focus has been on traditional literacy, but digital literacy, which is key to many employment opportunities, is also now more accessible than ever." "We look forward to seeing this initiative into implementation and give children an even better opportunity to learn and reach their potential.” Niunet's David Valentine said a quality education is enhanced and enabled through digital literacy. He said they can't wait to work closely with BbP on this journey to digitally enable their teachers and team members. "We are proud to be partnering with them, helping them in a small way with the amazing work they do." BbP’s Early Childhood Development program seeks to provide children access to comprehensive teaching of literacy, numeracy, pre-STEM and problem solving as well as a well-stocked library of books. The upcoming digital learning program will merge digital and traditional learning and will include app-based learning games and also utilizing digitized curriculum content and books. Leanne Resson, Buk bilong Pikinini, Executive Officer said: “We have been fortunate to have books and teaching and learning resources over the last 12 years in order to establish a solid foundation for the children who attend our library learning centres. We now acknowledge and appreciate the need to merge traditional and digital learning. This training will enhance community educators’ skills in digital learning. We are grateful to all our partners who have supported us in making this happen”. The Digital training program has been made possible thanks to the support received from ExxonMobil PNG, Deloitte/Deloitte Digital, PNG Air, Cogniss, Paddy’s Hotel, Niunet and the PNGAus Partnership.