Member representatives of Nambawan Super in Wabag recently witnessed the opening of the upgraded Wabag Branch today. Formerly located within the Post PNG Office, the Wabag Branch has been relocated to the ground floor of the Bettel Building as part of NSL’s continued focus on improving Member access to superannuation services in centres around the Country. The Branch was opened by Nambawan Super Member representatives alongside Enga Provincial Administration – Director Corporate Services Mr. Raphael Taiman and Nambawan Super Limited CEO Mr. Paul Sayer. Mr. Sayer said, “the opening of our Wabag Branch today is part of Nambawan Super’s strategy to renovate and upgrade our Branches Nationwide”. “The Wabag Branch is now conveniently located within walking distance to local schools, Government offices, key state institutions and several other businesses which employ many of our Members in Wabag.” “The strategic location will also serve Members who pass through the town between Mount Hagen and Pogera.” “With the anticipated resumption of the Pogera Gold Mine, We have invested in revitalising this Wabag Branch noting that Enga Province, is a significant contributor to the economy of Papua New Guinea.” “We expect that as the mine’s operations continue to grow, so will the number of opportunities for residents here in Wabag and the potential for the town to grow into a key industrial township in the near future.” “Nambawan Super looks forward to supporting the growth of our Members in Wabag and Enga Province as they work and when they retire. Through this Branch we will continue providing our valuable superannuation products and services, to ensure that our Members here have the chance to enjoy a comfortable retirement”, Mr. Sayer added. Improved features of the Wabag Branch include three counters; one self-service counter for ease of access; and one comfortable interview/meeting room that provides privacy for Members when discussing their superannuation benefits and retirement savings. “The Branch has also been upgraded to accommodate Members with air-conditioning, featuring improved staff and Member amenities, and it utilises a backup generator for the best Member experience for our over 5000 plus Members that live and work in Wabag and within Enga Province”, Mr. Sayer stated. “This is the second Nambawan Super Branch that we have relocated and opened this year after opening our Kiunga Branch last month. In December last year, we also opened our newly relocated Daru and Wewak Branches.” “All the relocated Branches have also been upgraded to improve on Members’ experience and ensure our staff have everything they need to deliver quality services.” “As part of our Branch Relocation and Improvement exercise, we are also planning to open 13 more Branches including relocated, upgraded and new Branches across all four Regions of PNG.” “Through this exercise, we want to ensure that we can provide the same welcoming look and feel that is now the standard for our 22 Branches Countrywide so that our Members receive the same level of services wherever they are.” “At Nambawan Super, our Members are at the core of all that we do and as such we aim to continue delivering quality services while managing our investments to generate strong returns on Members’ savings so that the money they save today, grows over the long-term to help build better futures for our members and achieve their best retirement outcomes”, Mr. Sayer concluded.

Team PNG would like to congratulate Team PNG and Athletics PNG athlete Leeroy Kamau who broke the PNG National indoor 400m record with a time of 47.83 seconds in Kansas, USA!! What an achievement, and great to see your progress abroad in the lead up to the games this year. Leeroy is currently studying and training in the United States as he prepares to represent Team PNG at the 2023 Solomon Islands Pacific Games at the end of this year from November 19th - December 2nd. Source: Team PNG

Melbourne have confirmed they'll be without star fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen for at least the opening six rounds of the Telstra Premiership as he continues to recover from a knee injury. The Storm released an injury update on Tuesday indicating they were hopeful Papenhuyzen would make a return between Rounds 6-8 but would also not rule out his comeback potentially being longer. The club also confirmed they'll will be without new recruit Tariq Sims for their Pre-season Challenge clash against the Warriors this weekend due to a calf injury while Marion Seve (knee) is also unavailable. Storm centre Justin Olam will miss six weeks due to a fractured forearm. Meanwhile, Broncos star Reece Walsh is in doubt for the opening round of the Telstra Premiership against the Panthers after scans confirmed a facial fracture suffered in the Pre-season Challenge last weekend. Walsh was electric in his return to the Broncos on Sunday night before copping a knock to the face in a tackle that forced him from the field. The Broncos have confirmed the 20-year-old suffered a fracture to his eye's orbital floor with no surgery required. Source: NRL.Com

The Rabaul District Development Authority recently approved a development budget of K9.8 million for this year (2023) that will have more emphasis on road infrastructure. District Administrator, Benedict Mode said funding sources are from the ENB Provincial Budget support to the district for road infrastructure to allow more accessibility for economic and social developments. Major road infrastructure captured in the budget for the district are: · K2 million- Namanula Boisen Road upgrade and sealing · K4.2 million- Blanche street/Wharf road pavement repair · K0.6 million- Watom island road link · K3 million- Malakuna junction to UMW road maintenance (Gelegele Road) He said also to complement the current LLG and ward policies in the province, a total of K1.45 million for administration support will be allocated to the four LLGs in the district- Kombiu, Watom, Rabaul Urban and Balanataman. He said once this year’s DSIP allocation of K10 million is available, K360, 000 each will be transferred directly and factored into each of the four LLG’s budgets. He said the initiative of this year’s budget is to strengthen and build capacity at the LLGs which will also complement the current ward policies in place. Late last year saw the successful establishment of ward development committees (WDC) for 47 wards of the total of 49 wards in the electorate. “I am of the view that maintaining people’s trust and confidence in the WDC system is very significant in the process of effective governance at ward foundations levels up and the importance of bottom-up planning,” Mr Mode said. He said the district will align itself with the Provincial Fiscal Policy and Provincial Budget theme: “Fostering Sustainable Livelihoods through partnerships for inclusive Economic growth and Development”. Mr Mode said the 2023 District budget comprises programs at the district coordination level and at the LLG implementation level. He said the budget expenditure will be consistent with strategic result areas and sector heads and LLG heads will be responsible and accountable for managing their allocated expenditures. “As much as possible the district is encouraging the sharing of service provision, co-funding and integration of services with other efficient service providers,” he said. Meantime Mr Mode said the district did not fully expend its K8 million DSIP budget as part of the funding came late before close of accounts last year. The district anticipates to receive its K10 million DSIP for this year.

All women have the right to healthcare, especially when they are due to deliver. Basic interventions to prevent infection are helping save lives at Papua New Guinea’s largest public hospital. Through the corridors of Port Moresby General Hospital, hardworking midwives are committed to reducing infection as they prepare for another day bringing our newest Papua New Guineans into the world. WHO estimates neonatal infections result in over 550,000 deaths every year, globally. Almost all are entirely preventable with basic interventions. With the delivery of 40 maternal health kits to Port Moresby General Hospital, midwives report the rate of neonatal deaths has decreased up to 80%. “From experiencing an average of 60 neonatal deaths per month in 2021, in July we saw a significant drop to 17 deaths!” shared Midwifery Society President Sr Mary Sitaing. “In the month of September, we had only 7 neonatal deaths.” “This is more than 80% decrease,” said Sr Mary. “Thanks to the maternity kits that were provided, we were able to ensure safe deliveries.” The kits contain 40 pieces of obstetric equipment, including scissors and trays. According to Sr. Mary, the 40 midwifery kits given to the Maternity Ward were further divided into 160 bundles, 80 for deliveries and 80 for sutures. “The 80 delivery sets include scissors, a sponge holder, a hemostat (clamp), and the delivery trays. Included in the 80 sutures sets are the dissecting forceps and the suture trays,” said Sr Mary. “A woman coming into delivery has one clean bundle to herself which means safe deliveries, with practically nil chances of neonatal sepsis and death.” “Proper infection prevention during the entire process from delivery of the baby to the proper stitching of the mother, is equally important to minimize infections and we were able to achieve this with our clean bundles from UNFPA.” Sr. Roselyn Tunijo who has been a midwife for almost 40 years, rejoined the midwifery team at Port Moresby General after being away since 2011. She expressed her sheer delight in the fact that, unlike when she left, individual mothers delivering had a delivery tray to themselves, thanks to the midwifery kits. “We used to share delivery trays between mothers which greatly increased the risk of cross-infection,” she shared. “The last time the hospital received new delivery trays and important birthing tools was almost 14 years ago.” “Thanks to UNFPA we do not have this dilemma anymore. I came back to the Labour Ward after a time away and I now enjoy delivering babies knowing that we have the adequate tools to ensure best practice.” Sr. Mary Sitaing explained that these tools are standard pieces of equipment that should be given to the Labour Ward by the hospital annually. “While we thank UNFPA for stepping in, the hospital must put more emphasis on our women, and take into consideration delivery kits such as this and delivery beds as well,” she said. “The same way funds and attention are put into public health, the same must be done for maternal health and the Labour ward.” “We thank UNFPA for this support which will last us for years to come.” The team also received one stethoscope for each midwife and 400 thermometers. The team gave 40 thermometers to the Madang Provincial Health Authority. UNFPA works to deliver a world with zero preventable maternal deaths. With the provision of these kits, and with support to strengthen supply chain management for essential medicines and equipment, UNFPA continues to support midwives and other workers in achieving this mission.

The Rural Airstrip Agency of Papua New Guinea has appointed Kim Opiti as its next Chief Executive Officer. Mrs Opiti rejoins the RAA to succeed Hau’ofa Sailasa, who held the position in an interim capacity for 12 months. RAA chairman Stephen Charlesworth said it was an exciting appointment which followed a competitive selection process. “The board is confident that Mrs. Opiti is the right candidate to lead the RAA through its next phase of development,” Mr. Charlesworth said. “Her knowledge, qualifications, and leadership experience, particularly in corporate functions, combined with her strong capacity, innovation, and drive, will significantly strengthen the RAA and prepare the organization for sustainable growth over the next few years efficiently utilizing government and institutional grants.” He said Mrs. Opiti’s passion to see development across rural PNG, home to ninety percent of the nation’s population, was an important factor. The RAA, which has a vision to restore and maintain rural airstrips, is a PNG Government funded initiative that is supported by Mission Aviation Fellowship. Mrs Opiti said the RAA faced funding challenges, but she was confident that the organisation was in good shape. “I believe my experience in business and my previous roles with the RAA have equipped me to take on this role,” she said. “We will continue to make the case for funding because airstrips are a lifeline for rural communities in PNG, bringing economic opportunities and access to healthcare.”

“BSP Financial Group Limited will migrate to the new Core Banking System – Flexcube in April 2023,” says BSP Acting Group CEO Ronesh Dayal. “This is a short delay of a few weeks compared to the earlier anticipated go-live date of late February 2023, but necessary to enable a smooth transition to the new Core Banking System, assured Dayal. The transition to the new Core Banking System is an integral part of the Group’s vision to be the leading financial services provider in our chosen markets, helping customers, staff, shareholders, and communities prosper, reiterated Dayal. Dayal said while legacy systems are inherent in large institutions, BSP has taken on the challenge to execute the necessary changes by migrating to the new Core Banking System that will place BSP in a better position against our competitors. “The new Core Banking System will deliver an enhanced customer experience for all our customers, providing a greater range of digitally enabled services making it simple and efficient for customers,” added Dayal. BSP Group General Manager for Retail, Daniel Faunt also outlined the changes that will come with new Core Banking System emphasizing on Internet Banking features and enhancements. “The new Core Banking system will include enhancements to existing Internet Banking functionalities and for the first time customers will have access to our market leading banking App – the BSP App,” Said Faunt. “BSP App will be downloadable from the Apple App Store or Google Playstore and will deliver all of the functionality you will get on Internet Banking making it easier and convenient for our customers. Customers will be able to do almost all banking transactions via the BSP App,” explained Faunt while commenting on the new BSP App. “With BSP App, customers can be able to transfer money, apply for personal loan, open term deposit, top up phone credits to name a few, all at their fingertips,” Faunt further explained. “Most of the changes that will come with the new Core Banking System have been communicated to our customers through various platforms. Our Relationship Managers and branch staff are also communicating the changes to our customers. This is ongoing and we will continue to inform our customers on the changes. These changes are mostly beneficial to both our customers and the bank,” said Dayal. BSP is calling on all its customers to follow BSP Social Media pages, visit the BSP Website or call into the nearest branch to access information and updates on the BSP Core Banking System upgrade in preparation for GO Live in April.

The United States government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is happy to announce the application window is open for the 2023 cohort of USAID’s PROJECT Governance scholarships for graduate students from the Pacific Islands.  Applicants from Papua New Guinea are welcome to apply online through the link: www.eastwestcenter.org/apply/project-governance-graduate-fellowship-application   Applications will close on March 1, 2023.  The one-year, fully funded fellowship is designed to support exceptional, rising leaders from Pacific Island countries in professional degrees at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa in the fields of finance, law, and information systems.   Applicants must meet the following criteria: be between ages 23-35 years old; be a citizen of an eligible country, meet academic prerequisites for admission to the University of Hawai‘i; be working in a profession relevant to USAID's PROJECT Governance goals (sound governance, just governance, responsive governance); and be able to travel to and reside in Hawai‘i for the duration of their study from August 2023 to May 2024. The fellowship will provide the following benefits: Full tuition, fees, and books for graduate study at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa; J-1 visa sponsorship; Housing in East-West Center residence halls; Health insurance; Monthly stipend for living expenses; Roundtrip travel between home and Honolulu; Orientation and enrichment programs at the East-West Center; Participation in PROJECT Governance activities. For more information, please visit the link above. PROJECT Governance is a five-year initiative funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to strengthen democratic institutions and promote sound, just, and responsive governance in the Pacific, in collaboration with governments and community organizations in twelve Pacific Island Countries. The project is a partnership among the East-West Center (EWC), The Pacific Community (SPC), CARE, and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES).  As fellows pursue their degree studies, they join an active, international community of several hundred graduate students from over 40 countries and more than 50 fields of study, living together at the East-West Center. The fellows will also participate directly in PROJECT Governance activities, collaborating with project partners in governance trainings and events both during and after their professional studies at the University of Hawai'i, and contributing to the creation of a stronger blue pacific. To learn more about the PROJECT Governance Graduate Fellowships, please visit the Fellowship application page, or contact EWC directly at scholarships@eatwestcenter.org.

Wests Tigers is delighted to announce Apisai Koroisau has been appointed team captain for 2023. The announcement was made at Wests Tigers official season launch on the waterfront at Iron Cove, where more than 300 VIP guests had the chance to mingle with their team. The three-time NRL premiership-winner has enjoyed his first few months at his new club and is thrilled to become the team’s leader. “To be asked to lead this team in my first year at the club, means a lot,” said Koroisau. This is a terrific group of players, and I am honoured to be their captain. Api Koroisau "From the moment I joined this club, my family and I have been made to feel so welcome. “It’s been a great start to my time as a Wests Tigers player and I look forward to helping this team and this club be the best it can be." [caption id="attachment_36130" align="alignnone" width="840"] Our 2023 squad at Wests Tigers official season launch[/caption] Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens says Koroisau is a natural leader.   “We have several very capable leaders in this team, and Api is one of them,” said Sheens. He is very well respected within the group, and I know he’ll do a great job. Tim Sheens “I congratulate him on earning the role.” Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe believes Koroisau will excel as team captain. “In the short time he’s been with us, Api has demonstrated and embraced our core values as a club,” said Pascoe. His leadership on the field is vitally important, as is what he does in other areas of our business. Justin Pascoe “I think it’s a tremendous appointment and I’m sure he will thrive with the added responsibility.” Wests Tigers play their second Pre-season Challenge game this Sunday against Canberra Raiders at Belmore. Source: NRL.Com

BSP Financial Group Limited (BSP) has reopened two (2) of its branches in the country after its operations were subject to security issues last year. BSP Retail Group General Manager Daniel Faunt said these branches are among 21 locations in PNG where BSP is the only bank operating and complete withdrawal of services would have a detrimental impact on the community. “Despite the cost associated with running 42 branches and 42 sub-branches, which too often become subject to criminal activities, BSP remains committed to expand and extend its services to cater for the number of customers it has. Not only does the bank provide banking services, we also invest in supporting the development of the townships through our annual community projects in health, education, sports, culture and Financial Literacy,” Mr Faunt said. BSP Pangia Sub-Branch in Southern Highlands reopened its doors on Wednesday 11th January, 2023, after it was closed for more than two (2) months due to operational issues. BSP Navo Sub-Branch in West New Britain Province which closed on Monday 21st November, 2022, following a break and enter incident reopened its doors on Thursday 9th February 2023. “While BSP is pleased to return and resume services at Navo, any further criminal act against bank staff and property in the area will make it difficult for BSP to once again consider re-opening the sub branch,” added Mr Faunt. Koroba Hybrid Branch in Hela Province was also closed in 2022 due to law and order issues and that branch remains closed until the situation improves. BSP Chuave Sub-Branch remains closed indefinitely after the office complex, which BSP operates from, was ransacked during the National elections in August last year. BSP’s Porgera Branch was closed on Monday 9th May, 2022, following security concerns, mostly related to the 2022 National General Elections and tribal fighting in the Porgera Valley. BSP was forced to repatriate staff and their families out of the province for their safety and continues to monitor the situation with a view to reestablishing its branch operations as soon as it is safe to do so for its staff. In 2022, BSP opened new branches in Palmalmal in Pomio, East New Britain; Namatanai in New Ireland, Eriku in Lae, Morobe, Lending Centre in NCD with work commencing on branches in Dobel, Mt Hagen, Western Highlands and Telefomin, West Sepik both of which will open in 2023. BSP acting GCEO, Ronesh Dayal commented that ‘It is a very costly exercise to run banking services in remote parts of the country, especially when no other bank is willing to go, given the financial and security risks associated with it. BSP is the only bank bringing services to these parts of the country and that commitment must be reciprocated,” Mr Dayal reiterated the need for the people and the leaders of the communities in which BSP branches are located in, to look after its staff and facilities to ensure continuity of banking services.

The Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNG Unitech) is proudly empowering and encouraging women to pursue technical education, with a panel dialogue on 10 February 2023 to mark the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Equal participation by women in technical careers is vital for PNG to participate in the modern workforce and global economy. This includes supporting women and girls to complete technical education, to build the skills and confidence to participate in this essential field. However, despite extensive efforts by the global community and in PNG, women and girls continue to be excluded from fully participating in STEM education and careers. The event themed ‘Shifting the Balance: Building the NEXGenGirls in STEM (Science, Technology, Education and Mathematics) featured speeches from Unitech Chancellor, Dame Jean Kekedo, and Ms Diane Barclay, Minister Counsellor at the Australian High Commission. Ms Barclay highlighted both the opportunities for PNG through investments in STEM, as well as the extensive support Australia is providing to support women and girls in STEM in PNG. “Without high quality, locally-delivered STEM education, women will not progress to careers in STEM. Australia is proud to support women and girls in STEM in primary, secondary and tertiary education, as well as through our infrastructure and health investments,” Ms Barclay said. “This includes Australia Awards scholarships and short courses, investments in university infrastructure to support more places for women STEM students and working with contractors to employ women in nontraditional roles such as engineering, as seen at the ANGAU redevelopment project,” Ms Barclay concluded. The event also included a panel of prominent leaders and role models including Ms Michelle Silip, Civil Engineering Lab Manager at Unitech, Ms Rachel Nurvue, Founder of PNG Women in Construction, and Ms Georgina Kiele, Executive Manager, Cybersecurity and Digital Government Standards, Department of Information, Communication & Technology. “Our country is now at a juncture where more women and girls are venturing into professions that have been perceived for so many years to be professions for men only. Promoting women and girls in STEM is the way forward for PNG to harness the untapped potential of its human resources,” said Dame Jean Kekedo. The event is just one-way Unitech is actioning its commitment to getting more women and girls into technical education. It has increased enrolment of female students in STEM courses by 2.6% between 2015 and 2022; through the Incentive Fund grant, the University hopes to further increase that with the construction of new accommodation for women students including those studying STEM subjects. The achievements of women in science have not always been recognised, but today’s event is an opportunity to give prominence to equity and inclusiveness and outline a different future for women and girls in science, technology, engineering and maths.

The SP Sports Awards is the nation’s biggest and only award ceremony that recognizes the sporting achievements of PNG’s top elite athletes. This year’s theme is “Make A Difference. Stop the Violence” which aims to raise awareness of sporting violence on the part of both participants and spectators. “Sports unites people and inspires a nation to win,” says SP Brewery Corporate Affairs Manager John Nilkare. “However, the increase in sporting violence is becoming a concern. Violence on the playing field sets a bad example for impressionable young Papua New Guineans. Unruly crowd behaviour can spoil a pleasant family outing.” He added. Nilkare also announced that nominations can be submitted online via the online nomination form and encouraged everyone to send in their nominations for the following categories: The categories are: 1. Male Athlete of the Year 2. Female Athlete of the Year 3. Team of the Year 4. National Performance of the Year 5. Junior Male Athlete of the Year 6. Junior Female Athlete of the Year 7. Community Sports Initiative 8. Best Sports Person Living with a Disability 9. Sports Official of the Year 10. Sports Media of the Year