The Central Provincial Administration has called on government agencies, businesses, development partners and the public to support the 2026 Central Music, Arts and Cultural Festival, describing the event as a key driver of cultural preservation, tourism and economic development.Speaking at the official launch of the festival, Acting Provincial Administrator Magini Raga said the festival had grown significantly since its inaugural staging, becoming more than just a music event."The festival has evolved into something much greater than music. It is now a platform that celebrates our music, arts, culture, tourism, local businesses and the economic potential of Central Province."He said the success of the inaugural festival demonstrated what could be achieved when government, communities, artists, businesses and development partners worked together toward a common goal.According to Mr. Raga, the Central Provincial Administration is working closely with the Governor's Office, district administrations, community leaders, churches, security agencies, health authorities, sponsors and volunteers to ensure the 2026 festival is safe, well organised and delivers lasting benefits for local communities.He said festivals play an important role beyond entertainment by creating opportunities for young people, promoting local artists, preserving cultural heritage, encouraging tourism and providing valuable markets for small businesses and local producers."As Acting Provincial Administrator, I want to assure everyone that preparations are well underway," he said."Our administration is committed to working with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the festival is safe, well organised and worthy of the people of Central Province."Mr. Raga also acknowledged the role of the media in promoting the event and providing accurate information to communities throughout the province and the country.He thanked existing sponsors and encouraged more businesses and development partners to support the festival despite challenging economic conditions."Your contributions help create opportunities for our communities and ensure that this festival continues to grow from strength to strength," he said.Mr. Raga described the festival as more than an annual celebration, saying it represents a long-term vision for the province."Today is not simply about launching another event. It is about launching a continued vision—one that celebrates our identity, supports our economy, showcases our talent and strengthens pride in Central Province."

Students at the Tokarara Secondary School in Port Moresby were sent home early today after rumors of a possible threat sparked panic among students, parents and guardians.The unconfirmed reports claimed that outsiders were planning to harm students, prompting school authorities to send students home as a precautionary measure.The issue is believed to be linked to an incident last Friday that occurred during the Under-17 schools' rugby league grand final at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, where Tokarara Secondary School was defeated by Kilakila Secondary School. However, authorities have not confirmed whether the two matters are connected.As news of the rumoured threat spread, concerned parents and guardians left work to collect their children. Others who were unable to secure transport were seen walking home in groups as a safety precaution.No injuries or security incidents involving students or staff were reported.PNG HAUSBUNG visited the school to get some answers from the principal, but the principal was in a meeting with the National Capital District Schools Inspector at the time and was not available to say anything.School officials are expected to provide further information once the meeting concludes.PNG HAUSBUNG will provide updates as more information becomes available.

The SP PNG Hunters have received a timely boost ahead of their Round 20 Hostplus Cup clash against the Redcliffe Dolphins, with six players returning from injury as the side looks to finish the season strongly.Assistant coach Enock Maki said the Hunters' preparation had remained consistent despite a difficult campaign that has seen the club sitting at the bottom of the competition ladder."Preparation is going good. We know the season hasn't been good for us, but it doesn't change anything for us," Maki said."Our preparation is the same, our mentality is the same and we're looking forward to the game this weekend."The Hunters will welcome backs six players for Saturday's home fixture at the Santos.The Hunters will welcome back six players for Saturday's home fixture at 3:30 pm at the Santos National Football Stadium, including Clent Lama, Miles Naipao, Joel Gena, Sylvester Namo, Seal Kalo and Joshua Mire, all returning after injury layoffs.Maki said the two-week competition break came at the right time, allowing injured players to complete their rehabilitation and return to full fitness."For the last two weeks we've been off, it's helped us a lot. We've had a lot of injuries, so the boys had time to do their rehab and prepare themselves well to get back on the field," he said."Mentally, nothing changes for us. We just have to work hard. That's the message we've been telling the boys."During the break, several senior players were released to play for their respective Digicel ExxonMobil Cup clubs to maintain match fitness, while younger squad members also returned to domestic competition."We selected players that needed to maintain their fitness, so they went back to their clubs for the finals," Maki explained."It was important for them to stay match-ready for this game."Although the Hunters' finals hopes are not entirely over, Maki said the team remained determined to finish the season on a positive note and avoid claiming the wooden spoon for the first time in the club's Hostplus Cup season."Our goal is to work hard and hopefully get some positive results from the remaining four games," he said."We've spoken as a team that we don't want to finish with the wooden spoon. The boys know that and they'll keep working hard."The assistant coach also thanked the Hunters' loyal supporters, whose backing has remained unwavering throughout a challenging season."Our fans have been very good," Maki said."Even though we haven't had a good season, they continue to support us every time we play at home. You can feel their support during the games, and we hope to see them again this weekend."The SP PNG Hunters host the Redcliffe Dolphins this weekend at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby as they look to secure a much-needed victory in Round 20 of the Hostplus Cup.

The newly refurbished Nazareth House of Prayer at Laloki is expected to provide a place of prayer, reflection and spiritual renewal for people across Central Province and beyond, following its official opening by Central Governor Rufina Peter recently.The facility, which underwent major refurbishment through the support of the Central Provincial Government, includes two renovated dormitories, the House of Prayer and the Chapel, creating a more suitable environment for individuals, church groups and visitors seeking time away for prayer, reflection and personal renewal.Governor Peter said the upgraded facility would serve an important purpose by giving people a place to step away from the pressures of everyday life and reconnect spiritually."Having a facility like this, where people can come out of their busyness and spend some time in silence, prayer and reflection, is very important," said Governor Peter.She said leaders, public servants, workers and community members often carried demanding responsibilities, and having a retreat centre close to the city provided an opportunity for people to refresh themselves spiritually before returning to their daily duties."With the jobs that we have, whether as political leaders, administrators or workers, we are often working long hours every day. Having a place like this allows people to come, spend some time, reconnect, and then go back out to continue what they do," she said.The refurbishment of the Nazareth House of Prayer is part of the Central Provincial Government's wider commitment to supporting integral human development through partnerships with churches and community organisations.Governor Peter said investment in people remained one of the most important responsibilities of government, as human development was central to the progress of communities."Human resource is the critical investment that every province or government has to make because it is people who drive everything else," she said.She added that churches had played a significant role in shaping communities through spiritual guidance, education, health services and other forms of support, and that government would continue to work alongside churches to improve services for the people.Governor Peter also acknowledged the long history and contribution of the Handmaids of the Lord Sisters in Central Province, particularly in Kairuku and Goilala districts, since the arrival of Catholic missionaries in 1884.She said the sisters had provided generations of service and that the Nazareth House of Prayer reflected their continued commitment to supporting people through faith, care and spiritual guidance."This facility is not only for one group of people. It is a place where people can come, regardless of their background, to find peace, pray and reflect," she said.The Governor said the provincial government’s support for the refurbishment was an investment that would benefit future generations and strengthen the partnership between government and the church.She also encouraged stronger coordination between government and church organisations to identify priority projects that could create meaningful impacts for communities throughout Central Province.The refurbished Nazareth House of Prayer now stands as a dedicated retreat and prayer facility, offering a peaceful environment for individuals and groups seeking spiritual renewal, guidance and a place to strengthen their faith.

Veteran Papua New Guinean musician and former Deejays Band member Dika Dai has been appointed President of the Central Music Association (CMA), taking over leadership of the organization ahead of the 2026 Central Music, Arts, and Culture Festival.The announcement was made by Central Governor Rufina Peter during the official launch of the province’s annual festival.Governor Peter described Dai, a member of the popular Deejay’s Band and one of Papua New Guinea’s respected music figures, as the right person to lead the association over the next two years.He succeeds outgoing president Alan Kedea, who did not seek re-election as he prepares to focus on broader music industry issues at the national level and pursue other interests.Governor Peter acknowledged Kedea’s contribution to the development of music in Central Province and Papua New Guinea.“I would like to thank Mr. Alan Kedea for his outstanding contribution to the development of music in Central Province as well as the nation,” she said.She also expressed hope that Kedea would continue supporting the festival in the future.Under Dai’s leadership, the Central Music Association will oversee preparations for the 2026 Central Music, Arts and Cultural Festival, including finalizing the lineup of musicians and performers.The festival, scheduled for September 11th-13th, 2026 at Berina Station in Kairuku District, is expected to feature a mix of established artists, cultural performers, gospel groups, string bands, and emerging local talent.Governor Peter said the festival’s expansion into arts, culture and tourism presents an opportunity for the association to showcase the diversity of Central Province while strengthening the local music industry.The event is expected to attract thousands of visitors from across the country, providing a platform for artists to perform while also supporting tourism, small businesses, and local economic development.

After two years of silence, Central Province has officially launched its 2026 flagship cultural celebration, announcing that its annual music festival has been expanded and rebranded as the Central Music, Arts and Cultural Festival.Central Governor Rufina Peter said the festival would be held from 11–13th September 2026 at Bereina Station in Kairuku District, marking a new chapter for one of the province's premier annual events.Governor Peter said the festival's expanded scope reflects the province's commitment to promoting not only music, but also arts, culture, tourism and economic development."Music will continue to be the heartbeat of the festival, but we are now expanding the event to celebrate our visual arts, traditional crafts, cultural heritage and the entrepreneurial spirit of Central Province," she said.The festival was first staged in Kwikila, Rigo District, in 2024, attracting more than 25,000 people over three days.According to the Governor, the event exceeded expectations by boosting local businesses, tourism, and community participation while remaining free from major security incidents.Building on that success, this year's event will feature cultural dance groups, string bands, gospel and folk performers alongside some of PNG’s best-known contemporary musicians.The final entertainment lineup will be confirmed by the Central Music Association in the lead-up to the festival.Governor Peter said the event would also provide opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), farmers, fishermen, artisans, women's groups and youth entrepreneurs to exhibit and sell locally made products.The Central Provincial Administration will showcase key industries including cocoa, coconut, fisheries, livestock and other agricultural products, highlighting the province's economic potential."Our vision is to make this festival more than an entertainment event," Governor Peter said."We want it to become a platform that promotes tourism, creates economic opportunities, supports local businesses, empowers our young people and preserves the rich cultural identity of Central Province."Bereina was selected as the host venue because of its rich cultural heritage, strategic location along the Hiritano Highway, and its potential to attract visitors from Port Moresby and neighbouring provinces.The Governor said security remained a top priority, with the Central Provincial Government working alongside police, health authorities and emergency services to ensure the safety of festival-goers. Security personnel will also be deployed along the Hiritano Highway and throughout the festival grounds.Governor Peter concluded by inviting Papua New Guineans from across the country to attend the three-day celebration."Come for the music, come for the arts, come for the culture, come and support local businesses and celebrate the Central Way," she said.

Cardinal Sir John Ribat has called for urgent government intervention to address Papua New Guinea's growing HIV epidemic, warning that years of declining investment and weakened prevention programs have allowed infection rates to rise sharply.Speaking to its thirteen (13) members of the National AIDS Council and key stakeholders, Cardinal Ribat said HIV and AIDS must once again become a national priority, urging leaders to strengthen prevention, treatment and public awareness efforts before the situation worsens."We continue to hear of people dying, but there is very little understanding of how they died," Cardinal Ribat said. "It is important that we continue to encourage our people to know the reality of HIV/AIDS."The Cardinal reflected on the achievements of the National AIDS Council in its early years, saying strong leadership, partnerships and coordinated policies had helped reduce the national HIV infection rate from an anticipated 3.5% to just 0.4%, describing it as a global success story.However, he said those gains have been steadily reversed over the past 14 years."Today the infection rate has increased from 0.4% to 1.5%," he said. "Many people believe HIV has gone away, but it has not. Awareness has declined and people are no longer treating it as a serious issue."Cardinal Ribat highlighted several worrying trends, including a reported 300% increase in the commercial sex industry, a 34% rise in mother-to-child transmission and a 120% increase in infections among the general population.He described as "shameful" in the fact that seven children are reportedly born with HIV every day in Papua New Guinea."This must be stopped and reversed," he said.The Cardinal also expressed concern over the decline in the capacity of the National AIDS Council Secretariat (NACS), saying staffing levels had fallen significantly after many officers were transferred to the National Department of Health (NDoH).He said the agency now requires restructuring, so it can effectively coordinate HIV prevention programs across the country.Cardinal Ribat warned that annual funding for HIV/AIDS programs has dropped dramatically, from about K30 million to just K2 million, which he said is insufficient to support nationwide awareness campaigns.He said, "It is only enough to fund two television advertisements. It will not fund billboards, radio advertisements, social media campaigns, or other public awareness activities."He argued that investing and prevention would save the country significant economic losses, estimating that neglecting HIV/AIDS could cost PNG hundreds of millions of Kina annually through reduced productivity and increased healthcare costs."The mathematics is simple. An investment of K20 million annually in prevention and management programs can protect the country from much greater economic losses," he said.Cardinal Ribat also noted that international funding for HIV programs has declined as donor countries redirect resources to other global priorities, placing greater responsibility on the PNG Government to increase domestic funding.He called on the government to conduct a comprehensive review into what has gone wrong over the past decade and to develop a new national HIV/AIDS policy that integrates prevention, treatment and long-term planning across all sectors.The Cardinal urged stronger partnerships between government agencies, churches, community organisations, the private sector and international development partners to improve service delivery and expand prevention and treatment programs.He also called for increased investment in modern HIV medicines, including oral and injectable treatments, to help suppress viral loads and reduce transmission.Cardinal Ribat told the council members that this is their priority job."We must work together to bring HIV/AIDS back to the forefront of national attention and protect the lives of our people."

The PNG Chiefs have confirmed they are in no rush to pursue Melbourne Storm star Cameron Munster, with the NRL's newest franchise opting to wait until the November 1st player market before making a decision on the representative playmaker.Chiefs General Manager of Football Michael Chammas said the club has not made a formal offer to Munster despite receiving permission from Melbourne Storm to hold discussions with the Queensland captain."We're not ready to commit at this point," Chammas said."If Cameron Munster is available on November 1, he'll certainly be one of the players we consider."Chammas said the Chiefs are continuing to assess the market as they build their inaugural roster and want to determine the best combination for their halves before making a major signing.Although Munster has spent most of his career at the five-eighth position, the Chiefs believe he could successfully transition into the No.7 role."Our coach believes Cameron could play halfback, so there's certainly merit in that," Chammas said."We've been open and honest with Cameron about where we stand."The club has already secured Parramatta star Zac Lomax as one of its foundation signings but remains patient as it weighs up its options ahead of November's player market.Munster has since confirmed he has postponed a planned visit to Papua New Guinea, choosing instead to focus on Melbourne's finals campaign before making any decision about his future.The Chiefs are expected to continue monitoring the market over the coming months, with Munster remaining one of several high-profile players under consideration for the club's inaugural squad.

Melbourne Storm captain Cameron Munster has confirmed he has postponed discussions with NRL expansion club the PNG Chiefs, saying now is not the right time to consider his future while the Storm remain in the middle of their premiership campaign.Munster had been granted permission by Melbourne to visit Papua New Guinea and inspect the Chiefs' facilities alongside recent signing Zac Lomax. However, the Queensland Maroons skipper chose to cancel the trip after details became public.Speaking on the 167 Podcast, Munster said he believed making the visit during the season would have created unnecessary distractions."I was meant to fly to PNG and have a look at the facilities, but with all the hype around it, I thought it wasn't a good look for myself or the club," Munster said."The boys are preparing for games, and I just didn't think it was the right time. I'll wait until November 1 and see what happens then."Munster thanked Melbourne Storm for allowing him to explore his options but said his immediate focus remains on helping the club finish the season strongly.The veteran playmaker also acknowledged that family considerations will play a major role in whatever decision he makes."I've taken pay cuts throughout my career, but I've got to make sure my family's in a great position long-term," he said."Footy doesn't last forever and I want to make sure my kids are financially secure."Munster remains contracted with Melbourne, although his long-term future continues to attract interest from rival clubs, including the PNG Chiefs, who are preparing for their inaugural NRL season.

The Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) has awarded the Round 14 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup match to PRK Mendi Muruks after a spectator disturbance forced the game between Asila Waghi Tumbe and Mendi Muruks to end early at John Ambane Oval in Minj.PNGNRLC Chief Operating Officer Tony Archer confirmed the decision following a thorough investigation into the incident, which occurred during the final minutes of Saturday’s match.The investigation involved reviewing match footage, consulting match officials, club representatives and ground management staff to determine what led to the early conclusion of the fixture.The match was stopped with approximately three minutes remaining after objects were thrown onto the field by a section of spectators, creating an unsafe playing environment and preventing the game from continuing.Archer said while the actions of a small group of spectators were disappointing, they should not overshadow the efforts of players, clubs and supporters who continue to contribute positively to the competition.“The safety of players, officials, staff and spectators must always come first,” Archer said.“This type of behaviour is unacceptable and deeply disappointing, particularly because it overshadows the quality of football being played and the improvement we are seeing across the competition.”He also praised the players from both teams for the way they handled the situation, saying their professionalism helped prevent the incident from escalating.The PNGNRLC has since confirmed that PRK Mendi Muruks have been declared winners of the match.As the hosting club, Asila Waghi Tumbe has been issued a breach notice and fined K20,000 for failing to provide adequate security arrangements for the fixture.In addition, PNGNRLC has suspended all National Competition matches scheduled at John Ambane Oval, Minj, for the remainder of the 2026 season. The affected fixtures will be relocated to other venues.Archer said hosting matches in the competition is a privilege that comes with important responsibilities, including ensuring safe conditions for players, officials and spectators.The PNGNRLC said it will continue to take firm action against behaviour that threatens the safety and integrity of rugby league, while recognising the important role supporters play in creating a positive match-day atmosphere.The organisation also acknowledged the disappointment caused by the incident but said protecting the future of the competition and ensuring games can be played safely remains its priority.

Newly appointed Education Minister Francis Kikin has pledged to build on the work of his predecessor, Lucas Dekena, while strengthening teaching, learning and accountability across Papua New Guinea's education sector.Minister Kikin said his immediate priority would be ensuring continuity within one of the country's largest and most complex government departments.He said, "The Department of Education is a very big department. It has numerous divisions and agencies under its responsibility. My focus is to continue the work that has already been started by the previous minister while addressing areas that need improvement."Kikin said with less than a year remaining before the next national elections, his ministry would focus on implementing existing reforms rather than introducing sweeping changes."There is limited time, so we will continue with the current programs and reforms. Where necessary, we may introduce one or two changes through the proper government processes, but there will not be major changes."The minister identified teaching and learning as the foundation of the education system, saying improving teacher welfare and strengthening quality management would be among his top priorities."Education is built on teaching and learning," Kikin said. "Teachers play a critical role in producing quality outcomes for our students, and quality management is equally important to ensure policies are effectively implemented."He called on policymakers and education administrators to work together to achieve better results before 2027 and ensure reforms currently underway are successfully delivered.Minister Kikin also revealed that Prime Minister James Marape had stressed the importance of transparency, accountability, and delivering measurable outcomes."The Prime Minister has made it clear that where resources are allocated, results must be produced. Education receives significant government funding, so we must account for how that funding is spent and report on what has been achieved,” he said.He said major government initiatives, including the Government Tuition Fee Subsidy (GTFS) program and other education initiatives, would be closely monitored to ensure they deliver their intended outcomes.On education policy, he said, while many existing policies remain relevant, some require review to better suit PNG’s unique circumstances."Policies are important, but they must work for our people. Where policies need to be modified to make them more effective, we will work with the department to make those improvements."Addressing teachers directly, Minister Kikin acknowledged longstanding concerns over payroll delays, unpaid salaries, and other administrative issues affecting educators.He said resolving these problems would be one of his priorities."I know there are teachers who have gone for years without being properly paid," he said."These are issues we cannot allow to continue. We will work with the Teaching Service Commission and other stakeholders to reduce these backlogs and improve support for teachers."Minister Kikin, himself a former secondary school teacher, said his experience in the classroom gives him an understanding of the challenges facing educators.He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the profession while ensuring existing education reforms continue to improve learning outcomes for students across Papua New Guinea.A formal handover ceremony between outgoing minister Lucas Dekena and Minister Francis Kikin is expected to take place later this week.

A new Papua New Guinean feature film inspired by true events and centred on the history and transformation of Mussau Island in New Ireland Province is set to begin production by NAFA Productions in September, with its creators aiming to showcase the country's culture on the global stage.Speaking at the official launch of Mussau: The First Song, producer Parul Agrawal said the film is more than a cinematic production, describing it as a project dedicated to preserving the history, identity and cultural heritage of the people of Mussau."This is not simply the unveiling of a new film. It is the beginning of a journey to bring a true story to life with the care, integrity and respect it deserves," Agrawal said.She said the film is based on true events and has been developed through extensive historical research and consultation with community leaders, elders and cultural advisers.Mussau: The First Song is based on the true story of Taula Livovoa. Set in the 1930s, the film follows one of the first indigenous Seventh-day Adventist missionaries from Mussau Island. It tells a story of transformation, courage and reconciliation on an island once described in Australian colonial reports as the "Devil's Paradise" and predicted at the time to disappear within 20 years."We have been fortunate to work alongside an extraordinary team—our director, our writers, our cast and crew, and above all, the Murat community and the wider people of Mussau, all of whom have shaped this film with their knowledge, their patience and their trust," Agrawal said.Agrawal said the production team recently completed location scouting on Mussau Island, where they met with community leaders and visited sites that will feature in the film."We were reminded that we are not simply making a movie. We have been entrusted with preserving a legacy—a history for generations to come," she said.She thanked New Ireland Governor Byron Chan for supporting the project by providing transport to and from Mussau Island for the production team.According to Agrawal, the film explores themes of identity, memory, resilience and cultural heritage, telling the story of a people whose history has been passed from one generation to another.She announced that filming will officially begin in September following the completion of pre-production and introduced members of the production team, including Executive Producer Mrs Noelene Wunum, Director Dr Bijukumar Damodaran, Story Writer Dr Hilda Tanimia, Co-screenplay Writers Dr Joses Imona and Dr Jennifer Litau, Line Producer Adhya Prasad, Cinematographer Yedhu Radhakrishnan, and Editor Davis Manuel.Executive Producer Mrs Noelene Wunum said the film tells the remarkable story of how a single Christian hymn transformed the history of Mussau Island.She said the island, once described by colonial authorities as hostile and destined for extinction because of warfare and disease, experienced lasting peace after the hymn spread from village to village."One hymn changed everything. An island once called the Devil's Paradise became a place of peace. Not only did the people survive, but they were transformed," Wunum said.Wunum described the production as a non-commercial, 100 per cent Papua New Guinean film under Napa Production that aims to inspire positive change while sharing Papua New Guinea's history with international audiences."We are not making it to chase profit. We are making it to inspire positive change in people's lives and to create awareness of our motherland, her history and her people," she said.She said the production team hopes to premiere the film in 2027 before submitting it to international film festivals, including Cannes, and ultimately seeking consideration for the 100th Academy Awards in 2028.The project also coincides with preparations for the centenary of Adventism in the St Matthias Group of Islands in New Ireland Province. The film is intended to commemorate 100 years since the first Christian hymn began its journey through Mussau, Emirau and Tench islands.Beyond storytelling, Wunum said the production is expected to create employment opportunities, train emerging Papua New Guinean filmmakers, support small and medium-sized businesses, improve local health services and leave lasting maritime infrastructure for island communities.She said the project plans to acquire two boats that will continue serving communities in New Ireland Province after filming concludes."Mussau: The First Song is a hymn turned into history. May it be heard far and wide, starting today," Wunum said.