The much-anticipated soccer tournament for the Milne Bay people, the Eastern Papua Cup (EPC) tournament, kicked off yesterday at the University of Papua New Guinea Oval in Port Moresby much to the excitement of soccer fans. The EPC President, who is also the Assistant Commissioner of Police Human Resources, Samson Siguyaru told PNG HAUSBUNG that the tournament will run for five (5) weeks with a total of 24 clubs and 59 teams. Twelve (12) women’s teams, thirty-five (35) men’s teams and twelve (12) children’s teams. Meanwhile, a sponsorship of K10, 000 was presented to the EPC committee from a representative from the member for Esa’ala and Minister for Petrolum’s office Jimmy Maladina. Siguyaru said, the other elected members have pledged their support but due to other pressing issues, they were not able to attend the opening. He said, since EPC’s inception in 1978 by the likes of the late Noel Bukoya, Hudson Arek from Wanigela, late Sigamate, late Napolean Leosi and a few others, EPC has been seen as an offseason tournament where the people of Milne Bay come together at the end of the year to play soccer and showcase their skills and talents, but as the current president, Siguyaru intends to change the idea of people waiting till the end of the year to take part in a soccer tournament. “I have good intentions, and I want things to change. I want us to take Milne Bay to the next level. Our theme for this year is ‘Embracing Change, Moving Forward.’ For us to move forward, the executive has plans to look at the constitution so that EPC becomes an entity of Milne Bay that does not include the whole Eastern Papua as a whole which includes Central-Amazon Bay, Northern Province and, to Wanigela.” He said once the constitution is looked at, there are plans to change the EPC name, turn EPC into a proper sporting body like PMSA & NSL and not an offseason tournament. Siguyaru said that from this pathway they want to scout and groom players from different clubs to make the NSL team for Milne Bay. Siguyaru also mentioned that they are planning to kick start an academy and appealed to all parents and guardians to support these initiatives. He also appealed to all team managers to support the EPC team to run a smooth soccer tournament for everyone taking part and wished them the best in their tournament. He further stated that anyone caught breaching the tournament rules will be dealt with accordingly.

With the largest maritime space of 80% in the province, the people of Samarai- Murua District in the Milne Bay Province will soon benefit from the recent launching of the fishing vessel Kekeisi-1, that’s set to sail the waters of the province in the coming weeks. With the aim to turn local fishermen to business owners, the member for Samarai Murua, Isi Henry Leonard wants to activity involve unemployed people, especially the mothers and youths to get into the fishing SME space in the district. He said, the four (4) LLG’s in the district are very remote and with the fishing vessel ‘Kekeisi-1’ set to sail the waters in the coming weeks, local fishermen will be able to sell their catch to Kekeisi-1, which will then be exported to Thailand to sell. “Our plan is to produce and export seafood and fishery products out of Samarai Murua and Milne Bay to international markets. I believe this is possible and we are confident with the level of support that we are receiving from the National Fisheries Authority.” He said, NFA is supporting and assisting this project, and their fishing license has been granted to operate commercial fishery in the district. “My DDA has established a partnership arrangement between a Samarai Murua District local private company and Thailand investor to undertake commercial fishing program to support our local fishermen and women,” said Leonard. Leonard stated that the ‘Kekeisi-1’ fishing vessel is a factory vessel that has everything from freezers, ice-making machine, sorting section to packaging and frozen to be exported to Thailand. “I want my people to be businessmen and women. And by the end of the day, I believe my people will be millionaires.” He added that they will set up buying points in the four LLG’s for local fishermen to go and sell their catch to Kekeisi-1.

The men in red, Hekari United FC have delivered once again by defeating Gulf Komara FC 2-1 in the 2024 Premier Soccer League epic grand final showdown at PNGFA Football Stadium on Saturday. The two goals in each of the halves scored by Hekaris Ati Kepo and substitute Joseph Joe were enough to defend their title. Hekari United FC coach Jerry Allan thanked Komara for putting up a good fight stating, “I thank Komora for a good fight. It was a good game.” He said, coming off from second half, he encouraged his side to push their opponents lightly but tightly contend for the ball, resulting in the full-time score. He said, his team fought well in both halves and is proud to have stayed with the team for 15 years and return to finish the campaign on a high note. “I'm very happy because I finished it on a high note. Maybe next season will be the Pro-League, and the system is going to change." "But for now, I am really happy and proud of my boys,” stated Allan. Meanwhile, Lae City FC finished third after defeating Port Moresby Strikers 3-2 after extra time in the 3rd/4th playoff. Hekari's goalkeeper Dave Tomare claimed the golden glove award while Logan Biwa of United Highlands was awarded the golden booth honours for scoring 11 goals throughout the season.

Kangaroos forward Cameron Murray has been ruled out of the Pacific Cup final after sustaining a wrist injury while in camp with the Australian team. Murray, who played a starring role in Australia's 22-10 defeat of the Kiwis in Christchurch last Sunday, sustained a scapholunate injury. The Rabbitohs captain will see a surgeon next week upon his return to Sydney. A South Sydney statement said the injury may require Murray to undergo a scapholunate reconstruction, which would see him undertake an extensive period of rehabilitation. The loss of Murray is a blow to the Kangaroos as they prepare to face the winner of Saturday's New Zealand-Tonga match on November 10 at CommBank Stadium. Clive Churchill Medallist Liam Martin has been ruled out of the upcoming Pacific Championships after succumbing to injuries picked up throughout the NRL season. The Penrith forward has carried shoulder and rib injuries in recent weeks. While he was initially named in the Kangaroos squad, he will now be replaced by Raiders star Hudson Young. The change has triggered a reshuffle to the Prime Minister's XIII squad, with Tyran Wishart coming into the side to take on the Papua New Guinea PM's XIII in Port Moresby on Sunday afternoon. Nat Butcher has also been ruled out of the match due to illness. Meanwhile, the Kiwis have been dealt a major blow with Dally M Medallist Jahrome Hughes withdrawing from New Zealand's Pacific Championships campaign due to a neck injury. “Jahrome is understandably shattered and we really feel for him,” Kiwi coach Stacey Jones said. “He has had an outstanding year and he was going to play a key role for the Kiwis again. “He was desperate to play and we thought, with some time on our side, he would come right with treatment but he has since received medical advice that he won’t be ready to play.” Across the league, there have been a number of payers not considered for selection for the Pacific Championships due to injury. The Kiwis are also missing Jeremy Marshall-King, who has undergone minor knee surgery but is expected to be right to start the pre-season when the club's senior players return. Marshall-King's Dolphins teammate Connelly Lemuel has undergone a shoulder reconstruction and is looking at a five-month rehabilitation period. That will have him back for the pre-season trials and give him a good shot of starting the season in round one for the Dolphins. Panthers skipper Nathan Cleary is set for shoulder surgery while Melbourne five-eighth Cameron Munster will likely go under the knife for a groin injury. New Zealand did not select Ronaldo Mulitalo (knee), Dylan Brown (knee), Kieran Foran (ankle), Moses Leota (shoulder), Brandon Smith (knee), Jeremy Marshall-King (knee), Briton Nikora (ankle), Kayal Iro (hamstring), Te Maire Martin (neck). Panthers winger Brian To'o will also miss Samoa's tour of England after he picked up a knee injury in Sunday's grand final. To'o, who has played in Penrith's four consecutive premiership wins, came from the field in the 59th minute after a knee clash and went up the tunnel to the dressing rooms. He later returned to the sideline and spent time on an exercise bike before practicing passing and tackling with a trainer but did not return to the field. To'o had already clocked up 213 metres from 22 runs when he was forced from the field in the decider. Panthers back-rower Scott Sorensen made it back from a hamstring injury to play his part in the grand final victory. Sorensen had missed both of the Panthers' finals wins but was thrown straight back into the starting side by Ivan Cleary, getting through 70 minutes of game time and running for 124 metres.

Solomon Islands defeated Papua New Guinea 17–4 in the OFC Beach Soccer Men's Nations Cup after suffering a devastating last-minute loss to Tahiti in their first round. The home crowd were in full support as the Solomon Islands made the perfect start with Thomas Amasia scoring the opening goal from the penalty spot in the second minute. Two minutes later Jose Nawo doubled the lead when he turned and shot, the ball creeping across the goal line off the inside of the post. The writing was on the wall for the tournament debutants when Peter Reginald scored his side’s third goal in the 6th minute. Babob Labong’s team had made a dream debut to international Beach Soccer 24 hours earlier when they stunned Fiji 8-6, but the home side were a step up in class and Albert Bobby fired in off the crossbar to put the hosts 4-0 and in command. Raven Samuel pulled a goal back for Papua New Guinea with a fine strike by Raven Samuel before the end of the period to give Papua New Guinea hope heading into the second stanza, and they opened the scoring after the break with a real ‘football’ goal, some nice one touch passing setting up Goiravana Kala who beat James Do’oro in the Solomon Islands goal. The crowd had gone silent, and the home side needed a bit of magic to regain the ascendency, and it came from Erick Wanega who blasted a long-range effort past Kopi Samuel in goal. Max Fa’ari then scored a quick brace to put the hosts firmly in control. Peter Reginald then got into the action as Papua New Guinea wilted under the pressure, before Solomon Islands captain Charlie Otainao scored his side’s 9th goal, with Nawo grabbing his second not long after. Raven Samuel beat the onrushing Do’oro to score his second of the game to briefly hope the Solomon Islanders momentum. Wanega grabbed his hat-trick with a shot that bobbled over a hapless Samuel in goal to end a high scoring period. Max Fa’ari scored his third of the game five minutes into the final period before Navu Willie got on the scoresheet for for Papua New Guinea. Wanega added two late strikes to put the icing on the cake, with Reginald claiming his hat-trick in the dying seconds. The Solomon Islands know a win over Fiji in their final group stage game next will confirm their place in Saturday’s final while Papua New Guinea faces the unenviable task of overcoming defending champs Tahiti while hoping Fiji win for them to make the final.

After passing an evaluation by the Papua New Guinea Medical Board, Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) has been given a three-year license to offer medical services in Western province. This followed a visit by several members of the PNG Medical Board to see OTML’s operations in September and conducted a comprehensive review of OTML’s healthcare services, facilities, and its outreach to the communities. The board was impressed by the company’s extensive social responsibility footprint, noting that OTML’s health services extend beyond the mine site to the Preferred Area and other impacted regions. This includes the Medivac program and ongoing support to North Fly District. Manager Health Services, Raymond Singamis, said OTML has been commended for its commitment to delivering healthcare services that meet the National Department of Health (NDoH) Standards, thus being granted a full three-year license instead of the one-year interim extension that was requested. “As a company, we want to be compliant in every aspect of our operations and health services is one of them. It’s an exciting journey because OTML will now be managing the hospital going forward, but will be outsourcing the labour hire to our local contractors as part of promoting local business content." “We are now preparing for a national accreditation assessment by the National Department of Health Standards team in November 2024. The NHSS team will evaluate Tabubil Hospital, which was last rated as a five-star hospital during the 2018 accreditation,” Mr Singamis said. As part of its vision for the future, OTML is now the sole operator of Tabubil Hospital under an owner-operator model, which brings several advantages, including: 1. Compliance and Standards – OTML is committed to adhering to national health standards, ensuring the delivery of high-quality and compliant healthcare. 2. Improved Patient Care – By managing the hospital directly, OTML aims to elevate the standard of care, reduce waiting times, and enhance overall patient satisfaction. 3. Cost Savings – Direct management will enable OTML to reinvest cost savings into the redevelopment of hospital facilities, ultimately improving infrastructure and healthcare delivery. The Health Services Department is working on a three-year strategic plan that will guide the future development of its healthcare services. This plan includes the modernisation of medical technology, the possible introduction of drone medical services, and partnerships with specialised healthcare providers. Meantime, with the granting of this three-year license and the implementation of its strategic healthcare development plan, OTML is committed to elevating healthcare services for its workforce and the communities it serves.

THE U.S. government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), partnered with the Santos Foundation, its parent company Santos Limited, and Schlumberger LB to launch a solar-powered mini-grid to provide electricity to the Pimaga Vocational Educational Training Centre (VET). This is the second mini-grid the partnership between USAID and Santos has built in Pimaga. The first was launched in 2022 and currently provides electricity to the Pimaga Rural Hospital to facilitate life-saving blood transfusions and other treatment. USAID Country Representative Nino Nadiradze highlighted the importance of leveraging private sector partnerships to support electrification in PNG, and noted that, “Creative approaches, creative partnerships, and private sector engagement are necessary to bring power to communities like Kutubu, Nipa-Kutubu District, to support the government of PNG’s ambitious goal of lighting up 70% of households by 2030, and to ensure that rural electrification is climate smart.” The $57 million USAID Papua New Guinea Electrification Partnership (USAID-PEP) is the largest bilateral investment in PNG’s energy sector. USAID aims to facilitate 350,000 new on- and off-grid household electricity connections in part by developing sustainable off-grid models and fostering private sector investment. Over 225,000 of these connections have already been achieved. This Pimaga VET mini-grid was developed in partnership with the Santos Foundation and its parent company Santos Limited, Schlumberger LB, the Department of Education, Pimaga VET Training Centre, and the Nipa-Kutubu District Development Authority. The mini grid will support the VET Centre’s training programs, which serve more than 300 students. The power provided will enhance education outcomes, power staff housing, and support expansion to allow more students in Kutubu and elsewhere to benefit from the opportunities the center provides.

The madness goes on! The 321 Lotto Treasure Island Scratch Cards have announced a second jackpot winner, just one month after announcing the first. The lucky family was stoked after realizing they’d struck a massive win. This win has come at a convenient time as this would help take care of various necessities as well as be a boost for the youngest in their family, 19, who has just finished his year 12 examinations. For the 321 Lotto team, it is always extremely gratifying to be able to make dreams possible for their winners. Most successful players who’ve won big are mainly average citizens who look towards making positive changes to their livelihoods. So far, the experience has been a rewarding one, both for players, and 321 Lotto as a whole. “At 321 Lotto, we design our games with the goal of bringing joy and opportunities to our players, while always ensuring responsible gaming remains a priority." "Helping our winners achieve their dreams is just part of what drives us, but we are equally committed to making sure everyone plays responsibly,” said COO Aaron Egan. So far, there have been many winners who have expressed how their winnings have impacted their lives tremendously. The 321 Lotto team is extremely grateful for the success of all its winners and is always delighted to celebrate every win, big or small.

Papua New Guinea’s Beach Soccer team created its own History in taking part in their first ever international beach soccer match. The Team also scored one of the fastest goals in international Beach Soccer history in an incredible start to the OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup in Honiara. Having never played an international match, the Papua New Guinea players who hail from Fisherman Island off the coast of Port Moresby were expected to struggle against more experienced opponents. But from the kick-off, Demasol Manama blasted the ball into the net with the goal coming after just one and a half seconds. The Boys shocked Fiji two minutes later with Ellygia Benard making it 2-0 before a shell-shocked Fiji found themselves three down a minute later when Goiravana Kala converted a freekick. Fiji pulled a goal back through Adriu Nabose in the 6th minute before Papua New Guinea were at it again with another explosive free kick from Kala rifling past Sanaila Waqanicakau in the Fijian goal in the 9th minute. Papua New Guinea ‘keeper Kopi Samuel made a mistake for Fiji’s second goal in the final minute of the first period as Jerry Sam’s side got back into the game. In the second period, scoring slowed, but it was Papua New Guinea who struck first with Benard nabbing his second. France Catarogo then fired over the bar from the penalty spot for Fiji before another defensive mistake saw Steven Dean close the gap to two goals in the 20th minute. Raven Samuel restored his side’s three goal advantage a minute later before Fiji closed the gap to two again, from a well struck free kick a minute before the end of the period. As the rain continued to pour down, the clocked ticked down. Papua New Guinea extended their lead again through Joe Vere with six minutes remaining. But Fiji applied the pressure and struck twice in quick succession to close the gap to one. With the Fijians pushing for an equaliser, Papua New Guinea were given a golden chance to kill off any resistance and duly did, with Ellygia Benard completing his hat-trick to add an eighth taking them to 8-6 at fulltime. PNG now looks forward to the next challenge against Solomon Islands tomorrow.

Jillaroos winger Julia Robinson etched her name in the history books with a stunning six-try haul in her team's 84-0 triumph over the PNG Orchids at Suncorp Stadium. The previous record for most tries in a Test by a Jillaroo was five by Sam Bremner at the 2013 World Cup. On the other wing Jakiya Whitfeld helped herself to five tries as the Jillaroos warmed up for a heavyweight showdown with the Kiwi Ferns in week two. The Jillaroos opened the scoring in the ninth minute when Robinson broke the line and found Tamika Upton in support for a 6-0 lead on the back of Tarryn Aiken's conversion. A clever grubber by No.7 Delailah Ahose earned the Orchids a line dropout but a mistake by the halfback in the ensuing set saw the opportunity go begging. When Jessikah Reeves came up with an error for the Orchids it was powerhouse Jillaroos winger Robinson who made her pay after finishing off slick lead-up by Aiken, Upton and Isabelle Kelly. Three minutes later Robinson made it a double as the Jillaroos' left edge again clicked into gear before right winger Whitfeld got in on the action in the 25th minute after the Orchids had lost Roswita Kapo to the sin bin. Another blow for the Orchids in the 28th minute when La-Toniya Norris-Addo was forced off with a knee injury and the Jillaroos again went left to hand Robinson a hat-trick after a superb cut-out pass by Aiken. The Jillaroos then produced a long-range try from the halfway line with Jess Sergis delivering the final pass for Whitfeld to race away for her second try. Aiken converted for a 32-0 lead. On the stroke of half-time Whitfeld completed her hat-trick courtesy of a well-timed pass from Tiana Penitani and the Jillaroos went to the break at 36-0. Two minutes into the second half Robinson made it four before Aiken chipped over the top for Upton to regather and score for the most spectacular try of the night. Come the 44th minute and Penitani crossed for her first try as a Jillaroo before Kelly took off from a scrum 10 metres out from her own line and sprinted 90 metres to make it 56-0. The tryscoring battle between the wingers continued when Whitfeld crossed for her fourth try in the 51st minute before Robinson answered straight back two minutes later with her fifth try. Remarkably Whitfeld then took a long ball from Penitani and powered over for her fifth of the match in the 56th minute before Robinson grabbed her slice of history with her sixth try of the match. With 90 seconds to play Sergis backed up to score after a long run by Yasmin Clydsdale before Kelly crossed in the dying seconds to make it 84-0, bettering the 82-0 scoreline over the Orchids at the 2022 World Cup. The Orchids will now need to beat the Kiwi Ferns in week three of the tournament if they are to avoid the relegation play-off.

To further solidify their collaboration, The Voice Inc. (TVI) and the University of Natural Resources and Environment (UNRE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen their partnership. TVI’s engagements within the university over the last four years are a testament to its commitment to the institution and the young people it serves. Between 2021 and 2024, the organization engaged students for industrial training and conducted CleanGen Leadership Training programs. It hosted campus events in collaboration with students and the community, fostering student engagement and creating safe spaces for conversations around issues such as Drug and Alcohol Abuse. Additionally, it supported innovative student projects that impacted communities and sponsored scholars 5 students with full scholarships with the first scholar successfully completing his studies in UNRE this year. The new MOU captures a commitment to supporting innovative student research projects nationwide through CleanGen Hubs for students' special projects and industrial training course requirements. As part of the MOU signing, a Home Biogas Kit was donated to the university to kick-start these special projects. TVI’s Clean Generation program supports efforts to address climate change, sustainable agriculture, and sustainable livelihoods. The Home Biogas Kit is part of TVI’s commitment to assist final year students with their special projects and research papers. The kit will serve as a research tool for the university’s academic and farm projects. Present at the MOU signing was UNRE Vice Chancellor Professor Aisak Pue and Dr Livingstone Tavul the Pro-Vice Chancellor Planning and Development. TVI representatives included Executive Director Ms Maliwai Sasingian, Senior Programs Manager Mrs Barbara T. Elias and Small Grants Coordinator Mr Slyney Tau. Speaking on behalf of TVI, Maliwai Sasingian thanked UNRE for allowing the organization to carry out its programs within the university and expressed excitement on the work ahead through the MOU. TVI also extends its gratitude to MASHAV Aid from Israel and Pacific Grow whose support to Mr. Slyney Tau enabled the donation of the Home Biogas Kit to UNRE. TVI is present in all five state run universities throughout Papua New Guinea, offering various leadership development programs and support to students who are part of the organizations CleanGen Movement.

As the count down begins for a thrilling first match, Australia and Papua New Guinea will face off at Suncorp Stadium at 5:05pm this afternoon to kick off this year's Pacific Championships tournament, with the Orchids facing a tough challenge against the top ranked team. The gulf in experience cannot be denied, with the majority of the Orchids side having been selected from national Santos Cup competition which is in its inaugural year, with only skipper Elise Albert an NRLW regular. However, despite the 50-0 scoreline in last Sunday's Prime Minister's XIII match, the Orchids put in a strong showing in the second half to keep the Australian side to one try after trailing 44-0 at half-time. Australia will be out to show their credentials after posting a loss in their last Pacific Championships game last year and have plenty of talent of show, but won't be taking the Orchids lightly and know they will be in for a physical encounter. After sitting out the PM's XIII match to be kept fresh for the Pac Champs, PNG legend Elsie Albert will captain her country against Australia. Cowboys duo Essay Banu and Sareka Mooka bring plenty of class to the forward pack while experienced centre, Belinda Gwasamun has been playing with Wentworthville Magpies and was named joint winner of the Tahnee Norris Medal at the NRL’s Harvey Norman Women’s National Championships. Hooker Ua Ravu represented the Orchids at the World Cup in 2022 and has racked up four Tests for the Orchids. Jessikah Reeves and Sera Koroi both have NRLW experience with the Cowboys. Australia’s Ali Brigginshaw and Kezie Apps will lead a Jillaroos side boasting three debutantes in starting hooker Quincy Dodd and her back-up Olivia Higgins, as well as bench forward Sarah Togatuki. Nine members of the side that lost last year's Pac Champs final to New Zealand are back on deck, including fullback Tamika Upton and chief playmaker Tarryn Aiken, who shifts from five-eighth to halfback. Lauren Brown was listed among the reserves after suffering a hamstring injury playing for the PM's XIII but dropped out of the squad 24 hours before kick-off along with Jessika Elliston while Jess Sergis is 18th player. PNG TEAM LIST Interchange: 1 Mala Mark 14- Roswita Kapo 2- Freda Waula 15- Jessikah Reeves 3- Belinda Gwasamun 16- Talitha Kunjil 4- La-Toniya Norris-Addo 17- Leila Kerowa 5- Lyiannah Allen 6- Sera Koroi Reserves: 7- Delailah Ahose 18- Lilah Malabag 8- Essay Banu 19- Meli Joe 9- Ua Ravu 20- Yolanda Taute 10- Elsie Albert 21- Freda Anthony 11- Sareka Mooka 12- Emily Veivers 13- Gloria Kaupa