While family and friends gather to celebrate the festive holidays, the green angels ‘St John Ambulance’ are preparing and is anticipating a surge in emergency calls over the festive season. Additional emergency ambulance crews will be rostered on duty to ensure the service can meet demand and get care to people in need. SJA’s Commissioner, Matt Cannon said that during the festive season there is always an unpredictable rise in calls for help. “Unfortunately, many of these incidents are the tragic outcomes of violence and trauma related to excessive alcohol consumption." To effectively manage the anticipated increase in demand, the ambulance service will deploy extra ambulance crews from Friday 22nd December until Christmas Day, as well as on the New Year’s Eve. These crews will be rostered for 12 hour shifts between 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM and will be a boost to regular ambulance crewing. "In both Lae and Kokopo, we will have one or two extra ambulance crews on duty depending on the need." "In the National Capital District (NCD) and Central Province, we'll bolster our response with three extra crews." This enhancement means a total of 17 emergency ambulance crews will be on duty during these peak periods. These crews are further supported by emergency medical rapid response units and SJA doctors and paramedics. Adding more ambulance crews during the holidays is expensive, but it's important so we can help everyone who needs it. It's not just about monetary costs, though. "We also have to think about things like extra radios, pagers, emergency kits, and defibrillators." "Plus, we need to make sure we have enough medicines, medical supplies, and oxygen cylinders ready to go." “Thankfully, we've got a growing group of volunteer first responders in each province who are trained to support the ambulance service and can help with emergency responses during peak periods like this.” Cannon also expressed gratitude towards the broader community for their ongoing support. "Our priority is always the safety of citizens and our ambulance team." "On behalf of the ambulance service, we thank residents for taking care of our ambulance officers throughout the year." "Despite some serious incidents affecting their safety and security, the support from communities in Lae, Kokopo, Bereina, Kuriva, Kwikila, Kupiano, Port Moresby, and Gulf has been great." Looking ahead, the ambulance service is excited to commence emergency ambulance operations in Gulf, Eastern Highlands, and Western Highlands provinces in 2024, and be working as service partners of the respective provincial health authorities. "We are committed to providing the best possible emergency medical services to our communities," said Cannon. "We urge everyone to celebrate responsibly and wish everyone a safe and joyous festive season."

The PNG Open Government Partnership (OGP) Secretariat recently unveiled its 2nd National Action Plan (NAP) 2022-2024 and launched its official website at the Grand Papua Hotel on Thursday 14th, December. The new NAP outlines 16 concrete commitments across six key areas: public participation, freedom of information, fiscal transparency, extractive resource transparency, government integrity, and data portal development. Each commitment boasts clear milestones, empowering citizens to track the government's progress towards improved governance. Department of National Planning & Monitoring Deputy Secretary Michael Kumug said, the documents stand as a testament to the collective commitment to building an open and inclusive government. "The NAP and its accompanying website will serve as powerful tools for public engagement and accountability, enabling citizens to actively shape their future." The event, sponsored by the Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM), brought together representatives from across government, civil society, and the international community to celebrate this crucial step towards enhanced transparency and accountability. "The success of the OGP process hinges on strong collaboration and shared ownership," remarked Arrianne Kassman, CEO of Transparency International PNG. "This website provides a valuable platform for stakeholders to stay informed, share feedback, and hold the government accountable for its commitments." Flierl Shongol, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT), acknowledged the Co-Chairs' vital role in driving the OGP forward. He emphasized the importance of the partnership with the European Union and conveyed the department's unwavering support for the initiative. "We see digital transformation and technology as crucial tools to support the objectives and goals of the Open Government Partnership," said Shongol. "Our policies aim to make information readily available to the people, promoting both transparency and accountability." Moving forward, the OGP Secretariat intends to leverage the new website for regular updates on NAP implementation progress, ensuring transparency and citizen engagement throughout the two-year action plan period.

The Education Department has announced the theme for the 2024 academic year “Transform Teaching and Learning to achieve Quality Education for All”. It is focused on the National Education Plan 2020-2029 Focus Area #5 which states that in order for quality education to be achieved the curriculum to be used must be current and appropriate, sufficient textbooks must be produced, procured and distributed to all schools in order to achieve the one textbook per child policy; a sustainable national examination and assessment system has been established for use in all schools and schools will be able to access teaching and learning materials electronically utilizing appropriate technology. It also considers the PNG Education Transformation Vision 2075 which should develop a system of education that produces quality graduates who can adapt to the changing world. Changes in technology, improvements in social and economic wellbeing and the use of resources from the physical environments will impose on societies to adapt. Improvements in the relevance, quality, and access to education lie at the core of the vision for the future. This is a vision that senses the future as we operate in the present. Hence, the PNG ETV 2075 is conceived to formulate a philosophy of education that galvanises the PNG education system to focus on the future of education based on current realities and trends. Dr. Kombra is calling on all continuing students, teachers and the good parents and guardians to observe the term dates especially the dates for the start of the 2024 school year. “I thank all our students, teachers, head teachers, principals and managers for their hard work and commitment in 2023 and wish them and their families a merry Christmas and a prosperous 2024.”

Kokoda Track Foundation’s (KTF) 2023 Archer Gathering saw 13 years of Archer alumni gathered for a 2 day event that’s focused on start-up social organizations and programs, collaboration and leadership. The event saw a total of 41 participants. The theme, "Ideas to Implementation," focused on practical knowledge to inspire and motivate participants to turn ideas into action, fostering tangible and sustainable change. The amazing young leaders worked on developing 4 organizations with an aim to improve social outcomes in PNG, including: 1. LITE (Learning IT education): improving digital literacy in rural PNG. 2. Elevate Equality Foundation: aimed at improving lives and outcomes for people living with a disability in PNG and influence disability policy change. 3. Art Activism PNG: using creative arts, theatre, dance and music to ignite minds, stir souls and paint a masterpiece of change to come. 4. Coastline Care: addressing climate change through the large-scale planting of mangroves to protect and conserve coastal areas, restoring reefs and food supplies. On the last day of the gathering, groups presented to a panel of experts to pitch for prizes to help establish and formalize these organizations. Prizes included a MacBook Air, consulting from Terri the Managing Director at Conversus Leaders, graphic design of a suite of logos, the build of a website, business books and Digicel credit. 2023 Archer Leader Getta Kamber said, it was a privilege to stand amongst great minds and people working together to bring about change within our community. “Change begins with us and it starts with where we are and what we do." "Thank you KTF for a push to help us build such great ideas for implementation.” She further stated that they were thrilled to be joined by special guests who inspired them over the gathering including Dame Carol Kidu (former Minister for Community Development and Founder and Patron of Ginigoada) John Wylie (CEO of PNGSDP), Roppe Uyassi (CEO, PNG Kina Bank) and Dan Baulch (Deputy Commissioner PNG ICAC). The Archer Gathering is generously supported by Mundago Abroad; and the yearlong Archer program is generously supported by Newmont PNG, Kina Bank and the Fred P Archer trust managed by Perpetual Trustees.

Puma Energy Papua New Guinea has once again reiterated its commitment to the country by participating in the 17th Resources and Energy Investment Conference, in Australia, as a Gold Sponsor. As a major +fuel distributor in the country, Puma Energy’s attendance is an important opportunity to highlight the company’s important role in enabling the mining sector, and to also restate its commitment to PNG. Puma Energy’s PNG Chairman and Managing Director Hulala Tokome emphasized the company’s long-term presence and investment in the country, acknowledged current short-term challenges and called for collaboration between industry and governments to secure a positive future for PNG. “Puma Energy has been a dedicated partner in the development of PNG for close to ten years.” “Our commitment to PNG is steadfast, and we have embarked on a forward-thinking $150 million investment program, which includes supporting rural retail development and the deployment of solar energy.” “We recognize that certain short-term issues pose challenges that must be solved in order for Puma Energy to continue to contribute meaningfully to PNG's growth.” He also stated that some of the challenges the company is facing is in relation to its banking services. “Despite these challenges, we remain enthusiastic about the future of PNG.” Puma Energy continues to work closely with the Bank of PNG (BPNG) to maintain its banking services with BSP. Following the Government’s Taskforce, Puma Energy believes it has resolved previous issues with BPNG on documentation requirements and now is looking forward to working with BSP to maintain critical banking services. “As a responsible investor in PNG, Puma Energy will continue to provide the highest of standards and quality products.” “The company will continue to drive its purpose to Energize communities and bring long term sustainable prosperity.” Furthermore, Mr. Tokome said, Puma Energy has invested over $650 million in its PNG operations since 2014, which includes airports, terminals, retail sites, convenience stores and the storage, logistics and distribution network that supplies fuel nationwide and currently employs 500 people in the country.

Secretary for National Department of Health Dr Osborne Liko has applauded the East New Britain Province for setting a standard for markets in the country. He said most markets in PNG are operating without functional organizational structures, and management, necessary resources and infrastructure and facilities. “Market place must first have an organization which allows basic controls to be implemented, particularly as they relate to safety requirements for specific foods being offered for sale and handling practices associated with them.” “Municipal health authorities, therefore, have an important position in that structure.’’ Dr. Liko said, without this, marketplace poses health risks and provide an unpleasant and unfriendly atmosphere which trigger in antisocial behavior such as harassment and intimidation thus affecting overall productivity of that place. “People are protected from health risk and engage in healthy market activities only if market is safe, hygienic and properly regulated.” ”There is an urgent need for improvement in all markets in the country to enable notable differences for healthy market activities.’’ Dr Liko thanked the East New Britain leadership in politics and administration for coming up with an authority to manage the markets which is another model from the healthy marketplace that ENB is trailblazing for the rest of the markets in PNG. “If we follow the East New Britain Market Authority, markets will become good places for people to use.’’ Dr Liko also applauded the market managers from other provinces that attended the event and also for attending the training for market managers, held few days ahead of the declaration of the Kokopo Market as a model market in PNG. Healthy Marketplace is one of the components of the Healthy Island concept embraced by PNG and all other Pacific Island country Ministers for Health on Yanuca Island, Fiji, in 1995. He assured that the Department of Health recognizes the important role Healthy Island has played and can contribute to current health indicators and has included it as a significant policy direction in the National Health Plan 2020- 2030. “The Key Result Area 1 & 2 of the National Health Plan has positioned Healthy Island Concept as the key strategy to drive the health promotion, prevention and protection programs across the country.’

Australia has ruled the Pacific Games 'blue ribbon' events after claiming gold meals in the men's and women's 100 metre finals at 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara on Tuesday evening. Georgia Harris crossed the finish line in 11.7 seconds at the National Stadium, to claim gold in the women's final ahead of Papua New Guinea's Asila Apkup and Guam's Regine Tugade-Watson. Her countryman Calab Law clocked 10.4s in the men's final and finished ahead of fellow Australian Lachlan Kennedy. Law took control from the start to beat his mate Kennedy, who had to settle for silver with a time of 10.49s. Finishing behind him for bronze was Johnny Key of Samoa in 10.72s. "It means a lot to come here and be able to run well," Law told the Pacific Games News Service. Samoa's Key told the Service he was happy to have won bronze and looks forward to more Games competition in the future. "This is just the beginning of me competing in the Pacific Games," he said. "I will work hard and want to be the fastest man in the Pacific in four years' time." Australia is also expected to dominate the 200m event, which will start with preliminary races on Wednesday. The duo have created history by winning gold, more so in claiming the blue ribbon previously dominated by Fiji in the men's and PNG in the women's events. [caption id="attachment_47688" align="aligncenter" width="1074"] Pacific Games men's 100m final – Australia’s rising superstar Calab Law (third from left) [10.4secs] gets the better of his fellow countryman Lachlan Kennedy (fourth from left) [10.49secs] for the gold medal in Solomon Islands. Honiara 28 November 2023 Photo: RNZ Pacific/Junior Maealasia[/caption]Fiji had previously dominated the men's 100m and 200m since the 1995 Games. The women's competition had been dominated by PNG's Toea Wisil, who also won gold medals at the 2015 and 2019 Games. On Tuesday, it was Australia who dominated both finals. Twenty year old Harris had dominated the heats and semi-finals before claiming the final. The athletes are expected to be in action again when the 200m preliminaries are held on Wednesday. Fiji's Bulai wins hammer throw Fiji's Deborah Bulai won gold in the women's 4- kilogram hammer throw. She threw the hammer 58.33 metres, more than four metres further than her closest rival - New Zealand's Elizabeth Hewitt. Hewitt recorded a throw of 53.79m while bronze medallist, Wallis and Futuna's Aneymone Talalua, threw 53.68m. "This is the furthest I've ever thrown, so I'm really, really happy about it," Bulai told the Pacific Games News Service. "It honestly means a lot. "I wasn't just competing for myself - I was competing for my family; I was competing for my country; I was competing for my coach and also my friends. "So, it was just a completely different feeling to what I'm used to." The 24-year-old revealed she began her career with discus but switched to hammer throw while studying in the USA. "If you're in the (US) collegiate system, which I ended up getting a scholarship for, to go to college and compete, you have to throw hammer," she said. "So I just picked it up and surprisingly I just got good at it. And so that's why I switched." PNG's Ifa wins decathlon gold Papua New Guinea's Karo Iga is the Pacific Games men's decathlon champion. The PNG athlete came first in six out of the 10 track and field events held over two days from Monday. The silver medal went to French Polynesia's Timona Poareu, who tied with Karo in the pole vault and beat him in the shot put, 110m hurdles and discus throw. New Zealand's Stephen Thorpe won bronze with his best event being the 1500m race. Australia's Scerri claims heptathlon Australia's Mia Scerri claimed the women's heptathlon title. Scerri placed first in four out of the seven track and field events held over two days in Honiara. Papua New Guinea's Edna Boafob earned silver, beating Scerri in the 200m sprint and the javelin throw. In bronze position was French Polynesia's Timeri Lamorelle, who won the 800m race. [caption id="attachment_47689" align="aligncenter" width="1082"] Pacific Games football semi-finals: Solomon Islands captain Micah Lea’alafa (right) attempts a shot at goal under the close supervision of Fiji’s Gabiriele Matanisiga. A Lea’alafa goal sealed Solomon Islands 2-0 victory over Fiji setting up a grand final with New Caledonia. Lawson Tama Stadium, Honiara 28 November 2023 Photo: RNZ Pacific/Koroi Hawkins[/caption] Hosts beat Fiji to get to men's football final Solomon Islands' men's football team has qualified for the Pacific Games final for the first time in 12 years. The hosts beat Fiji 2-0 in their semi-final match on Tuesday afternoon at the Lawson Tama Stadium, in front of a sea of adoring fans. Raphael Lea'ai scored from the penalty spot to give the hosts a 1-0 lead before local star Micah Lealafa scored the winner from in front of the net, flicking the ball past the goalkeeper. Lea'alafa said they will need to dig deep if they want to create history at the National Stadium in Honiara on Saturday. "Well it's going to be a tough one and we have to come out strong if we want to win the world," he told RNZ Pacific. "We have to push; we have to give everything in the final game. "So it's going to be a hard game for us. "I believe the boys will come out strong and give everything for this country." Solomon Islands have been to three Pacific Games football finals but have never won. Their final opponents New Caledonia, who beat Vanuatu 1-0 in the first semi-final match, are an old nemesis. The Cagous beat the Bonitos the last time they reached the finals, in 2011 in Noumea. Meanwhile, Fiji coach Rob Sherman said he is pleased with the way his team performed in the semi-final despite losing 2-0 to the Solomons. Fiji controlled the tempo for much of the game, forcing Solomon Islands to play mostly on the counterattack, but the Fijians were unable to convert in front of goal. In the end ill-discipline saw them reduced to 10 men with Filipe Bara ilala sent off after a second yellow card. Sherman said all things considered, he is proud of the boys. "I thought we dominated them to be honest," he said. "We controlled the tempo of the game with and without the ball. "They were dangerous on the break and that was evident with the goal at the end, and the penalty perhaps to a degree. "But I would say, by and large, I was very pleased with our tactical footprint and the boys have improved in that end and there is definitely room to manoeuvre." Fiji will face Vanuatu in the play off for bronze at 3pm local time on Friday, at the Lawson Tama Stadium. The grand final between Solomon Islands and New Caledonia will be at the National Stadium on Saturday at 10am, Solomons time. [caption id="attachment_47690" align="aligncenter" width="1088"] Pacific Games football semi-finals: Penalty! - Solomon Islands talismanic striker Raphael Leai sends Fiji’s goalkeeper and captain Akuila Mataisuva the wrong way from the spot to open the scoring for the hosts who went on to win 2-0 setting up a grand final with their arch nemesis New Caledonia on Saturday. Lawson Tama Stadium, Honiara 28 November 2023. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Koroi Hawkins[/caption] All-Melanesian final in women's football It will be an all Melanesian final for the women's football competition. The defending champions Papua New Guinea thrashed Samoa 5-1 on Mondayin the semifinal. Fiji beat New Caledonia 3-0 in the other semifinal to continue their winning form, having earlier eliminated the hosts Solomon Islands from the tournament in front of their home fans. The final will be played at the National Stadium in Honiara on Friday. Pearls and Tala unbeaten in netball Tonga continued their winning run from Monday as they recorded their third straight netball win. The Tala, silver medallists at the 2019 Games in Apia, thrashed Vanuatu 106-11. They lead Pool A at the moment, as defending netball champions Cook Islands recorded mixed results on the courts on Tuesday. Cook Islands claimed a big 72-18 victory over Niue, but then lost to Papua New Guinea 67-37. The win gives PNG some breathing space after they had lost to Tonga on Monday. Fiji leads Pool B with a strong win against Samoa, 62-40, adding to their Monday win over the Solomon islands. Norfolk Island secured its first victory of the Games, defeating Solomon Islands 40-34. Norfolk captain Emily Ryves told the Games News Service they were happy to have come out victors and avenge their loss to the hosts four years ago. "This is our second game here and we are so lucky to get the win," she said. "It was a hardcore battle against a very good Solomon Islands side. "Four years ago in Samoa, Solomon Islands defeated us so it is indeed good to get the win today." Netball continues on Wednesday at the Friendship Hall. [caption id="attachment_47691" align="aligncenter" width="1073"] Pacific Games football semi-finals: A difficult bunch – Play-by-play, with equal gusto, Solomon Islands football fans would cheer or boo their own team depending on whether or not they approved of the pass, shot or defensive maneuver being performed! 28 November 2023 Photo: RNZ Pacific / Koroi Hawkins[/caption] Touch competition heats up In touch rugby, defending champions Papua New Guinea recorded mixed results. PNG are defending both the men's and women's titles. The PNG men drew 2-2 with Samoa but beat Niue 5-1. In the women's division, PNG drew 4-4 with Fiji before edging past Samoa 3-2 in their second game. The Solomon Islands men lost 12-5 to Fiji and then got pipped by Norfolk Island 7-6. The Fiji men's team recorded their second win on Tuesday by beating Niue 8-5. Cook Islands proved to be a tough contender in the men's event as they beat Kiribati 9-2 and drew with Norfolk Island 4-4 in the play-offs. Touch rugby continues on Wednesday with qualifying and medal matches, before the mixed tournament begins on Thursday. Beach volleyball top seeds in good wins The top seeds at the Games' beach volleyball competition showed why they are at the top in the region with winning starts. Vanuatu's women defeated Tuvalu 2-0, while in the men's, Australia defeated New Caledonia 2-0. Vanuatu's Sherysyn Toko, playing alongside Majabelle Lawac, told the Pacific Games News Service the win was a good start. "We are so happy," she said. "This is our first match and to get off with a win is just amazing. "We have only played together the last two years and so far things are coming into place. "We look forward to the [rest of] competition and we will do our best to defend our titles." The day's other results saw straight set victories (2-0) for the Solomon Islands' men's team over Marshall Islands, Tahiti over Samoa, Fiji over Papua New Guinea, and Palau over Tuvalu. Pool matches continue on Wednesday. Source: rnz.com

Forward Fletcher Baker has arrived at the Broncos hoping to rise to the occasion and fill the boots left by the departure of Thomas Flegler - but first of all, he has to tackle the Brisbane humidity. “I came up a little bit early just to get a bit of volume in the legs and I'm glad I did, because today, it was a punch in the face; a bit of heat and I was struggling, but I got through it,” Baker told media after a morning training session at Red Hill. “I'm trying to get used to it; I'm trying to make a good impression, so I'm being loud and giving 110%, but I think I just need to work up to it. “I actually keep complaining about the heat and they say wait to January and February.” Signed from the Roosters in June on a two-year contract, Baker played 15 games in 2023, including the narrow loss to Melbourne in week two of the finals, and said he was hoping to be part a revamped Broncos forward pack in a squad who were ‘hungrier’ for success after falling just short in the decider. “To play alongside the crew that they have got; the forwards, it's incredible; but I haven't really taken too much interest in that [claiming a starting front row spot], I want to get my best pre-season in and sort of make an impression, I want to be in that team and wherever I fit, I fit," Baker said. “(But there is a great opportunity), they had Keenan (Palasia) who left and he was a benchie, then Flegler up top and they're good players and I think the team that they were last year and then this year as well, I think their football complements me as well. "I like to play support, ball play and get quick play-the-balls and then if you can do that off Payne Haas and Patty Carrigan and then all the pretty boys at the back, that's great footy.” Despite the departures of two rep forwards, there will be plenty of competition for Fletcher to contend with. Among the is options moving Carrigan from lock to partner Haas in the front row, a position he has played before at both club and representative level and a rising crop of young players who have signed on long-term. The Broncos also have experienced forwards including Martin Taupau and Corey Jensen who will be looking to get back into the 17. “Obviously, they've lost some good players, but if you look inside these walls, there's some young players going through and they're really developing and hopefully I can play that part as well," Fletcher said. "They've lost some good players, but they've also got a lot of potential going through. “It's a tight crew and they got some older heads like Marty, (Kurt) Capewell, Corey and Adam (Reynolds) running the ship; it's really well balanced.” With the majority of the squad also having experienced the 2023 trophy being prised from their grasp by a historic Panthers fightback, Fletcher said from what he had seen so far, the memory would help the players strive to go one better in 2024. “I remember watching the game and I thought Broncs had it and then obviously, the Panthers just played that great football," Baker said. “But realistically, it makes boys hungrier too; there's so many standards here. "We are just at the start of the pre-season and when the older boys come up, you have got to pick up the slack too. “So, they're definitely hungry and that's the exciting part for me too.” Source: NRL.com

With the aim to raise the standard of rugby league in the country, 17 Papua New Guinea (PNG) trainers from the PNG Rugby League Competition and the PNG Hunters are currently undergoing the necessary requirements for Australian Strength and Conditioning Association (ASCA) Level 1 Accreditation, all thanks to the Papua New Guinea Rugby League (PNGRFL) in partnership with the Pacific Aus Sports Program. ASCA conducted its Level 1 course in Port Moresby, from Thursday 23rd of November to Sunday 26th of November 2023. The comprehensive 4-day course covered all aspects of being a Strength & Conditioning (S&C) Coach and was facilitated by Queensland Rugby League (QRL) Physical Performance Director, Mr. John Mitchell. Mitchell is the lead S&C coach for the QLD women’s State of Origin team, is a Board Member of the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association (ASCA) and is the second ever fully accredited Master S&C coach worldwide, a journey that took him 8 years. PNGRFL General Manager - High Performance, Marc Portus said, "He brings immense value to the performance staff of our NRLC clubs in preparation for the 2024 Digicel ExxonMobil cup. These boys now have the fundamental knowledge, skills and confidence to go back to their clubs and give our local PNG athletes their best ever pre- season programs. This is about professionalizing the NRLC competition in line with PNGRFL strategic plans.” PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Stanley Hondina said, “We have greater plans for the game in our country but for those plans to be realized we need manpower. And what we’re doing now is all aligning to building capacity and upskilling our people with mandatory skill sets internationally required.” “The PNGRFL is committed to continue developing our people and are seeing pathways for coaching staff and also for athletes after their playing careers, with the education and the relevant accreditation. The program saw the graduation and opportunity provided to Trainers from this cohort to be a part of Elite Teams, in the recent Prime Minister’s XIII and Pacific Championship fixtures. Frank Rarua (Port Moresby Vipers), George Tobata (ENB Gurias), Lawrence Tu’u (Gulf Isou), Noel Joel (Lae Tigers) and Simon Gibisini (Port Moresby Vipers), were all recognized and brought into the Junior Orchids, Junior Kumuls and Orchids coaching staff during the mentioned campaigns this year.” Hondina further highlighted. The PNGRFL’s partnership with the Australian Government’s Pacific Aus Sports Program, has seen an increase in education and mentoring in the PNGRFL’s High Performance tiers and are stepping stones in achieving the designed outcomes of the 2022-2027 Plan. The 2023 Sports Trainer Program cohort will continue their ASCA Level 1 accreditation process after this practical and face-to-face assessment, with their coursework and hours for the 2024 season and preseason.

Air Niugini Fokker jet services have resumed today, Monday 27th November to the Kagamuga Airport at the city of Mt. Hagen to cater for the influx of passengers during this festive period. Jet operations to Mount Hagen were suspended in late September to allow the National Airports Corporation (NAC) to carry out urgent maintenance works on the airport runway. During the period of the runway repairs, all Air Niugini flights to Mt. Hagen were downgraded to Dash 8 operations. Air Niugini’s Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Gary Seddon said, “Mount Hagen is the major airport serving the Highlands region and is of vital importance to the economy and community.” “We are pleased that the runway maintenance has been completed and we are now able to resume operations with larger jet aircraft in time for the busy Christmas peak period”. Air Niugini operates up to five daily flights to Mount Hagen.

Topline backrower Jordan Riki has become the latest Brisbane Bronco to commit long-term to the club, signing a three-year contract extension to the end of the 2027 season. The 23-year-old took his game to the next level in 2023 and was a major contributor to Brisbane’s outstanding run to the Grand Final, making 22 appearances and stamping himself as one of NRL’s best emerging forwards. Riki, whose ferocious kick-chase and surging shortside ball carries were consistent highlights of his game in 2023, has now made 67 NRL appearances having established himself as a first grade regular over the past two seasons. A graduate of the Broncos Academy, Riki joins a host of teammates to commit to the club's future until at least the end of 2025 including Payne Haas, Pat Carrigan, Reece Walsh, Kotoni Staggs, Selwyn Cobbo, Kobe Hetherington, Jesse Arthars, Corey Jensen, Deine Mariner, Xavier Willison, Tristan Sailor and Blake Mozer. Broncos Coach Kev Walters said Riki’s retention was great news for the Club and another key player locked into the team’s roster. “Jordan bought into what we are building here at the Broncos from the very start,” said Walters. He was one of the first players to commit to stay even when things weren’t going so well, and now he has again chosen to stay at the club he loves which is fantastic news for us here at the club. Kevin Walters Head Coach “Jordan continues to work hard on his game, he does the little things really well and he wants to play his role for the team – and that’s exactly the kind of player we want in the Broncos jersey.” Source: Broncos.com.au

Veteran flyer Corey Oates will line up for a 12th season in Broncos colours after signing a one-year contract extension with the 2023 grand finalists. Oates debuted with Brisbane in Round 17 of the 2013 season against the Storm and has gone to play 201 NRL games including the 2015 grand final. The 29-year-old has racked up 118 tries to sit fourth on the list of the Broncos' top try-scorers behind Steve Renouf, Darren Lockyer and Michael Hancock. "I'll be trying to prove to myself that I've still got it and to show the coaches that I've still got it as well," Oates said. "I've never felt so good in my career, the injuries last year were just pure bad luck and bad timing. I'm still very confident that I can come back this year and attack it and play some good footy." Wests Tigers winger Charlie Staines has signed a new two-year deal through to the end of the 2025 season. Staines joined the Tigers in 2023 after 39 games and a premiership with the Panthers but his season was hampered by injury. The Cowboys have extended local junior Tom Chester for a further season, with his new deal ensuring he remains at the club until at least the end of 2025. The 22-year-old made his debut with North Queensland in 2022 and appeared in seven NRL games last season, three of which came as a starting fullback. Matt Moylan will make an immediate switch to Super League in 2024 after being granted a release from the final year of his contract with Cronulla to join Leigh. A Test and Origin representative, Moylan played 102 games for the Sharks and 89 games for the Panthers after debuting in 2013. He will join the Leopards on a two-year contract which will see him remain with the club until the end of 2025. Sydney Roosters international Siua Wong has signed a two-year extension to remain with the club until at least the end of the 2026 season. Source: NRL.Com