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

Thanks to the continued support from the National Government, the Papua New Guinea (PNG) St John Ambulance (SJA) Service continues to provide exemplary care in the region, as evident by the recent study results. The findings of the Council of Ambulance Authorities survey illustrate an exceptional level of satisfaction among service users in PNG, solidifying the ambulance service’s commitment to exceptional care. The overall satisfaction ratings across PNG increased from 97% in 2022 to 98% in 2023. This boost underscores the unwavering dedication to providing topnotch care and service to the community. PNG had a higher patient satisfaction result than Australian services overall and was equal with the New Zealand St John Ambulance emergency service. In terms of call responsiveness, a substantial majority of patients felt that the connection to call takers was faster than expected, with 65% reporting a prompt connection in PNG. And the respondents acknowledged the call takers' helpfulness and reassurance during their interactions, highlighting the professionalism and empathy of the staff. The care provided by ambulance workers received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with nearly all respondents in PNG expressing a significantly positive experience. Additionally, a notable level of trust and confidence was reported in the ambulance staff, reflecting the high standard of service and professionalism. The level of comfort experienced by patients during their ambulance journey and the clarity of communication from the ambulance service staff further underscore the St John Ambulance dedication to delivering exceptional patient care. Highlights of comments received during the survey: 1. “(St John) responding time was very good. As soon as we were told an ambulance was coming, the ambulance arrived very quickly. Also, the phone operator who was assisting us was very polite and that gave us hope that our patient will be ok.” 2. “We called 111 and they helped us over the phone and said to wait for ambulance, the ambulance arrived and the ambulance officer, a male and a female were fast in checking me, got me to ANGAU…” 3. “The best experience I can say is the response was quick and as soon as the medics arrived, they did their assessment and later we were transported to PMGH. I was happy because I wanted to pay the ambulance but they said the service is free and they are just helping. That really made me happy… I can’t say much but thank you very much for the great service.” Although permission was sought from the respondents to share these comments, the identities of the respondents have been withheld for privacy. In response to the survey results Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Mangu Kendino said, “I am pleased to see the positive results that demonstrate our commitment to delivering exceptional emergency services overall.” “Of course, there is still more work to be done. St John must continue working hand-in-hand with the Department of Health and provincial governments to bring such essential services to more parts of the country. Together, we can make a significant impact on healthcare accessibility for all communities in Papua New Guinea." Chair of the National St John Council Dame Jean L Kekedo said, “These results beautifully reflect the passion and dedication that our St John men and women bring to providing exceptional care to the people of Papua New Guinea.”

Following the overnight eruption of Mount Ulawun, West New Britain (WNB), Air Niugini has suspended all flights to Hoskins Airport due to volcanic ash fall on the runway and taxiways, and in the vicinity of the airport. A Stop Press notice was issued by Niusky Pacific earlier today, closing the airport to all operations until further notice. Air Niugini is monitoring the situation carefully, and will issue further updates as the situation develops and more information becomes available. Air Nuigini regrets the inconvenience caused, however the situation is beyond the airline’s control. Passengers holding tickets for flights to or from Hoskins may rebook their travel for later dates, with penalties waived. Volcanic ash presents a significant risk to aircraft, and safety is always of paramount importance in our operations

Plans are under to rollout a program that will make custom-made prosthetic limbs that provides more flexibility for amputees who have lost the use of their lower or upper limbs. The “Jaipur Foot Camp Program”, will be implemented by the National Department of Health’s National Orthotic Prosthetic Services (NOPS) and Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) Physiotherapy Department in partnership with a charity society in India called the Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS), which is expected to kick off by February next year. The Jaipur Foot Camp Program is one of the activities listed under the 12-Step Action Plan to Strengthen India-Pacific Island Countries Partnership that was announced by the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi during the 3rd Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation Summit, earlier in May this year. To prepare for the Jaipur Foot Camp Program, the PMGH Physiotherapy Department will be screening client amputees at three (3) designated sites: ·   Stop N Shop at Waigani Central, Monday 20 – Tuesday 21, November, 2023 between 9:00 am to 3:00 pm; ·  Gerehu General Hospital, Wednesday, 22 – Thursday 23, November, 2023 between 9:00 am – 3:00 pm; and ·  Port Moresby General Hospital on Friday, 24 November, 2023 between 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Client amputees who wish to register can visit the National Orthotic Prosthetic Services (NOPS) clinic and Physiotherapy Clinic at Port Moresby General Hospital and all clients must be physically present for screening to take place. It is advisable that clients affected by polio, mild stroke and cerebral palsy and those with leg length discrepancy (LLD) or shortening of the leg who are coming in for screening, must bring a clinic card with a medical record number and a pair of shorts. Clients who are based outside of Port Moresby can visit their local provincial hospital for screening and based on the information collected, technical resources will be shipped to the provincial hospitals that have prosthetic and orthotics services, so clients can have access to these resources. The NOPS will work with provincial hospitals that do not have prosthetic and orthotic services to deliver the program through their community-based rehabilitation outreach program in 2024. Clients who would like to register can contact the National Orthotic Prosthetic Services on phone number 324 8237 or the Port Moresby General Hospital Physiotherapy Department on 324 3248 (ext. 240) or email nopsdoh@gmail.com.

The 2019 Pacific Games champion New Caledonia leads the 2023 Pacific Games medal tally at the end of the fourth day of competition in Honiara on Monday night. They took over from hosts the Solomon Islands late on Monday following their dominance in the pool, during the swimming competition. New Caledonia have claimed eight gold medals so far plus seven silver and eight bronze, for a total tally of 23 medals. The hosts are second on five gold, eight silver and four bronze. But the day belonged to two of the Pacific's best lifters, who won three gold medals each for their countries in weightlifting. The first medals at the Pacific Games in Honiara had gone to the host nation, with their flagbearer and experienced lifter Jenly Tegu Wini claiming three gold. She claimed the three gold in the women's 55 kilograms snatch category, lifting a total of 82 kilograms. Dika Toua followed suit for Papua New Guinea in the 49kg category, cleaning out the event with her own haul of three gold medals. Both also had their own teammates who claimed the silver medals. Solomon Islander Lora Maelosia claimed three silver medals behind her mate Wini. Toua's sister Thelma claimed the silver medalsand a bronze in the 49kg category as well. The Toua sisters' medal hauls were completed by Konio who claimed two silver and a bronze in the 45kg class. More medals are expected on Tuesday as the weightlifting and swimming competitions continues. [caption id="attachment_47482" align="aligncenter" width="1087"] A family affair - Papua New Guinea's Dika Toua (second from right) celebrates with her sisters after qualifying for her sixth Olympic Games. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Junior Maealasia [/caption] Some competition results Meanwhile, some exciting matches were witnessed in the different competition held on Monday. In lawn tennis, the Fiji men's team had fought their way into a semifinal clash with Guam, after they had defeated Samoa 2-1 on top of their 3-0 victory over the Solomon Islands at the weekend. In the women's competition PNG sailed through to the semifinal in the team event after beating Tonga 2-1. The team of Pauline Hyun and Abigail Tere-Apisah were scheduled to meet the Solomon Islands on Monday night. In Volleyball, the Fiji women defeated Samoa 3-1 while Tahiti beat PNG 3-0. The Fijian men's team defeated Tuvalu 3-1 last night. Basketball saw some close battles in the women's competition as Samoa pipped Fiji 75-74 in a tough game. Cook Islands 59 defeated PNG 37 in another good game. In the men's New Caledonia proved a handful for their fellow French Territory team Tahiti, winning 53-50. In football games played Vanuatu beat Tuvalu 6-0 in the men's division while int he women's PNG outscored Vanuatu 3-0. In the women's rugby league competition some of the results saw Cook Islands 36 defeating Solomon Islands 0, Tonga 16 Vanuatu 0, Fiji 22 Samoa 10 in the first round of matches. Tonga defeated Fiji 10-8 in the second round to claim their second win of the day. In the men's competition Cook Islands 16 beat the Solomons 8 while Fiji dumped Tonga 20-0. But the Fijians then lost to Samoa 18-12 in the second round last night. Table Tennis saw the Fiji women's team beat Solomons 5-0. Tuesday will see more sports action, with sailing also continuing, along with table tennis, football, rugby league 9s and volleyball. Medal tally Source: RNZ.com

A panel comprising some of the most accomplished players in international rugby league will select the men’s and women’s 2023 IRL Golden Boot winners after nominations were finalised following the recent Pacific Championships and historic England-Tonga series. Golden Cap recipients Darren Lockyer (Australia), Adrian Morley (England), Ruben Wiki (New Zealand), James Graham (England) and Adam Blair (New Zealand), who are among just nine players to have played 50 internationals for their country, will choose the men’s IRL Golden Boot winner. The women’s IRL Golden Boot winner will be decided by Australian Jillaroos great Karyn Murphy, former New Zealand dual code superstar Honey Hireme-Smiler and England 2017 World Cup prop turned rugby league commentator Danika Priim. The judges of the 2023 Wheelchair IRL Golden Boot include Malcolm Kielty (England) and Robert Fassolette (France), the two key figures in establishing the sport, along with another driving force in the game's development in Martin Coyd, and long serving administrator Niel Wood, who has been a member of the IRL's Wheelchair Rugby League advisory committee. IRL Chair Troy Grant said: “The IRL Golden Boot is one of the oldest and most highly regarded awards in rugby league, so it is fitting that some of the giants of the international game decide the winners. “Having former players of such standing choose the men’s and women’s international player of the year adds to the prestige of the IRL Golden Boot and we thank them for their support of the award. "There could also be no-one better qualified to determine the winner of the Wheelchair Golden Boot than those who pioneered the sport and the IRL is grateful for their involvement." New Zealand players dominate the long lists of men’s and women’s candidates, chosen by members of the media in Australia, England, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, after the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns triumphed against Australia in the Pacific Championships. Kiwis stars Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Jahrome Hughes, James Fisher-Harris, Joey Tapine and Ronaldo Mulitalo headline the contenders for the men’s Golden Boot, while 2022 winner Raecene McGregor and Kiwis Ferns team-mates Apii Nicholls, Mele Hufanga and Georgia Hale are candidates for the women’s award. England’s Harry Smith, Mikey Lewis, John Bateman and Matty Ashton have also been nominated after the recent 3-0 series defeat of Tonga, alongside the Kangaroos quartet of Cameron Murray, Harry Grant, Payne Haas and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow. Other players on the long list include Papua New Guinea pair Lachlan Lam and Edwin Ipape, Fiji prop Tui Kamikamica and fullback Jahream Bula, Samoa fullback Su’a Faalogo, Cook Islands playmaker Esan Marsters and Tonga prop Addin Fonua-Blake. The women’s Golden Boot is just as keenly contested, with Jillaroos stars Tamika Upton and Jess Sergis also vying with England prop Amy Hardcastle and five-eighth Georgia Roche. Others in contention include France’s Elisa Akpa and Lauréane Biville, Samoa prop Annetta-Claudia Nu'uausala, Tonga centre Tiana Penitani, Papua New Guinea centre Belinda Gwasamun and Cook Islands front-rower Toru Arakua. The IRL Golden Boot is awarded to the best player in sanctioned rugby league international matches each year. The 2022 IRL Golden Boot winners were New Zealand’s Joey Manu and Raecene McGregor, and England Wheelchair star Sebastien Bechara. Short lists for the men’s, women’s and wheelchair 2023 IRL Golden Boot awards will be announced after the second wheelchair international between last year’s World Cup winners England and runners-up France in Carcassonne on November 25. France triumphed 43-34 in Leeds on November 5 in the first encounter between the two nations since the epic World Cup final. The winners of the 2023 IRL Golden Boot awards will be announced in early December. IRL Chair Troy Grant said: “There has been more international rugby league played in recent months than any other period in recent memory outside of a World Cup year and players have again demonstrated their passion for representing their countries of birth or heritage. “It is a sign of how competitive the game is at international level that the three World Cup champions – the Kangaroos, Jillaroos and England Wheelchair – were all recently beaten in gripping contests that showcased rugby league at its best.” Source: NRL.Com

The Yangoru-Saussia District MP and Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru said, the district in the East Sepik Province will not implement the 1-6-6 school structure. Maru said, “Yangoru-Saussia District is not implementing this structure and will not invest in it because it is very costly.” The 1-6-6 school structure was introduced in 2018 and comprises of one year for elementary education, 6 years for primary education, and 6 years for secondary education. Maru said the Yangoru-Saussia District was not against this school structure but would not implement it because it was costly. “The question is: what do we do with the grade 7 and 8 classrooms that we have already built in our primary schools and where will we find the funds to build new classrooms?" "We simply do not have the means to do that,” said Minister Maru. Maru said that instead of implementing the 1-6-6 school structure, the Yangoru-Saussia District Development Authority (DDA) will be focusing on other education priorities in the district like building boarding schools. “Records show that students who attend boarding schools have higher academic results than those who attend day schools." "We currently have two boarding secondary schools in the district - Kubalia Secondary School in the Sausso LLG and Nagam Secondary School in the Numbo LLG." "Our priority now is to build two more boarding schools - one in East Yangoru LLG and another in West Yangoru LLG." "We also have to complete phase two of the School of the Excellence and look at establishing a technical institution to skill our young people after completion of their secondary education." Minister Maru added that he was extremely proud that schools in the Yangoru-Saussia District had done well academically in 2022 with the district being ranked the top performing district in the East Sepik Province according to the Grade 8 National Examination Data 2022 Report. “As a result of our policy of ‘God First and Education Second’ Yangoru-Saussia DDA invests minimum of K3 million and K4 million in education alone every year and we are now starting to see the results of these investments." "We will continue to invest in education because we are still not there yet." "We will be investing in boarding schools to help improve academic performance of our students." "This the DDA’s plan going forward.”

Digicel, PNG’s leading telecommunications and digital operator will be making its customers wishes come true this Christmas’ with grand cash prizes, weekly cash and prizes plus daily prize in its 2023 Christmas promotion. The promotion, officially launched today is dubbed ‘Digicel, Making Wishes Come True’. With this promotion, Digicel will be awarding massive grand cash prizes of K100, 000, K50, 000 and K30, 000 cash to three lucky winners nationwide. Weekly prizes will also be awarded to five lucky winners every week for six weeks. The weekly prizes include; K5, 000 cash, a 5000L water tank, a 3000 watts diesel generator, a Samsung Galaxy S22 smartphone and an entertainment pack consisting of a 50 inch Samsung Smart TV, a Digicel TV Playbox with dish and free TV subscription for a year, plus a Wowi 4GLTE Smartphone with free mobile plan for a year. In additional to these mega prizes; Digicel customers will also get the chance to win daily prizes of 1TOK Prime Bundles and Data Plans. To participate and make their wishes come true this Christmas, Digicel customers can simply top up with K5 or more or buy any phone from an authorized Digicel Store and they will automatically qualify to win the grand cash prizes, the weekly cash and prizes and the daily prizes. Customers will also enjoy additional great benefits when purchasing a handset this season as prices have been reduced and handsets all come with free data or talk. Digicel currently has the cheapest feature phone in PNG, the WoWi Beep for only K35 and customers will enjoy free talk for seven days. Customers who purchase the Wowi 4G LTE Smartphone at only K99 will enjoy a free 7Day 50GB data plan plus free 60 minutes of talk. In addition, customers who buy any Samsung smartphone will get 100 gigabytes free data which is valid for seven days. All customers who purchase any of these handsets will also qualify and be entered into the Christmas draw for a chance to win the Grand Cash prizes, the weekly cash and prizes and daily mobile plans. Digicel PNG Senior Vice President, Lorna McPherson said, “It is our yearly tradition at Digicel to reward and spread joy to our customers at Christmas and this year is no different." "We are making wishes come true by giving our customers across PNG the chance to win massive grand cash prizes starting from K30, 000 to K100, 000." "Our weekly cash and prizes are also carefully selected to ensure our customers receive the best value rewards to make their wishes and their families’ wishes come true." ‘Digicel, Making Wishes Come True This Christmas’ campaign commences today 17th November and ends on the 31st of December 2023. Digicel encourages all customers to take advantage of this offer to making their wishes come true by simply topping up K5 or more or buying a handset to get a chance to win.

Due to the change in the weather pattern, the country is currently experiencing a strong influenza outbreak which at this time, is yet to be confirmed by the National Department of Health (NDoH) as to the type of strand it is. NDoH Deputy Secretary-National Health Service Standard, Ken Wai said, the type of influenza that were experiencing right is stronger which is affecting many people to have the cough and flu that is also contributing to shortness of breath. He added that, this is not COVID and they are working around the clock to find out the strand or type of influenza. They will have a notice out by this week to inform the people on the type of necessary precautions to be actioned. “Influenza is spread by coughing and droplets spread, that’s why we are encouraging everyone to practice the COVID protocols to wear masks when going out to public places like the shops and markets because they are crowded places.” “Before you eat, make sure to wash your hands first." "Hygiene is very important.” Wai also stated that, due to the flu, the elderly and children are developing complications like pneumonia and lung infections. “If someone is experiencing shortness of breath, chest pains and coughing out mucus, they must go to their nearest aid post, clinic or hospital to seek medical attention.” Wai said, this is a normal influenza outbreak but there are different types or strands of flu and are working at this time to find out and isolate the species. “For now, everyone must simply wash your hands before touching food and wear a mask when going out if you are down with the flu so that you don’t get to spread it to other people.”

In a bid to address the growing concerns over law-and-order issues plaguing the East New Britain province, the National Doctor’s Association ENB Branch has presented a timely petition to the provincial government. The move is on behalf of the ENB Provincial Health Authority doctors and Rabaul Provincial Hospital staff comes amidst the alarming rise in criminal activities, putting professionals, including doctors and nurses at risk. NDA Branch president and Senior Surgeon- Dr Kevin Lapu presented the petition to the Member for Rabaul Dr Allan Marat, Acting Provincial Administrator Levi Mano and ENB Police Commander Januarus Vosivai today (Nov 15) at the Rabaul Provincial Hospital. The occasion was witnessed by Rabaul Acting District Administrator Freddy Lemeki, ACP NGI Commander N’Ddranou Perou, Acting Hospital Manager Dr Osiah Baining and senior medical physicians with staff. Senior medical physicians raised concerns that as violence spreads across the province, in particular Rabaul district, physicians find themselves increasingly vulnerable to attacks. Recent incidents targeting medical practitioners have raised concerns within the Doctors Association and determined to protect the safety and well-being of its members, the association decided to take a stand and demand urgent action from the government. The petition, consisting of several key points: · For a thorough investigation into the assaults of senior specialist doctors; · Guaranty of staff safety and increased police presence. · For a thorough investigation on why youths are attacking hospital staff given it is a government institution that must be upheld with respect. Concerned authorities have been given a deadline until Monday 20th November, 2023, to respond to the petition and failure to do so, the union will stop work and withdraw services by Tuesday 21 November, 2023. Rabaul MP, Dr Marat when receiving the petition on behalf of the Governor Michael Marum in response said the safety of health workers is equal concern to the government and he intends to take the petition to the parliament organization that usually looks at petitions and he will present on the floor of parliament. “Indeed, if doctors are harmed, who is going to serve those who become victims of this current lawlessness,” Dr Marat questioned. Mr Mano assured the union that the provincial administration will continue to work closely with police. “We continue to support police in whatever way so they can properly do their job and I also concur with the union that maybe by next Monday, the perpetrators must be arrested immediately."

The SP PNG Hunters have announced that existing assistant coach Paul Aiton has been elevated to the role of Head Coach for the 2024 QRL Hostplus Cup competition. The club has also named an official 40-man training squad in preparation for the upcoming season. The selection of Aiton in the Head Coach capacity is the latest evidence of the Hunters upward trajectory as a football club. Over the last few years, the Hunters have made considerable strides both on and off the field towards a highly professional and successful outfit, and Aiton’s acquisition fits this mould. Having most recently worked alongside Justin Holbrook in the PNG Kumuls dominant Pacific Bowl Championship series, Aiton brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Hunters Head Coach role. A former Kumul captain himself and a veteran of 250 first-grade games between the NRL and UK Super League, Aiton is perfectly positioned to guide an exciting group of young Hunters players into the future. SP PNG Hunters Chairman Stan Joyce said he is “excited to see one of PNG’s finest Rugby League products take the helm at the Hunters and help more of our young Papua New Guinean young men to develop and realise their dreams to play overseas.” Preparations for the 2024 QRL Hostplus Cup season have already begun and Aiton will oversee an extended squad of 40 players in the opening stages of the preseason. The final SP PNG Hunters 2024 playing squad will be chosen from this group. The club would like to congratulate the following players on their selection in the extended squad: FULLTIME CONTRACTS: Morea MOREA Solo WANE Brendon NIMA Siki KONDEN Joshua LAU Jamie MAVOKO Judah RIMBU Epel KAPINIAS Benji KOT Sherwin TANABI Sanny WABO Seal KALO Tommy MOIDE Trevor SOLU Sakias KOMATI Whallan TAU-LOI Junior IGILA Joshua MIRE Junior ROP Ila ALU TRAIN & TRIAL CONTRACTS DOUZEN HOYATO DOUGLAS PIRIKA ELIJAH ROLTINGA CLENT LAMA KEVIN YAKO ZACHARIAH SELU GARRY JAMES FINLAY GLARE LIMBI HENRY JUNIOR TALIN ATUA JOSHUA ALEX MAX JORDAN PAT ANTHONY WOROT NORMAN AKUNAI CHRIS URAKUSIE WENDLE KIPSY ISHMAEL WAINE ROBERT MATHIAS TRIALLING JERRY JOE BRENDAN TURI MANASH KAI WEIAYH KOI

Phases 2 and 3 of the jointly managed “Women Directors Program for 2023” saw a total of 19 female directors successfully complete the program which saw the Kumul Consolidated Holdings managing director, Professor David Kavanamur and the New Zealand High Commissioner, Peter Zwart certify the 19 women. The training is an initiative of KCH and its vision on promoting women on SOE boards in the country. At present there are 20% women representation on SOE boards. The Women Directorship Program is aimed at achieving 30% female representation on SOE boards by the end of December 2025. Women participants with diverse professional backgrounds, completed the first phase of the training delivered earlier this year in partnership with ADB. The New Zealand Government through MFAT funded the second and third phases and facilitated by New Zealand Institute of Directors. During the presentation, Professor Kavanamur congratulated the participants who now represent the second batch of participants to have completed the Women Directors’ Program since the inception of the program in 2021. Professor Kavanamur said this program was a commitment by Kumul Consolidated Holdings to foster good leadership within its SOEs with a particular focus on female representation to cater to existing, new, and potential Board directors for these enterprises. “The training creates a platform for learning and growth for these potential female SOE directors." "In just two years we have graduated 34 women in total." "We look forward to continuing our partnership with MFAT for future director programs,” Professor Kavanamur said. He also added that KCH anticipated future partnerships with MFAT to increase additional cohorts of women directors to undergo training on broader governance and leadership programs.