Australia Global Alumni
Australia is one of the most popular destinations for international students seeking a world-class education experience – and Australia has alumni from every corner of the globe.
More than 2.5 million international students have studied in Australia over the last fifty years, including more than 11,000 Papua New Guineans. More than 80,000 alumni have received Australian Government scholarships and fellowships since the Colombo Plan in the 1950s through to the Australia Awards and the New Colombo Plan today.
The Australian Government has developed an Australia Global Alumni Engagement Strategy to reach out to the global alumni community, inviting alumni to connect and engage with Australia and the region.
Papua New Guinea Australia Alumni Association
The Papua New Guinea Australia Alumni Association (PNGAAA) is one of the most recognised associations in the country. Established in 2006, the Association provides support to Papua New Guineans who have studied in Australia or with Australian Government support in PNG. It is a network designed to keep alumni connected with each other and with Australian institutions and people.
There are more than 5,000 members across the country who are professional Papua New Guineans in leadership positions from a variety of sectors including public service, private industry, healthcare, and entrepreneurship.
The Association delivers professional development training and networking services to its members. PNGAAA is an avenue for the exchange of ideas and intellectual debate on issues of national interest including direct input into the implementation of the Government of PNG’s Vision 2050 and development plan. The Association supports local and national sustainable development efforts through grant assistance and volunteering services.
- Alumni Grant Scheme
- Women Alumni Mentoring Initiative
- Australia Alumni Awards
- Professional Development Workshops
The Alumni Grant Scheme is a joint initiative of Australia Awards in Papua New Guinea and PNGAAA to support alumni to contribute to Papua New Guinea’s economic and social development and to build strong and positive relationships with Australia. The Alumni Grant Scheme aims to assist alumni, in conjunction with their employers or community organisations, to contribute to sustainable development impacts in Papua New Guinea.
Round 1 of the Alumni Grants Scheme is now open! Click below for more information on the development sectors and themes where grants can be used.
The Australia Awards Papua New Guinea Women Alumni Mentoring Initiative is a collaboration between Australia Awards PNG and the PNG Australia Alumni Association (PNGAAA). The initiative provides support through mentorship to women alumni to build confidence and leadership capabilities and to help them increase their contributions to Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) development.
The initiative was launched in August 2020, and in its first phase had 44 women mentors and mentees from PNG’s public, private and civil society sectors participate. Read more about the progress of the initiative in the newsletter.
The Australia Alumni Awards recognise and honour alumni of Australian educational institutions in Papua New Guinea who have made outstanding contributions to their profession, community, and country through their exemplary leadership, integrity, innovation, and hard work. Supported by the Australian High Commission in PNG the awards are distinguished honours for those who are an inspiration through their local, national, and international network and achievements.
One of PNGAAA’s core business activities is providing professional development workshops to members to enhance and foster ongoing professional development. Some professional development workshops offered have included:
- Managing People
- Leadership Development
- Project Management
- Small Business Development (ANZ Money Minded)
- Social Media
- Research Analysis & Report Writing
- Project Proposal Writing
- Team Building Workshops
- Toastmasters (speechcraft)
- Financial Education
- Directors Training
- Analytical Research Methods
- Disability Inclusiveness Development
- Clinical Leadership
Alumni Stories
Going solo no barrier for community-focused Madang midwife
Brenda Letag knows a thing or two about professional challenges – and what it takes to overcome them. Ms Letag is the only midwife at the busy Bogia Health Centre in Madang Province. Her skills and judgement are put to the test every day as she works to ensure...
Health is wealth: Australia Awards scholars contributing to a healthy PNG
When it comes to drivers of social and economic development, access to quality healthcare and a healthy population, are critical. Australia Awards Scholarships continue to support Papua New Guineans to develop their skills and knowledge in the health sector – among...
Returning Australia Awards scholars ready to effect positive change across PNG
From environmental engineering and education leadership to development economics and tropical animal science, the latest cohort of Australia Awards Scholarships graduates are both diverse and determined to make a positive difference across Papua New Guinea. Selected...