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.
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
Winnie presents research paper at the 56th Annual Medical Symposium
Presenting a research paper at the 56th Annual Medical Symposium in Port Moresby in front of doctors and professors was something Winnie Sagiu never expected. The Australia Awards Short Course graduate was surprised to be acknowledged, despite her commitment and...
Tackling climate change in PNG
Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing our world today, and Australia Awards PNG alumna Lydia Nenai has spent ten years improving how PNG tackles this threat. Originally from Rigo District in Central Province, Lydia’s interest in climate change...
Midwifery Community of Practice
WhatsApp group Midwifery Community of Practice has been saving lives since its formation in early 2022. Initiated by Cherolyn Polomon, an Australia Awards PNG (AAPNG) midwifery alumni and volunteer chat facilitator, the groups’ critical discussions and reflections on...