News

Enhancing inclusion and STEM education in Papua New Guinea, with new Short Course Award cohorts

Sixty new short course awardees under the Australia Awards Somare-Whitlam scholarship have commenced their studies, with pre-course workshops in Port Moresby. 

Boosting focus on inclusion in education and employment

“People with disabilities are experts in their own rights,”
says Maria John, an educator and advocate for disability inclusion.

Championing survivors counselling and mental health

Sarah Wagang Kasa, Australia Awards alumna and Mental Health Specialist, is championing improved access to mental health and counselling at the Family Support Centre at Angau General Hospital in Lae.

Honouring a Prime Ministerial legacy with the Australia Awards

The 2025 cohort of the Australia Awards PNG scholarship program has been given the honorary title of the Australia Awards Somare-Whitlam 2025 Scholars.

Teacher sets pathway for inclusive education

Beatrice Aristako is an inclusive education teacher who completed the Graduate Certificate in Disability Inclusion in 2022 at Queensland University of Technology, supported by Australia Awards PNG Short Course Awards. She is working to transform approaches to teaching to be more learner centred for children with disabilities in Bougainville to thrive in education.

Finding my purpose at sea: Natasha’s story

Growing up, Natasha Kema never saw herself in the maritime industry. Today, she is the first marine engineer and seafarer in her family.

A breath of fresh air inspires female academic

Respiratory tract infections are the most common cause of death in Papua New Guinean children. Yet, there are no respiratory scientists or specialist laboratories in PNG. Shalon Taufa from the University of Papua New Guinea’s School of Medicine & Health Sciences is determined to change that.

Strengthening connections for women in PNG’s higher education sector

Working in academia and research is a tough field for anyone, but even more so for women. That’s why the PNG-Australia Partnership, through the Australia Awards Linkage Support for Women Academics Program, is supporting PNG’s women academics to attend conferences in Australia, to build new skills and networks to inspire and advance their research and activities in PNG.

Turning the Tide with Carol Wallan

Carol Wallan previously worked as an administration officer at NASFUND before deciding that a life on the high seas was her calling. Today, the proud mum of two is a Chief Officer and second in command aboard KEERA, a blue water tug vessel within the Pacific Towing Marine Services fleet which pulls and guides larger vessels through the Port Moresby Harbour.

Male midwife trainee is ready to champion safe motherhood in PNG

“Being a midwife is to make a difference in a woman’s maternal health. People often think it is all about labour and delivery, but it’s also about advocating and caring for the mother.”

Jopok’s qualification benefits his society

Jopok’s qualification benefits his society

Jopok Akepalua dreamed of becoming a priest, but things didn’t work out the way he thought they would. While studying at St Fidelis College, a seminary in Madang, he was called back to his district, Kagua-Erave in the Southern Highlands, to teach grade six due to a shortage of teachers.

read more
Jimson values Australia Awards Scholarship

Jimson values Australia Awards Scholarship

From a humble beginning in the Sirunki village in Enga province comes Jimson Nyata, a young man full of dreams to help his community. Despite the financial challenges that he faced, he persevered with determination through his educational journey and obtained a Diploma in General Nursing through an Australia Awards in-PNG Scholarship.

“The scholarship means a lot to me. I wouldn’t have successfully completed my diploma in nursing without its help. I was financially handicapped and disadvantaged and could not support myself while pursuing my dream. I thank Australia Awards Scholarship for lightening my financial burden and for other great support throughout the study. Because of your great support and generosity, I am who I am today,” says Jimson Nyata.

read more
Inclusive education in Bougainville

Inclusive education in Bougainville

Anne Lydia Dandava always believed that education was the key to a better future. Growing up in a Runa village, located at the fringe of Arawa town, southeast of Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Anne knew firsthand the struggles that many of her peers faced in accessing quality education

read more
Leading the way in education through mentorship

Leading the way in education through mentorship

Nestled in the heart of East Sepik Province, Ambunti-Drekikir District is a place of incredible beauty and immense challenges. For Hillary Suamba, growing up in this community was a lesson in the power of perseverance and the importance of education. After completing...

read more
From secondary school teacher to university lecturer

From secondary school teacher to university lecturer

Noelynn Darius’s commitment and qualification through Australia Awards PNG have elevated her from a secondary school teacher to a university lecturer.

“I am a devoted alumna of the Papua New Guinea Australia Alumni Association. Being a member of this professional association has fashioned me to attain and perform in my new role as a lecturer here at the University of Goroka, as of this year. This network has been really profitable,” she claims.

read more
From security guard to programs director

From security guard to programs director

From a small hamlet in Guniba, Popondetta, Oro Province to the bustling city of Port Moresby, Christopher Usuka has proven that with hard work and perseverance, one can overcome any challenge and achieve success.

When Christopher was not selected for the high school of his choice, he came to Port Moresby to look for a paid job. He took up a short computer accounting course while working his first job as a security guard, but his passion for the creative arts eventually led him to apply for Theatre Arts courses at the University of Papua New Guinea.

read more