News

PNG’s First Female Chief Plant Protection Officer

“I have the responsibility to be a steward of God’s creation”

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.

From security guard to programs director

15 Mar, 2023

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.

Tears in the eyes of children

3 Mar, 2023

Confronted by the abuse of women and children she witnessed while working in a Family Support Center, Mary Balupa took up studies in counselling to equip herself to better help her community. “I saw the tears in the eyes of children who were neglected because of polygamy and violent relationships. I understand them well because I am a survivor too, with my children,” says Mary, an Australia Awards alumna.

Ismael Sunga’s career expansion

23 Feb, 2023

“The impact my Australia Award had for my work is huge. I can now confidently perform my work and at the same time impart knowledge and skills to other colleagues. I encourage other public officials to apply for Australia Awards,” says Ismael Sunga, Assistant Secretary for Extractive Industries in the PNG Department of Treasury and Australia Awards alumni.

Nurse’s greatest achievement gaining a tertiary education

22 Feb, 2023

“My dream is to become a doctor. It has been, ever since I was a child. However, getting into nursing college was an opportunity and I am glad I chose nursing,” says Yolanda Som, Australia Awards PNG alumna.
Yolanda and more than 40 Papua New Guineans have been supported by Newcrest Mining Limited through the Australia Awards In-PNG Scholarships to study nursing and midwifery since 2017

PNG plant scientist participates in International Symposium

22 Feb, 2023

“The symposium was an eye-opener for me as I learned that several plant diseases in PNG such as the Bogia Coconut Syndrome and Banana Wilt Associated Phytoplasma are vectored by hemipterans,” says Noah Saruwa, Agriculture Scientist, and Australia Awards awardee.What’s...

Fishing for success in a new industry for PNG

10 Feb, 2023

Aquaculture is an emerging industry in Simbu, with great potential to improve food security and expand livelihood opportunities, thanks to the abundant freshwater resources in the province, especially for freshwater fish species. Australia Awards PNG alumna and...