Stories

Attending conferences is a crucial way for academics for building confidence and their own understanding. It can also help inspire solutions to difficult problems, and give researchers access to support and guidance in their field from all over the world.  

Shalon is one of 12 women academics who have attended conferences in 2024 so far, covering subjects as diverse as pain management, agricultural software, midwifery and gender studies.

“When I came in as a teacher, I had a passion for education planning and policymaking. Despite having a limited understanding [in these areas], this passion motivated me to pursue further studies,” Dorothy said.

“When culture limited women’s participation to kitchens and childrearing, my dad taught me otherwise. Today, I’m the first woman in my family to hold a degree because my dad invested in me,” Rakara shared.

The Australia Awards PNG Alumni Grant Scheme (AGS) is brightening up the Bewani Health Centre in Sandaun Province with new lights in the delivery room, improved water supply, and a ramp for accessibility.  

Since 2011, Australia Awards has supported more than 1,400 Papua New Guineans to take up
long-term studies in Australia, including Philip Takirua.

An Australia Awards Scholarship is an opportunity to transform development policy. Bougainvillean
Fidelis Golu knows this firsthand as an alumni.

Australia Awards alumna Vicky Vene personifies the transformative power of determination and
hard work.

On International Day for Persons with Disability (PWD), we celebrate the journey of Clare Guria, an Australia Awards alumna and champion for PWDs.
Clare’s story is a remarkable one, depicting strong determination to achieve goals despite having a hearing impairment. Her journey began in the heart of Wewak town, where she grew up and attended primary and secondary education.

In remote Kabwum district in Morobe Province, Kevin Dayonga grew up fascinated by the mysteries of the world. From the vanishing sun to the prospect of rainwater filling the ocean, his curious mind pondered it all. But it was the mechanics of radio voices that truly captured his attention.