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.”

Leading from the front to tackle COVID-19

Leading from the front to tackle COVID-19

Rose Begani (pictured above) admits she was hesitant at first to get a COVID-19 vaccination but that soon changed after she researched and examined the facts. “I considered that vaccines have saved lives from preventable diseases such as polio, smallpox and TB and...

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PNG scholars top engagement at development conference

PNG scholars top engagement at development conference

Australia Awards Papua New Guinea (AAPNG) scholars recently participated in the Research for Development Impact (RDI) Network Conference.  The annual event seeks to invigorate development practice, innovate through leadership and promote cross-collaboration and...

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Putting community first in fight against COVID-19

Putting community first in fight against COVID-19

As a team leader with the Gulf Provincial Health Authority, Lucy Solomon is at the forefront of educating local communities about COVID-19 and encouraging people to get vaccinated.  Working alongside other frontline health workers, Lucy plans and delivers COVID-19...

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Empowering women in Jiwaka Province with legal aid

Empowering women in Jiwaka Province with legal aid

Australia Awards alumna Emma Minimbi is creating positive change in her community in Jiwaka with her skills and knowledge. Winner of the 2019 Allison Sudradjat Prize which is awarded to two high-achieving Australia Awards scholars from PNG annually, Emma has already...

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Employment through Beekeeping

Employment through Beekeeping

As part of a 5-year strategic plan, Australia Awards Papua New Guinea alumni Henao Longgar continues to share her beekeeping and entrepreneurial experience with youth in need of work experience in Papua New Guinea. Working with the New Guinea Fruit Co and local church...

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