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.

Employment through Beekeeping

21 Jul, 2021

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...

Education leader putting community wellbeing first

19 Jul, 2021

With almost 40 years of experience as an educator, Philip So’on (pictured above, right) has taught in several high schools across Papua New Guinea. Starting as a young teacher in 1983 in New Ireland Province, Philip is now an Assistant Secretary at the National...

Women in Maritime leading by example

21 May, 2021

‘If you’re interested in marine engineering and have the opportunity to study – take it; don’t let your gender dictate your dream.’ That’s Michelle Marnapal’s advice to other Papua New Guinean women who want to follow her lead as a marine engineer in the maritime...

Aspiring midwives rise to the challenge

15 Apr, 2021

Geographical remoteness, limited telecommunications and critical-care incidents are familiar challenges for many nurses working in Papua New Guinea. This has motivated three nurses from Morobe and New Ireland Provinces to develop their skills and give back to their...

Rural training delivers invaluable lessons for midwives

6 Apr, 2021

When Jennifer Monipa signed up to visit remote villages in Western province as a trainee midwife, she was looking forward to applying her new skills and knowledge and learning as much as possible. But she got more out of the experience than she expected. “I helped...

University tutor aims to develop the field of geospatial analysis in PNG

19 Mar, 2021

As an Earth Sciences tutor at The University Of Papua New Guinea, Amanda Tevlone exemplifies leadership as she shares skills and knowledge with aspiring Papua New Guinean scientists and innovators. Now, Amanda is preparing to build on her achievements with a...