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.

Sharing lessons, changing lives: two female PNG leaders tell their stories

13 Aug, 2019

Leadership takes many forms, from holding high office to positions of responsibility in communities, the workplace or family, and much more in between. Two Australia Awards scholars Janet Towaki and Paula Zebedee Aines (pictured above) are undertaking postgraduate...

Enhancing human resource management skills

12 Aug, 2019

Human resources play a vital role in professional organisations’ critical planning and workforce development. To develop skills and leadership in this key area, 24 participants from a range of sectors across Papua New Guinea attended a 12-week Human Resource...

Teaching, a calling back to the provinces as Australia Awards scholars share vital skills

8 Aug, 2019

Hard work, dedication and the support of Australia Awards Scholarships helped 28 teachers graduate with a Diploma in Primary Teaching from Sacred Heart Teachers College in Port Moresby in 2018. Many of these graduates have since returned to their home villages to fill...

Update on Australia Awards Scholarships Intake 2020

18 Jul, 2019

Shortlisted applicants for Australia Awards Scholarships Intake 2020, for long-term study in Australia, have now been notified. We thank all applicants for their interest in Australia Awards Scholarships. While you might be disappointed if your application was...

A life-changing encounter leads to rewarding midwifery career

17 Jul, 2019

In a profession dominated by women, Elijah Tami thrives on the challenge of providing critical services for expecting mothers. Midwives provide specialised healthcare to women during pregnancy, labour and the period after labour aiming to facilitate a positive...

Child protection policies in focus at tertiary leadership conference

9 Jul, 2019

The importance of child protection policies was at the top of the agenda at a recent Australia Awards hosted leadership conference in East New Britain. The conference, held in late June, brought together 26 participants from Australia Awards In-PNG Scholarships’ 12...