News

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.”

How education broadens career pathways

“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.

Count Her In: Rakara Raula-Nelson reflects on PNG National Women’s Day

“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.

Bewani Health Centre receives support

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.  

Australia Awards Alumni return to strengthen PNG workforce

Australia Awards Alumni return to strengthen PNG workforce

Seventy-three Papua New Guineans have successfully completed their studies in Australia. Australia Awards Alumni bring a range of qualifications in business, health, education, governance, agriculture, transport and infrastructure to the PNG workforce. Reintegration...

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Australia Awards Allison Sudradjat Prize Winners 2017

Australia Awards Allison Sudradjat Prize Winners 2017

Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, His Excellency Mr Bruce Davis presented Ruline Pokote Ketauwo and Stanley Raka with the Allison Sudradjat Prize for 2017. The Award is given in memory of Allison Sudradjat, a former senior Australian Government staff...

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