Stories

A Journalist’s Mission to Amplify Community Voices

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.

Jopok’s qualification benefits his society

Jopok Akepalua dreamed of becoming a priest, but things didn’t work out the way he thought they would. While studying at St Fidelis College, a seminary in Madang, he was called back to his district, Kagua-Erave in the Southern Highlands, to teach grade six due to a shortage of teachers.

Inclusive education in Bougainville

Anne Lydia Dandava always believed that education was the key to a better future. Growing up in a Runa village, located at the fringe of Arawa town, southeast of Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Anne knew firsthand the struggles that many of her peers faced in accessing quality education

Leading the way in education through mentorship

Nestled in the heart of East Sepik Province, Ambunti-Drekikir District is a place of incredible beauty and immense challenges. For Hillary Suamba, growing up in this community was a lesson in the power of perseverance and the importance of education. After completing...

From secondary school teacher to university lecturer

Noelynn Darius’s commitment and qualification through Australia Awards PNG have elevated her from a secondary school teacher to a university lecturer.

“I am a devoted alumna of the Papua New Guinea Australia Alumni Association. Being a member of this professional association has fashioned me to attain and perform in my new role as a lecturer here at the University of Goroka, as of this year. This network has been really profitable,” she claims.

Ismael Sunga’s career expansion

“The impact my Australia Award had for my work is huge. I can now confidently perform my work and at the same time impart knowledge and skills to other colleagues. I encourage other public officials to apply for Australia Awards,” says Ismael Sunga, Assistant Secretary for Extractive Industries in the PNG Department of Treasury and Australia Awards alumni.

PNG plant scientist participates in International Symposium

“The symposium was an eye-opener for me as I learned that several plant diseases in PNG such as the Bogia Coconut Syndrome and Banana Wilt Associated Phytoplasma are vectored by hemipterans,” says Noah Saruwa, Agriculture Scientist, and Australia Awards awardee.What’s...

Fishing for success in a new industry for PNG

Aquaculture is an emerging industry in Simbu, with great potential to improve food security and expand livelihood opportunities, thanks to the abundant freshwater resources in the province, especially for freshwater fish species. Australia Awards PNG alumna and...

Breaking new ground for women in PNG

Since she was a little girl, Tania Areori always wanted to be a vet – despite there being no other female vets in PNG. And after completing a Bachelor of Veterinary Science at Charles Sturt University through Australia Awards PNG, she has achieved this dream, becoming...

The creative PhD journey of Dr Yalamu

A lecturer for arts and design at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG), Dr. Philemon Yalamu, published four journals while studying and established a virtual creative hub after being conferred a PhD in Computer Science and Software Engineering through Australia...
Standing against stigma

Standing against stigma

Returning to Apenda village in remote Southern Highlands Province after studying a Bachelor of Business in Australia, Benjamin Pangio observed that despite the infrastructure development in the village, obtaining basic services was still a challenge for their...

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Life-changing experience an application form away

Life-changing experience an application form away

“Go for it! The possibility of upskilling or doing something completely different is only an application form away.” Lydia Edoni graduated with a Master of Environmental Science at the University of South Australia in 2019, through an Australia Awards PNG scholarship...

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Career pathways

Career pathways

As Legal Manager with Abt Associates, Lisa-Marie Tepu leads contracting activities for the PNG Australia Governance Facility. The initiative will design and implement most of Australia's future governance portfolio under the strategic direction of the Australian and...

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Gender-based violence, a public health crisis

Gender-based violence, a public health crisis

Olivia Ephraim is an Australia Awards scholar with more than ten years of experience in clinical and public health. She commenced her Master of Public Health at the University of Melbourne in 2020,  specialising in gender, health and society. Olivia is passionate...

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When your landlord feels like family

When your landlord feels like family

Lydia Edoni from Milne Bay met her friend Michelle Cresp while studying on an Australia Awards scholarship at the University of South Australia in Adelaide. While she began her relationship with the Cresp family as a tenant, Lydia says she very quickly felt like part...

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Agents for change

Agents for change

“I believe that, without the opportunity of studying abroad I wouldn’t have realised the significance of being a change agent myself and ensuring the work I do benefits people in the community,” says Donny Kupamu, Australia Awards PNG graduate. “There is a broader...

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