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.

Profession for all

Profession for all

Despite being a male nurse in a profession often seen as traditional for women, Issac is proud to break stereotypes and serve his community with compassion and excellence. “Nursing is not just a profession for women, it’s a profession for all,” says Issac. “I want to make a difference in the lives of my patients, regardless of their background,” says Issac with empathy.

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Commemorating Seafarer’s Day: Celebrating Women in Maritime

Commemorating Seafarer’s Day: Celebrating Women in Maritime

Today, on Seafarer’s Day, we appreciate the extraordinary women who are part of the maritime industry, paving the way for aspiring women seafarers. These remarkable individuals are part of the Australia Awards Maritime Scholarship Program for women, an initiative established through a partnership between Australia Awards PNG and Steamships Trading Company. This program goes beyond addressing the global shortage of female seafarers—it is a catalyst for gender equality and empowerment.

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Breaking through cultural barriers

Breaking through cultural barriers

Gaining an additional educational qualification means ‘breaking through a cultural barrier’ for Muhaveso Bathsheba Korano.
 Holder of a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and computer science, Muhaveso says she decided to pursue a qualification in teaching so she could “contribute to educating more women and girls in math and science.”

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Passionate to educate

Passionate to educate

Joshua Yowani saw the lack of teachers in his village as an obstacle to a better future for his people. “I wanted to be a teacher so I could educate students in my society, and they could contribute to developing our province.” Apart from teaching the children, he also wanted to be a role model, opening their eyes to more possibilities for the future.

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A vocation for Vincent

A vocation for Vincent

“The smiling faces of children welcomed me as I walked into the classroom for the first time,” Vincent Eka explained of his first teaching experience, saying that this would be a special year to remember.

Vincent obtained a Diploma in Primary Teaching from the Sacred Heart Teachers College through an Australia Awards PNG Scholarship in 2021. He says, “I am thankful for the opportunity that I was able to complete my three years of studies through the scholarship and now I am a proud teacher.”

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Teacher saves his school

Teacher saves his school

Originating from the small village of Tangu in Bogia District, Paul Taguti says that he wanted to be a teacher because there are not many educated people in his village.
After completing his primary and secondary levels of education in Madang, Paul earned a Diploma in Primary Teaching at Sacred Heart Teachers College in the nation’s capital, through an Australia Awards scholarship in 2022.

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