News

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.

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.”

Midwifery qualification opens more doors

Midwifery qualification opens more doors

Meet Benjamin Matal, a midwife from Katom village on Karkar Island in Madang Province. With over 20 years of experience as a Community Health Worker (CHW) and a nurse, he has seen his fair share of maternal and infant deaths. Driven by a desire to make a real difference, Benjamin applied for the Australia Awards Scholarship.

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Delma follows her dream

Delma follows her dream

When Delma was a child, she loved watching closely how health workers treated patients and saved lives whenever she went to a health facility with her family. This inspired her to become a nurse and then a midwife.

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Rewarding experience of a teacher

“The most exciting moment of my teaching career was when eighteen of my students scored A grades in the biology subject in the 2020 Grade Twelve National Examination,” says Junin Masam Nasi, an agriculture scientist and Australia Awards alumna.

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Dual vocations of servitude

Dual vocations of servitude

As a child growing up in a bustling household with 10 siblings, Sr Annabel Loseman discovered her passion for nursing and the religious order. With a sister who was a nurse and a brother who became a Catholic priest, she was inspired by their dedication and sought to follow in their footsteps.

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A Journalist’s Mission to Amplify Community Voices

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.

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Agents of change

Agents of change

Helen Thomas says that she wanted to be a teacher so that she could educate the children in her society to become agents of change in the country.

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