News

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.”

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.

Love and value what you do

5 May, 2023

“Being a midwife is perhaps one of the most fulfilling and rewarding careers,” says Obert Kisava. “I love and value my job.”
Obert dreamt of working in health care at an early age when he felt helpless as his mother laid bed ridden in the hospital. “As a child I could not do

Midwife’s promise kept

4 May, 2023

Fainny Bepi's journey to become a midwife began with a heartbreaking experience. In 2020, she was working as a nurse at Bililo Health Centre on an island off the south coast of Kandrian-Glouster when a mother with an abnormal fetal presentation was brought in. Fainny...

Midwife inspired to serve by her mum

3 May, 2023

Macdeel Kai thinks the best thing about being a midwife, “is being the first to be there for women who are about to bring forth a new life, and the first to share the joy and happiness with the women”.
Macdeel almost didn’t become a midwife although she knew she wanted to work in health.

Resilience rewarded with diploma

2 May, 2023

Ruth Puluwa was determined to educate herself. She was knocked back three times by different institutions but never gave up on her dream of furthering her education. With resilience and determination, she overcame the challenges and earned a Diploma in Primary Teaching with an

Proud to serve

1 May, 2023

Elsie Meiki, a midwife serving at Sehulea Village, Duau LLG, Esa’ala District, Milne Bay Province, has dedicated her life to serving the mothers and children of her community. Her passion for her profession and her natural affinity with mothers and children drew her to midwifery.She applied for a Bachelor in Midwifery through the Australia Awards and studied for her degree at Pacific Adventist University. Today, she serves her community as a midwife.

A life-long vocation

28 Apr, 2023

In the remote and rugged Kassam in the Obura-Wonenara District in Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea, nurse Lalu Pepna is making a real difference. Serving at the Evangelical Brotherhood Church (EBC) Kassam Rural Hospital, Lalu is part of a dedicated team of healthcare professionals working tirelessly to save lives in some of the country’s most challenging conditions.