News

Creative enterprises opening doorways for communities

Esther Sione is creative and passionate about jewellery, but the main driver behind her business is to support local artisans. Te’hine Trend integrates jewellery, craft and fashion pieces from local artisans to create contemporary styles and is sold online throughout...

Celebrating higher education in Papua New Guinea with the Somare-Whitlam Awards

Australia Awards In-PNG scholarship 2025 Somare-Whitlam scholars

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.

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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Career path chosen at crossroads

Career path chosen at crossroads

“Back in 2017, I was at a crossroads in my life where I honestly did not know which career path to choose. The advertisement for the Australia Awards PNG Scholarship for Women in Maritime was a sign which led me towards choosing my career pathway,”

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Love and value what you do

Love and value what you do

“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

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Midwife’s promise kept

Midwife’s promise kept

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...

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