New Stories

The legacy continues for Mary Roroipe

For most coastal people, the sea is part of their way of life – this is true for 29-year-old marine engineer Mary Roroipe. From an early age, Mary was exposed to seafaring through her late father’s small craft business, chartering passengers across the maritime province of Milne Bay. So, it comes as no surprise that Mary followed in her father’s footsteps by becoming a marine engineer after completing a marine cadetship, supported by an Australia Awards PNG scholarship.

The story of Pacificana

From a humble beginning in a single parent’s home to owner of a thriving business, we celebrate the remarkable story of Amanda Kanasa on the day of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.
Amanda is known for her Port Moresby-based local SME, branded Pacificana, that designs and sells fashion products ranging from hair flowers and coconut earrings to dresses and bags sold throughout the Pacific and now in Cairns, Australia.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.”

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.

Midwifery is an amazing profession

“Midwifery is an amazing profession,” says Dennie Mellie Dising. “Being with a mother at the time of agony with labour pain is so stressful, however it is joyful and amazing seeing and assisting a new life emerging into the world.”
Dennie worked in rural and remote health centres in East New Britain for 14 years before deciding to become a midwife. She started as a general nurse in Rabaul, then traversed remote locations like Raunsepna, Guma and Muarunga before settling at the Vunapope Sub Hospital.

Midwife reaches out to communities

Penny Kipalya’s desire to become a midwife awakened in the labour ward at Enga Catholic Health Service where she was working as a General Nurse. “I see mothers coming to the hospital to give birth with complications that may have been prevented with earlier and better treatment. I wanted to become a midwife so I could have the knowledge to help them,” she says.

Midwife’s grief to glory

Midwife’s grief to glory

Dalyn Maira is a remarkable midwife who has risen to the top of her profession despite facing great personal tragedy. Born and raised in Lamou Village, a small community in Central New Ireland, Dalyn was always interested in healthcare.

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Woman with a mission

Woman with a mission

Tracy Mwadayna is a woman with a mission. Born and raised in Sagarai Village, Milne Bay Province, Tracy’s early years were spent helping her small-holder farming family with the harvest of oil palm.

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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

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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