Dika Toua, whose appearance in Tokyo last year made her first female weightlifter to compete at the Olympic Games five times, has started her attempt for Olympics number six. No athlete, male or female, has ever done that. Dika Toua, whose appearance in Tokyo last year made her first female weightlifter to compete at the Olympic Games five times, has started her attempt for Olympics number six. No athlete, male or female, has ever done that. Toua, who has a 16-year-old son and a 12-year-old daughter, lifted on the opening day of the 2022 IWF World Championships in Bogotá, Colombia, the first qualifying event for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Four of the 11 lifters in her session were aged 17, which is 21 years younger than Toua. If she qualifies she will lift in Paris aged 40. Toua made five of her six attempts for 70-95-165 in the women’s 49kg C Group. With 22 rivals to come in the A and B Groups, Toua believes her best chance of qualifying is not by finishing in the top 10 in the rankings but through continental representation as Oceania’s highest-placed athlete. Toua became a weightlifting history-maker as a 16-year-old when she was the first female  ever to lift at the Olympic Games at Sydney 2000. That was when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) first welcomed women on to the Olympic weightlifting programme. “I was very nervous and I missed that first lift, but I soon came out and made the second one,” she said. In Sydney, Toua lifted in the old 48kg category, and here she is 22 years later weighing only 1kg more. “I have never weighed more than 53kg in my life,” she said. Asked what gets harder as the years go by, Toua said it was not so much gym work as recovery. “I tend to sleep a lot, it’s the only recovery I really get,” she said in between posing for photos with her teenage fellow-competitors. “But I always did sleep a lot so it hasn’t changed much. “The hard part is after training. It might be ice packs, sitting in a cold bath or going for a swim – depending on the weather of course. You don’t want to be in the sea in winter in Melbourne!” Toua, whose husband Willie Tamasi is Papua New Guinea’s national coach, splits her time between her home village of Hanuabada and Melbourne, where her long-time coach Paul Coffa is based. Coffa, who has coached more than 100 medallists at major championships, became the first coach to be inducted into the IWF Hall of Fame at the weekend After returning from Colombia, Toua will spend a few weeks in Papua New Guinea before heading to Melbourne in January with the entire family to prepare with Coffa for more qualifying events, including the Pacific Games in the Solomon islands in November. Her son Paul – already as old as his mother was when she first lifted at the Olympic Games –   is not a weightlifter but her daughter Anigeua recently competed at the national championships for the first time, aged 12. “She’s into netball, athletics and weightlifting so we’ll go with the flow and see which sport she likes best,” said Toua. Toua carried the flag for Papua New Guinea in Tokyo last year and also at the Athens Games in 2004. Another honour was having a grandstand at the Hubert Murray Stadium in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea’s capital, named after her in September. She might already have competed at six Olympic Games but she took a break to spend more time with her children in the years before Rio 2016 and did not try to qualify. She had been close to death in 2013 when she was diagnosed with tubercolosis and had to spend nearly four months in isolation in a hospital in New Caledonia, where she was training at the Oceania Weightlifting Institute. “It’s hard being a mum and a weightlifter at the same time, but I don’t know when I will stop,” Toua said. “Weightlifting is in my blood.” Source: iwf.sports

Actress Kirstie Alley, a star in both television and film, has died after a short battle with cancer at age 71. Alley shot to fame in the TV comedy Cheers, set in a Boston bar, going on to have starring film roles in Look Who’s Talking and Star Trek II. Alley’s death was confirmed by her two children, True Stevenson, 30, and Lillie Parker Stevenson, 28, who posted the sad news on her Instagram page today. “We are sad to inform you that our incredible, fierce and loving mother has passed away after a battle with cancer, only recently discovered. Following the news of her death, her former co-star John Travolta – who she starred with in Look Who’s Talking - paid tribute with a post on his social media acknowledging their relationship as “one of the most special” he has ever had. Alley rose to fame in 1987 after starring as Rebecca Howe in the NBC show Cheers and went on to win an Emmy for outstanding lead actress in 1991 and a Golden Globe for best actress. Over the course of her career, Alley - who would have turned 72 next month - earned 76 acting credits. The star, while mainly an icon in the 90s, continued to make an impact in pop culture in recent years after she competed on America’s Dancing with the Stars and The Masked Singer. Source: nzherald.com

An independent environmental and human rights legacy impact assessment of Rio Tinto's former Panguna mine in the autonomous Papua New Guinea region Bougainville is due to begin this week. Last year, Rio Tinto publicly committed to fund the independent assessment in response to a human rights complaint brought by 156 local community members, represented by Australia's Human Rights Law Centre. The mine was forced to stop operating in 1989 by what became a ten-year long civil war. The Bougainville government is very keen to see a resumption of mining there as it strives to develop its economy in its quest to achieve independence by 2027. The human rights complaint alleges that the massive volume of mine waste pollution left behind by the Panguna mine is continuing to put people's lives and livelihoods at risk. Over a billion tonnes of waste tailings were released directly into the Jaba and Kawerong rivers during the operation of the Panguna mine between 1972 and 1989. "This is an important step towards addressing insecurity and pain for the people in the impacted community areas," said Bougainville MP Theonila Roka Matbob. "Thus, we welcome the assessment into the impacts of the Panguna mine as soon as possible." Another to welcome the move is the Human Rights Law Centre. "We welcome Rio Tinto's commitment to this process. We really need Rio to continue its support and commit to funding the next steps," said Keren Adams, the legal director at the Centre. Tetra Tech Coffey, an independent global consulting company, will undertake the Legacy Impact Assessment. The first phase of the work, which will examine acute impacts and risks posed by the mine to communities, is expected to take 18-20 months. It will identify mine-related impacts and what needs to be remedied. Rio Tinto has not yet committed to funding the clean-up and remediation of the mine site that communities are calling for. Following the conclusion of the impact assessment, further discussions will be held between the company, community representatives and other stakeholders regarding the assessment's recommendations and next steps. Source: rnz.co

A delegation of staff consisting of senior officers visited the two widows of the late former provincial administrator for Central, Raphael Yibmaramba in Wewak over the weekend. The two widows and their family members met with the officers at the Village Inn hotel to do the formalities of the presentation of foodstuff and cash contributions. Acting Deputy Provincial Administrator for Social Services, Michael Uaiz when presenting the cash contributions to the families of the deceased, said “we are here to represent the Central Provincial Government and Administration and the people of Central Province to convey our deepest condolences to the families and relatives and the people of East Sepik Province. Mr Uaiz said due to delays in government payments systems, the team was not able to come on time for the funeral and burial of the late provincial administrator Raphael Yibmaramba. “But is better late and never come at all but we are here to show respect and give the families courage and comfort at this time of mourning”, Mr Uaiz said. The officers contribute ten thousand kina respectively to the two widows, with local food and store goods and protein to the families. Meantime, Mrs. Monica Yibmaramba, widow of the Late Raphael Yibmaramba thanked Governor for Central Rufina Peter and Provincial Administrator Francis Koaba and the staff of Central Provincial Government and Administration for the support shown to the family for contributions in cash and kind to the families of the Late Raphel Yibmaramba by traveling to Wewak, East Sepik Province. She said the cash contributions will help in their customary obligations and remove the hauskrai and other family commitments.  

Brazil danced its way past South Korea and into the World Cup quarterfinals on Monday, sweeping aside its opponent 4-1 in a dazzling performance at Qatar 2022. This was a real statement of intent from Brazil, as Tite’s side showed why it was considered the favorite to lift the trophy coming into the tournament. Four first-half goals from Vinicius Jr., Neymar Jr. , Richarlison and Lucas Paqueta ended this match as a contest soon after it had begun, with a combination of shambolic Korean defending and brilliant Brazilian attacking play leading to the most one-sided game of this World Cup so far. However porous the Korean defense was, the opening 45 minutes were truly a football spectacle and encapsulated everything that has made Brazil both feared and admired at the World Cup over the years. That included some perfectly-timed choreographed dancing as Brazil celebrated each of its four goals in style, even convincing head coach Tite to join in with Richarlison’s ‘pigeon dance’ for the third goal. The second half was little more than a procession for Brazil, as its players took their foot off the gas and began conserving their energy for the much sterner test against Croatia that lies ahead on Friday. Seung-Ho Paik grabbed a consolation goal for Korea 15 minutes from time as his long-range strike took a deflection off Thiago Silva that helped it past Alisson into the far corner. With the recent news that soccer great Pelé had been admitted to hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil’s players celebrated the win at full time with a banner paying tribute to the three-time World Cup winner. [caption id="attachment_31814" align="alignnone" width="906"] Neymar made the score 2-0 from the penalty spot after Richarlison was fouled.[/caption] Brazil means business Brazil came into this tournament as the favorite to lift the trophy, but had so far failed to live up to that tag. Tite’s iteration of the Seleçao has always been known for its pragmatism instead of the Joga Bonito style of football displayed by some of the great Brazil teams of old. Even by his pragmatic standards, however, the team’s three group games were stodgy affairs, with only brief flashes – primarily in the closing stages of the 2-0 win over Serbia – of the flair we have become accustomed to associating with Brazil over the years. But that pragmatism has made this defense remarkably stingy; before Tite had made nine changes for the third group game against Cameroon, Brazil had not faced a single shot on target in Qatar. Brazil was also given a huge boost ahead of its match against South Korea with the news that Neymar was fit to play for the first time since suffering an ankle sprain in that opening game against Serbia. If Brazil’s players for whatever reason did need some added motivation, news that Pelé would be tuning into this game from the hospital in Sao Paulo where he is currently receiving treatment would have certainly provided that. South Korea, meanwhile, has impressed in reaching the round of 16, coming through a difficult group that included Portugal, Ghana and Uruguay. But Brazil started this game like it meant business, barely allowing the Koreans a touch of the ball inside the opening five minutes. [caption id="attachment_31816" align="alignnone" width="906"] Vinicius Jr of Brazil celebrates after breaking the deadlock just six minutes into the match.[/caption] That early dominance paid off after just seven minutes thanks to some beautiful footwork from Raphinha that started a flowing Brazil move, which was finished off with unerring accuracy at the far post by Vinicius Jr., who placed the ball perfectly past four Korean players. Korea’s poor start quickly turned into a nightmare, as Woo-Young Jung mistimed his swing for the ball and instead caught Richarlison on the foot inside the penalty area. It was certainly soft, but there was enough contact for referee Clement Turpin to award the penalty. Neymar, on his return from injury, made no mistake, nonchalantly strolling up and placing the ball to the goalkeeper’s left. The goal was Neymar’s 76th for the national team, just one strike away from equaling Pelé as Brazil’s all-time top goalscorer. By scoring Neymar also became just the third Brazilian player in history after Pelé and Ronaldo to score at three different World Cups. Hee-Chan Hwang did force Alisson into a wonderful one-handed save soon after the penalty, but that was the closest South Korea came to scoring in the first half. In fact, Turpin did a better job of defending Brazil’s players than any South Korean – at one point the French referee inadvertently blocked off Neymar’s path and forced the Paris Saint-Germain forward to about turn and find a teammate. Brazilian magic With the result already beyond doubt, it was now party time for Brazil. There were two more goals before half time and both of these showcased the very best of Brazilian football. [caption id="attachment_31817" align="alignnone" width="906"] Tite joins in with the celebrations after Richarlison's goal.[/caption] For the first, Richarlison began playing keepy-uppies with the ball on his forehead, before flicking it round a Korean defender, exchanging passes with Thiago Silva and Marquinhos and slotting the ball past Kim Seung Gyu. The second came after a flowing Brazil counterattack as Vinicius stood the ball up to the far post for the onrushing Paqueta to volley home. This game was already long over as a contest, but it was now in danger of turning into a humiliating night for South Korea, if it hadn’t already. It was without doubt the best and most dominant half of football any team has put together so far at this World Cup, as Brazil finally announced itself as the leading contender to lift the trophy in Qatar. If there was one positive for South Korea at the interval it was that the score was only 4-0 instead of seven or eight, but the second half would merely be an exercise in damage limitation. Both teams had chances to add to the scoreline but the goalkeepers came out on top for most of the second period, until Paik’s crisp half-volley on 75 minutes finally beating Alisson thanks to a deflection off Silva. That was to be the last meaningful action of a match that, in truth, had been over since the 30-minute mark. Brazil and Tite in particular will be delighted with the manner of the victory and with the performance of star man Neymar, who looked sharp as he came through his first match back unscathed. Source: CNN News

Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko has announced a K6 million allocation in the 2023 Budget for the refurbishment of Papua New Guinea’s embassy office and all its state owned properties in Jakarta, Indonesia. Minister Tkatchenko upon his arrival in Jakarta on Saturday told staff that Indonesia was among the first of four foreign missions that the government had approved for renovation and refurbishment. “I look forward in renovating the properties, getting them back to a modern standard as the Republic of Indonesia is an important diplomatic partner to Papua New Guinea,” Minister Tkatchenko said. While on his way to Bali, Indonesia for the Pacific Forum for Development, Minister Tkatchenko visited the embassy office and all state owned properties in Jakarta. Minister Tkatchenko said the government was resolute in its commitment to transform all missions abroad and this was demonstrated by tripling the budget for The Department of Foreign Affairs to K120 million for 2023 making this the biggest allocation ever received by the Department. Minister Tkatchenko emphasized the refurbishment work needed for all the country’s missions abroad, including Indonesia was long overdue. “You will see Jakarta raised from the ashes, being taken to a next level.” “We have secured K6m for the refurbishment of this office as well as all the properties in Jakarta starting in the first quarter of next year,” Minister Tkatchenko said. Minister Tkatchenko added that apart from the renovation work, an official appointment for a permanent Papua New Guinea Ambassador to Indonesia has been prioritized. “Foreign Affairs used to be the premier department, but over the last 15 to 25 years, it had gone down, not enough input, commitment, responsibility and loyalty.” “That’s all now going to change, with the government backing me all the way, we look forward for a new relationship with the Republic of Indonesia, going forward in Defence, Agriculture, Security as we share the biggest border taking our relationship to a level where it has never been before.” “I will be working closely with your Foreign Minister of Indonesia Retno Marsudi, whom I’ve known for about six years in one my previous ministerial capacities as APEC Minister.” “I’m looking forward to strengthening the relationship with Indonesia and making sure that we are all working tougher on the same level, especially when it comes to Defence.” “We are now going to move forward in signing a Defence Corporation Agreement between PNG and Indonesia, sharing the security on the borders together, working tougher and partnering together.” “For me I will not take no for an answer, we are going to get things done in a big way.” “All the problems that you have had in the past, I would hope by the end of next year all those would have been addressed.” “I look forward in renovating all the properties, getting them back to a class standard, renovating the embassy office to show everybody that Indonesia is a prime location,” Minister Tkatchenko said. Meanwhile, as per an official invitation from Prime Minister James Marape, Papua New Guinea is preparing for an Official State Visit of the Indonesian President Joko Widodo next year.

The number of active covid-19 cases in Niue has reached 59, with five new cases recorded in the latest reporting period. Niue Hospital is experiencing staffing shortages due to the outbreak. In a statement, the government said new health measures at the hospital have been implemented to protect health workers. From Monday local time, the out-patient entrance in front of the hospital will be closed to the public. Spike in cases in French Polynesia The covid-19 numbers in French Polynesia continue to climb, with a further 138 infections being counted in the latest 48-hour reporting period. There are now 372 active cases. Three people with covid-19 are in hospital. Local media said one covid patient died in hospital, but the death is not counted in the pandemic's tally. There have been repeated calls for people to update their vaccination status as only 23 percent of those over 60 have had a booster. Last year when the territory was hit by an outbreak of the Delta variant, more than 600 people died, of whom more than 94 percent had not been vaccinated. Source: rnz.com

International Volunteer Day is a day very close to our hearts at the Sir Brian Bell Foundation. The altruism, commitment, and generosity of people contributing their time and skills makes PNG a better place for everyone. There are lots of charities that rely solely on the support of volunteers such as some healthcare services, animal care, blood donations, childhood education and rescue missions which all depend on goodwill from people in our community. There are so many ways to give back while also contributing to your personal and professional development. If there’s something you’re passionate about whether it be medicine, administration, people, or education there’s a place for you to develop your skills while improving the lives of people around you. Good deeds not only create happiness for the individual by doing something kind for others, but you might also make some new friends in the process too. “Let’s have a moment for our volunteers today. We are deeply appreciative of the tireless commitment from our volunteers over the years, to make our country a better place,” and also to our very own Support Squad, all our Brian Bell Group team members who have been giving back to selected initiatives and causes across the country in the areas of health and education across the country as a collective team “commented by Sir Brian Bell Foundation CEO, Ms Bronwyn Wright”. Source: Sir Brian Bell Foundation

On the back of producing career-best form and narrowly missing out on a World Cup spot, Raiders forward Hudson Young has set his sights on a Blues Origin debut next season. After an impressive NRL campaign that yielded 14 tries in 24 games, Young was named in Mal Meninga's extended World Cup squad but was unable to force his way into the final 24 that claimed the ultimate prize in November. For 24-year-old Young, the buzz of watching teammate Jack Wighton light up the international stage and bring home a World Cup winners' medal helped to make up for his own disappointment, and gave him all the motivation he needs for 2023. “We saw at the World Cup how good Jack is. He’s played so much footy throughout this year and to be able to come out and perform like that after the season he had, it definitely made me excited to work alongside him again in 2023,” Young told NRL.com. “Working closely next to him the last two seasons has definitely helped me develop my game. “He’s an international footballer, he’s won a Dally M and just about done everything in the game so being able to see how he operates and running alongside him has been massive for me." Wighton has his own Origin motivation after being overlooked for the 2022 series decider so the Raiders' left-edge partners will be able to spur each other on in the opening rounds with a common goal to be part of Brad Fittler's team on May 31 in Adelaide. Young, who collected the NRL Coaches’ award for the Raiders, said that even being mentioned as a possible Kangaroo for the World Cup had given him the confidence he needs to break in to rep footy in 2023. “Obviously I want to represent State of Origin next year. I know it’s a bit of a way down the track but it’s something I really want to achieve,” he said. “I didn’t really speak to Mal (Meninga), it more came from 'Sticky' (Ricky Stuart). He’s good mates with Mal and was really honest with me. “I just want to keep building with my confidence. I sort of had a thing this year of 'don’t think, just do', and I’ll be trying to roll with that again this year because the more I think, the worse things become.” Young knows any hope of representing his state or country begins with success at club level and he says belief is strong in the national capital that they can again be part of the finals action after making it to week two of the play-offs in 2022. [caption id="attachment_31750" align="alignnone" width="906"] Fogarty relishing early return[/caption] Ryan Sutton (Bulldogs) is the only member of the side that lost to Parramatta in the semi-final who has moved on, so Young is confident the Green Machine has the firepower to again be a contender. “We’ve got 16 of that 17 that played in the last final against Parramatta, and being a young group, that’s only going to benefit us,” he said. “From the end of the Origin series we only lost one game heading into the finals so as a young group I think we can take a lot away from that. “There’s also some really good kids coming through and I think they went really well in the junior levels this year, so they’ll be putting pressure on us older fellas in the team. "Obviously you want to test yourself early in the season to see where you are at and to get the Cowboys away round one will be a tough task." Source: NRL.Com

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will lead a delegation to Papua New Guinea on 12-13 December. The visit comes as our two nations approach the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations following Papua New Guinea’s independence in 1975. Prime Minister Albanese will join his host, Prime Minister James Marape, for the Annual Leaders’ Dialogue in Port Moresby. The meeting will continue to strengthen the partnership between the Prime Ministers, who have met at the Pacific Islands Forum in Suva, the Prime Ministers’ XIII Rugby League match in Brisbane, the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Bangkok, and travelled to Tokyo for the funeral of the former Prime Minister of Japan, Mr Abe Shinzo AC. In addition to visiting Port Moresby, Prime Minister Albanese will travel with Prime Minister Marape to Wewak on the northern coast of Papua New Guinea. In Wewak Prime Minister Albanese will visit the resting place of the founding Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare. He will also visit the Japanese Memorial Peace Park and Moem Barracks. This will be the first visit by an Australian Prime Minister to Papua New Guinea since 2018. Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Albanese: “This will be my first visit to Papua New Guinea as Prime Minister and the first in-person leaders’ talks since 2019, when Prime Minister Marape visited Australia. “Australia and Papua New Guinea are close neighbours and even closer friends. Our deep ties are underpinned by a common history, shared values and continued collaboration. “The strength of our modern relationship draws on bonds from our shared past, including those forged on the Kokoda Track eighty years ago – we will never forget the debt we owe the brave Papua New Guineans who walked alongside Australian soldiers in this campaign. “We also have a shared vision for the future: a more prosperous, unified and secure region. “I look forward to meeting with Prime Minister Marape in Port Moresby and discussing our cooperation across trade, economic recovery, infrastructure, defence, policing and climate resilience.”

Trukai Industries commemorated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities by donating to the PNG Blind Services in Port Moresby. A donation of ten bags of 20kg Trukai Medium Grain and a cheque of K5000 was presented to the President of the PNG Blind Services Rua Rara at their office at 3 mile. Trukai’s support will go towards assisting the organization with facility expenses and with their commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. As a not-for-profit organization, the PNG Blind Services are seeking assistance to purchase assistive devices such as the White Cane for mobility and the daily up keep of their organization. Trukai’s Marketing Manager Maryanne Tom thanked the PNG Blind Services for their work in the community. “We are very happy to support the PNG Blind Services especially during the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. As part of our Corporate Social Responsibilities Program we support not-for-profit organisations like the PNG Blind Services to help them progress their work in communities,” said Tom. Maryanne also added that the donation to the Blind Centre marks the start of Trukai’s annual December donations. “This is the first donation for December and we will be donating to various prisons and charity organizations around the country as well. This is something that Trukai does every year during the festive season,” said Tom. President of the PNG Blind Services Rua Rara thanked Trukai Industries for this donation and expressed gratitude for this support. “You have heard our cry and we would like to thank Trukai Industries for supporting us to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, said Rara. The main aim of the of the PNG Blind Services is to help blind and visually impaired persons in their rehabilitation, education and primary eye care. Trukai Industries support a wide variety of community activities and programs for people with special needs, the homeless and less fortunate, achievement recognition awards, sports, education and medical projects.

Indonesia's Mount Semeru volcano has erupted, sending ash billowing into the sky and sparking evacuations on the country's main island, Java. Authorities raised the volcano's warning status to the highest level, meaning its activity had escalated. No injuries have been reported but nearly 2,000 people were evacuated from the area around the volcano. People have been urged to keep at least 8 km (5 miles) away, as "hot avalanches" of lava poured from Semeru. The increased threat level from three to four also means the danger threatens people's homes, a spokesman for Indonesia's Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) told a national broadcaster. The organisation said a bridge being rebuilt after a previous eruption had been badly damaged. Volcanic ash mixed with monsoon rain was falling on nearby villages and 1,969 people, including children and seniors, had been evacuated, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) said. At least six villages had been affected, it added. Videos of the event showed the sky turning black as a massive plume of ash blocked the sunlight. Japan issued a tsunami warning for its southernmost islands after the eruption, but meteorologists said no tidal changes had been observed. Mount Semeru, in East Java province, began erupting at about 02:46 local time (19:46 GMT), authorities said. Indonesia sits on the Pacific "Ring of Fire" where tectonic plates collide, causing frequent volcanic activity as well as earthquakes. Semeru - also known as "The Great Mountain" - is the highest volcano in Java at 3,676m (12,060ft) and one of the most active. Its last erupted exactly one year ago, killing at least 50 people and leaving streets filled with mud and ash. The eruption also follows a series of earthquakes on the west of Java island, located about 640 km (400 miles) east of Indonesia's capital Jakarta, including one last month that killed more than 300 people. Source: BBC