People living with Disabilities (PWDs) in Morobe Province, are now playing a direct role in shaping the future of healthcare infrastructure at Angau Memorial Provincial Hospital in Lae.This aimed to ensure that facilities are safer, more accessible, and more inclusive for everyone. Representatives from the Morobe Disability Association recently took part in consultations on the proposed refurbishment of the hospital’s former emergency department known as the Gware Building. The consultations included guided inspections of the existing facility and temporary clinical locations, allowing participants to identify practical accessibility and safety improvements that will be incorporated into the final building design. Women in Disability advocate Idah Dail, described the consultations as a significant step toward meaningful inclusion of people with disabilities in health infrastructure planning. “For me, as a woman living with disability, this consultation is very important.” “This is the first time we have been included in a meaningful way to share our ideas and concerns about how hospital facilities can be more accessible, especially for people using wheelchairs or with artificial limbs.” Meanwhile, President of the Morobe Disability Association Mr. Benedict Hippom, welcomed the opportunity for disability leaders to contribute directly to the design process. “I am happy our recommendations for the outpatient building design at Angau Hospital will now include more disability-friendly features for a fair, dignified and accessible health service for all.” The consultations reflect the shared commitment between Australia and Papua New Guinea to inclusive development by ensuring people with disabilities are treated as equal stakeholders in decisions affecting access to essential health services. Australia continues to work closely with disability organizations, health authorities and local communities to ensure infrastructure investments promote fairness, dignity and equal access to healthcare for all Papua New Guineans.

The PNG Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) has successfully concluded the 2026 Santos Cup Football Conference, centred on the theme “EMPOWER: Better Building Blocks.”The conference, held from May 19th to 21st, 2026, brought together team managers and performance staff to align on a revitalized strategy for the upcoming women’s national competition. Reflecting on feedback from the 2025 season, the 2026 season introduces critical structural improvements aimed at enhancing player welfare and professional standards. Key upgrades include extending the competition to a 10-week format (8 weeks of regular season and 2 weeks of finals) and increasing the preseason duration to 6 weeks to ensure optimal match fitness and preparation. The conference facilitated intensive sessions focused on elevating the professional environment for female athletes, with major outcomes centered around enhanced medical and safety standards, as well as greater structural professionalism through a refined player tiering and points system to ensure transparency in contracts and payments. Staff roles have also been professionalized, with mandatory accreditation requirements for coaches and medical personnel. This also places emphasis on female education and accreditation pathways for game day officials and medical personnel to ensure female athletes receive NRL-level medical treatment and welfare support during competition. The initiative is designed to empower women and those involved in the Santos Cup by strengthening skill sets, enhancing professional development opportunities, and building the capacity of officials to better deliver and support the game at all levels of rugby league. PNGRFL Women’s Rugby League Manager Urith Toa, said the conference also featured training for Team Managers on MySideline system, Hudl, and an AFS Sports Medical Trainer Course for performance staff made up of Sports Medical Trainers, Physiotherapists and Strength and Conditioning Coach. “The conference allowed dialogue with our Santos Cup team managers but most importantly aligned them with PNGRFL standards by focusing on these ‘Better Building Blocks’,” said Ms. Toa. “This is more than a competition; we are building a sustainable pathway for women in rugby league.” Meanwhile PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Stanley Hondina, said the conference outcomes reflect the organisation’s commitment to creating stronger foundations for women’s rugby league in Papua New Guinea. The Santos Cup continues to grow as a premier pathway for female athletes in Papua New Guinea. “Through initiatives like this conference, we are strengthening the systems, standards and support structures around our players and staff to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of women’s rugby league,” said Mr. Hondina. The 2026 Santos Cup is scheduled to kick off on July 11th-12th, 2026, following the commencement of the paid preseason on June 1st.

The National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) has launched a newly redesigned website as part of its ongoing corporate rebranding and digital transformation efforts.Unveiled in Port Moresby on Friday, NICTA said the new platform features a modern design, improved navigation, and easier access to regulatory information, publications, and consumer resources. Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Polume Lume, said the website reflects the organization's commitment to transparency, accountability, and improved stakeholder engagement. “The launch of our new website represents an important step forward for NICTA as we continue to modernize our services and reinforce our commitment to transparency and accountability.” The upgraded website retains all information from the previous platform while presenting content in a more organised and user-friendly format. Key features of the new website include: A refreshed and modern design aligned with NICTA’s corporate branding Enhanced navigation for improved user experience Improved access to regulatory information, publications, and resources A mobile-friendly interface for access across devices NICTA is encouraging the public, industry stakeholders, and consumers to explore the new website and utilise its enhanced features and functionality.

A group of Papua New Guinean journalists and media professionals have departed for Australia as part of a special International Media Visit (IMV) which aims to strengthen coverage and understanding of the National Rugby League (NRL) ahead of PNG’s planned entry into the competition in 2028.The delegation will participate in a program designed to provide firsthand exposure to the Australian rugby league landscape, including the operations of the NRL and the role of media within the sport. The visit will allow participants to engage with experts from key organizations across the rugby league ecosystem, helping them gain deeper insight into how the competition functions and the media's role in delivering weekly sports coverage. Additionally, it will enhance the skills and knowledge of PNG journalists and editors, supporting more informed, accurate and in-depth reporting on rugby league as anticipation builds for the PNG Chiefs’ entry into the NRL in 2028. The media visit also forms part of the broader Pacific Rugby League Partnership (PRLP), which seeks not only to support PNG’s participation in the NRL but also to generate wider social and economic benefits for the country. The program will strengthen professional ties between Australian and Papua New Guinean media organizations while providing the delegation with valuable access and insights ahead of the PNG Chiefs joining the competition.

Following the recent announcement of Digicel PNG teaming up with Starlink, Telikom PNG Limited has also jumped onboard the band wagon announcing that they too will be reselling Starlink services in the country. Telikom Limited, Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) 100% state-owned telecommunications company, is pleased to announce that it is officially an authorised Starlink reseller in Papua New Guinea. Through this partnership, Telikom Limited will lead the provision of Starlink services to enterprise customers, government departments and agencies, the mining and resource sector, financial institutions, SMEs, and existing VSAT customers throughout the country. As Papua New Guinea’s state-owned telecommunications provider, Telikom Limited remains committed to ensuring reliable and affordable connectivity reaches all parts of the country, particularly remote and underserved communities. Under this arrangement, Telikom Limited will manage local customer engagement, billing, payment collection, installation coordination, customer support, and managed services. This partnership represents a significant milestone in addressing Papua New Guinea’s connectivity challenges across key sectors including education, health, government services, business, and community development. “Telikom Limited believes this new generation of low-earth orbit satellite technology presents major opportunities to transform digital access, strengthen national connectivity resilience, and enable broader economic growth throughout Papua New Guinea,” said Amos Tepi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Telikom Limited. “This partnership is not about replacing existing connectivity platforms but about complementing our overall national connectivity strategy through a combination of fibre, mobile, cloud, VSAT, and satellite technologies to better serve the people and businesses of Papua New Guinea.” As part of the rollout, Telikom Limited will also provide fully managed integrated solutions bundled with Internet services, OTT and digital platforms, mobile connectivity, sovereign AI services, cloud solutions, and enterprise managed services. Unlike traditional ISPs, Telikom Limited is uniquely positioned as the national telecommunications provider with existing infrastructure, nationwide operational capability, enterprise experience, and strategic government partnerships to support large-scale deployment and service delivery throughout Papua New Guinea. This partnership also represents an important collaboration between the United States and Papua New Guinea through its state-owned telecommunications provider, creating new opportunities for digital transformation, innovation, and economic development.

PA DIRECTOR ENCOURAGES EU INVESTORS TO EXPLORE PNG OPPORTUNITIES By Tasminnie ISIMELI Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) Director Peter Daroa has encouraged more European businesses and investors to explore opportunities in Papua New Guinea, highlighting the country’s growing partnership with the European Union over the past five years. Speaking during a press conference ahead of the 5th European Union–Papua New Guinea Business Forum, Mr. Daroa reflected on the progress made since the inaugural PNG–EU Business Conference held in Port Moresby in 2019. “It’s a pleasure to be here again after five years,” Mr. Daroa said. He said the partnership between the Investment Promotion Authority and the European Union has been productive and has helped strengthen trade and investment engagement between Papua New Guinea and Europe. Mr. Daroa recalled the first investment week and the early business forums that brought together businesses, investors and government agencies from Papua New Guinea, Europe and the Pacific region. He said over the years there has been increasing interest from European companies looking to invest and operate in Papua New Guinea. “We have witnessed the steady and growing interest of EU businesses and investors making their presence in Papua New Guinea,” he said. Mr. Daroa noted that major international companies such as Nokia, Airbus and Total Energies are now showing strong interest in Papua New Guinea, particularly in sectors such as telecommunications, aviation and energy. He also highlighted the growing relationship between Papua New Guinea and the European Union in the agriculture sector, especially cocoa production. Mr. Daroa said Paradise Foods has been one of the recipients of European Union trade assistance aimed at supporting agricultural development and export opportunities. He added that the Pacific Trade and Investment Office in Geneva recently visited Papua New Guinea and attended the Cocoa Festival in East Sepik Province, where there was significant interest in PNG cocoa products and opportunities to expand exports into European markets. Mr. Daroa encouraged investors to look beyond the fisheries sector and explore opportunities in tourism, agriculture, and rural development. He said Papua New Guinea has vast untapped opportunities across its provinces and districts, particularly outside major urban centres such as Port Moresby, Lae and Mt Hagen. “As you are doing business, also come and visit our people,” he said. “Everything you hear, the negative stories you hear about Papua New Guinea, it will be important for you to make your own assessment of the people, the culture and the environment.” Mr. Daroa described Papua New Guinea as a culturally diverse and resilient country, with the majority of the population living in rural communities and relying on agriculture. He revealed that IPA teams have been carrying out profiling exercises in different regions of the country to identify and package investment opportunities for potential investors. According to Mr Daroa, the IPA recently completed similar work in the Momase region after previously conducting exercises in the Islands region last year. He said the IPA remains committed to supporting investors and strengthening partnerships with the European Union as business engagement between the two sides continues to grow. ENDS//

Students from across four (4) primary schools in the Madang province are now in a better position to know what to do when it comes to properly manage the spending of their lunch money, thanks to a recently run financial literacy program. More than 1,000 students in the province have gained this valuable financial literacy knowledge through the successful completion of the Young Mind Savings Campaign (YMSC), a three-day awareness programme aimed at promoting savings habits and responsible money management among school-aged children. The programme was conducted at Sagalau Demonstration Primary School, Holy Spirit Primary School, and Kusbau Primary School. Students from Good Shepherd Secondary School also attended the afternoon session at Sagalau Primary School. Granget Primary School and Tusbab Secondary School were unable to participate due to ongoing school assessments. The Young Mind Savings Campaign, launched in 2024, began with successful pilot programmes in Milne Bay and West New Britain provinces, resulting in more than 300 student bank accounts being opened. In August 2025, CEFI partnered with the East New Britain Provincial Government to reach 3,000 students across six schools, resulting in 500 new accounts being opened with support from financial institutions and government agencies. The campaign continued to expand in October 2025 to Kerema District, where 3,800 students across six schools participated and 430 accounts were opened. In March 2026, a total of 2,073 bank accounts were opened during the campaign in Western Highlands Province. The Madang programme was delivered through a partnership between the Centre for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) and the Madang Provincial Government, with support from the Bank of Papua New Guinea, the Securities Commission of Papua New Guinea and participating financial institutions including Bank South Pacific, TISA Bank, Kina Bank, Women’s Micro Bank, MiBank, NASFUND, NCSL, Nambawan Super, Nambawan Savings and Loan Society, and National Development Bank. CEFI Executive Director Mr. Peter Samuel thanked stakeholders and participating institutions for their continued support in educating school-aged children about savings and financial responsibility. “The purpose of the Young Mind Savings Campaign is to raise awareness and educate school students about the importance of opening and owning a bank account, as well as building a culture of saving for their future,” Mr. Samuel said. Madang Provincial Education Director Mr. Alphonse Igag described financial literacy as an essential life skill that had been missing from the education system for many years. He said the campaign would help students develop responsible money management habits from an early age while also benefiting teachers and parents. “We are working towards establishing financial literacy, which has been missing for the last fifty years. No wonder very few people are able to manage money properly,” Mr. Igag said. The Young Mind Savings Campaign continues to strengthen financial education efforts across Papua New Guinea by encouraging children and young people to develop positive saving habits and financial responsibility for the future.

Police in Morobe Province conducted a raid in West Taraka targeting a wanted suspect allegedly linked to a series of serious criminal offences, including armed robbery, manslaughter, and drug-related activities. The operation was carried out by officers from the Morobe Rural Criminal Investigation Division and the Lae-based Sector Response Unit on May 26. Morobe Provincial Police Commander, Samson Siguyaru, said the suspect, who is from Menyamya, allegedly attempted to evade arrest by jumping over a fence and fleeing into nearby bushes during the operation. Police alleged that relatives and members of the community pursued the suspect and assaulted him with bush knives, causing injuries to his body. Authorities stated that officers secured the suspect and transported him to Angau General Hospital, where he remains under police guard while receiving medical treatment. Chief Superintendent Siguyaru said the suspect is expected to be formally charged for allegedly being in possession of illegal drugs. Police officers from Menyamya Police Station are also expected to continue investigations into allegations of manslaughter and other outstanding criminal offences. Police also confirmed that two alleged accomplices were arrested during the operation and remain in custody pending formal drug-related charges. “I commend the police officers from the Morobe Rural Criminal Investigation Division and Lae Based Sector Response Unit for their professionalism, commitment, and coordinated efforts in successfully apprehending the suspect and his accomplices,” Siguyaru said. He also acknowledged the assistance provided by relatives and community members during the operation. Siguyaru warned youths and individuals involved in criminal activities to refrain from unlawful behaviour, stating that ongoing violence and lawlessness were causing growing frustration within communities. He urged the public to respect the rule of law and avoid taking matters into their own hands.

A 34-year-old man has been arrested and charged in Western Province for allegedly posting threatening messages on social media calling for disruptions to operations linked to OK Tedi Mining Limited. The suspect was charged under Section 23(4) of the Cybercrime Act 2016 following a complaint lodged by the mining company. North Fly acting Provincial Police Commander, Anjap Minata, said police alleged the man used a mobile phone or electronic device to publish statements online encouraging people to block the Kiunga–Tabubil Highway and shut down Pump Station KM59. Police further alleged the comments were posted on the “Fly River Forum” Facebook page, where the message later circulated widely on social media. Authorities stated that executives from OK Tedi Mining Limited, including the company’s Community Relations Manager, reported the matter to police after allegedly finding the post threatening. According to police, officers identified and apprehended the suspect before taking him into custody at the Kiunga Police Station. Inspector Minata urged the public to exercise caution when posting content online, warning that misuse of social media platforms could result in criminal charges. “Do not abuse your rights. It is time these young generations need to fully understand this. If you have issues, then there are avenues available to sort those issues out amicably,” he said. He also warned individuals against attempting to disrupt mining operations, stating that such actions are illegal and would result in arrests and prosecutions. “I do not think people of Western Province have issues with the Ok Tedi Mining, so we all need to protect our mine, our future and our pride,” Minata added. Police investigations into the matter have concluded with charges laid against the suspect, who is expected to appear in court at a later date.

Community leaders in Southern Highlands Province have voluntarily surrendered factory-made firearms under the government’s illegal firearms amnesty program, in what police say is the second such handover since the initiative began. According to a media statement released on Thursday, Commander of the Upper Highlands Special Operations, Anthony Wagambie Jr. officiated the handover in Lower Mendi on Wednesday, May 27. The firearms were surrendered by Robert Peandi of Buiyebi one and Dornald Warea of Tutam Village, accompanied by ward councillors Effo Wami and Pisa Jack. Southern Highlands police officers and members of the public witnessed the event. Commander Wagambie said the surrender was a community-led initiative and followed a similar voluntary handover last month by local businessman Lowa Magola in Wabag shortly after the amnesty was launched. Speaking on behalf of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, Wagambie said his attendance at the event was a one-off awareness engagement aimed at supporting local community efforts. “The Upper Highlands Special Operations team was deployed by the Commissioner of Police in response to escalating lawlessness in the region,” Wagambie stated. He said the unit’s mandate is to enforce the recently enacted Counter-Terrorism Act and support divisional and provincial police commanders, including Divisional Commander Joseph Tondop, rather than replace local policing operations. According to Wagambie, the legislation allows police to target not only individuals allegedly possessing illegal firearms, but also those accused of sponsoring or encouraging criminal acts such as attacks on vital infrastructure, roadblocks, and power lines. “Our deployment is not intended to harm people. We are here to assist local police to restore law and order and to support the community,” he said. Wagambie also warned that police would continue compiling intelligence on suspected illegal firearm holders using information supplied by the public. He urged individuals and groups to surrender weapons voluntarily before enforcement operations begin. Police have also released a public hotline for information relating to illegal factory-made firearms in Southern Highlands Province. Authorities stated that calls and WhatsApp messages can be sent confidentially to 71388399. He said the Southern Highlands Provincial Executive Council recently endorsed an illegal firearms amnesty awareness campaign, with future awareness and surrender activities to be led by the provincial administration and local police. Wagambie confirmed his involvement in the initiative would be limited to the current awareness engagement.

Papua New Guinea rugby league star Rhyse Martin has been appointed as the PNG Chiefs’ Football Operations Manager from 2027, in another major step towards the club’s planned entry into the NRL. The announcement marks a significant addition to the PNG Chiefs’ football leadership team as the club continues preparations for its inaugural NRL campaign in 2028. Martin, who has strong family ties to Hula in Central Province through his father, returns to Papua New Guinea after building an outstanding professional rugby league career across the NRL and Super League competitions. The former Kumuls captain made his international debut for Papua New Guinea in 2014 and went on to become one of the nation’s most capped representatives, making 18 Test appearances. He remains the Kumuls’ all-time leading point scorer and is widely regarded as one of PNG’s most recognisable rugby league figures. Martin made his NRL debut with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in 2018 before enjoying a successful Super League career with Leeds Rhinos and Hull KR, making more than 160 appearances in the English competition. During his time with Leeds Rhinos, Martin also set a world record for the most consecutive goals kicked, landing 41 straight conversions. Over the past two seasons, Martin worked under future PNG Chiefs head coach Willie Peters at Hull KR, where he earned a reputation as one of the competition’s most reliable and respected players. Away from the field, Martin has focused on leadership and education, completing a Bachelor of Science in Applied Sports Studies while building a strong reputation for professionalism and player leadership. In his new role as Football Operations Manager, Martin will oversee football operations, player welfare and integration programs, while supporting players and families transitioning to Papua New Guinea ahead of the club’s launch. PNG Chiefs General Manager for Football Michael Chammas said Martin’s appointment would strengthen the club’s football department. “Rhyse has had an incredible career as a player but he still has so much to offer the sport,” Chammas said. “He has the trust of our coach Willie Peters from their time together at Hull KR and they will continue to work closely as Rhyse steps into a new role at the Chiefs. “Anyone who has ever met Rhyse will talk about the quality of person he is and how passionate he is about Papua New Guinea. The combination of those two things makes him such an important off-field signing for the club and we are proud to have him joining our football staff.” PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson said Martin’s appointment highlighted the organisation’s long-term vision. “Every appointment we make is about building the right culture, the right leadership and the right foundations for long-term success,” McPherson said. “Rhyse represents everything we want this club to stand for — professionalism, humility, leadership and deep pride in Papua New Guinea. “We are incredibly proud to welcome him and his family home as part of this journey towards 2028.” Martin is expected to relocate to Port Moresby with his wife Vanessa and their two children ahead of the club’s full operational launch in October 2027.

After decades of stalled plans and missed opportunities, the long-awaited vision of developing Bautama into the future capital city of Central Province is finally gaining momentum. Originally proposed in 1995, with earlier ground-breaking events held in 1998 and 2007, the Bautama Central City project faced years of delays due to funding issues, administrative setbacks and accountability challenges. Now, under the leadership of Central Governor Rufina Peter, the Central Provincial Government has revived the project with several key developments already underway. In February this year, Governor Peter launched major infrastructure projects including the refit of a new provincial market, a commercial complex, a residential estate and the opening of the Bautama boom-toll gate. The latest step in the development process was the Bautama Urban Planning and Infrastructure Coordination Workshop facilitated by Atlas Urban, bringing together planners, utility providers, developers and government agencies to coordinate future urban planning. Governor Peter described Bautama as a blueprint project that will guide future metropolitan developments in Central Province, particularly in areas surrounding the National Capital District within Hiri-Koiari. She said the province must prepare for increasing migration pressures expected from national road infrastructure developments and growing urban movement between Port Moresby and Central Province. “One of the critical importance of this workshop is to ensure that we as a province are ready for urban-rural migration (Port Moresby-Central) and rural-urban migration, the influx of people into the city.” Acting Central Provincial Administrator Magini Raga said the workshop created an opportunity for technical experts, planners and investors to align development plans for the benefit of future generations. Atlas Urban Director of Design and Strategy Paul Walter said the workshop focused on integrated planning, to ensure future developments connect effectively. “We have been tasked to work with Central Province to organise the space.” “Today we’re focusing on Bautama in particular, and we’re thinking about how each of these projects can connect together, how power and water can come in, what sort of circulation and access needs to come in, and we’re working together with Water PNG and various utility authorities to bring these things together.” Participants attending the workshop included Water PNG, Central Provincial Police, the Central Province Health Authority, developers and investment representatives. The Bautama initiative is expected to create new economic opportunities, attract private investment, improve access to services and provide greater participation for customary landowners in future development. After more than 30 years of planning discussions, Bautama now stands at a critical turning point as Central Province pushes to transform the long-held vision into reality.