The International Solar Alliance will establish a Solar Technology Application Resource Centre at Don Bosco Technological Institute in Port Moresby as Papua New Guinea strengthens its partnership with the global solar energy organisation.The STAR-C will train students and workers to install, operate and maintain solar power systems, supporting Papua New Guinea's plans to expand solar energy and build the technical skills needed to deploy the technology across the country.The announcement was made during a high-level and technical ISA mission to Papua New Guinea from Aug. 4 to 7, led by ISA Director General Ashish Khanna.During the mission, the ISA delegation met with government ministers, energy utilities, industrial energy users, academic institutions and development finance partners to advance projects under the Country Partnership Framework signed between ISA and Papua New Guinea in 2025.The delegation also visited Don Bosco Technological Institute, where it engaged with faculty and students on the skills, curricula and certification pathways that will be supported through the new centre.The STAR-C builds on training already provided by ISA to participants from Papua New Guinea and is intended to establish a larger and sustained technical capacity-building program.Prime Minister James Marape said the partnership provides a practical pathway for Papua New Guinea to strengthen energy security.“Energy security sits at the centre of Papua New Guinea's development ambitions, and our partnership with the International Solar Alliance gives us a practical route towards it. The Country Partnership Framework has moved from agreement to action, with project assessments underway and a training centre now announced in Port Moresby. My government will continue to work with ISA, our utilities, our industries, and our financing partners to turn this pipeline into power for our people.”Energy Minister Peter Namea Isoaimo said solar energy could help expand electricity access across the country's islands and remote communities while reducing dependence on imported fuel.“Papua New Guinea's people live across hundreds of islands and highland communities, and too many of them still wait for reliable power. Solar allows us to reach them faster and at lower cost than any other option, and it shields our households and industries from the price of imported fuel. Working with the International Solar Alliance, we are putting in place the regulation, the projects, and now the skills base that will carry this transition forward.”Khanna said Papua New Guinea has significant potential to use solar energy to improve electricity access and support economic development.“Papua New Guinea demonstrates the transformative potential of solar energy in addressing the unique challenges of island nations and remote communities as exemplified by ISA’s SIDS program for bringing together island countries for shared knowledge and project pipeline.”He said the partnership would support solar rooftops, mini-grids, larger solar projects and the development of a national solar energy roadmap, alongside the STAR-C at Don Bosco.The ISA delegation also visited a solar power plant with a Battery Energy Storage System at the Napa Napa refinery, where solar-plus-storage technology is being used to supply an industrial load.The visit highlighted the potential for solar and battery storage to support industrial users while reducing reliance on imported diesel and other fossil fuels.As part of the Country Partnership Framework, ISA has also assessed the feasibility of two proposed 50-megawatt solar projects and is supporting Papua New Guinea in developing the regulatory framework needed to expand solar technologies.The delegation held discussions with the World Bank Group and the Asian Development Bank on potential financing pathways for a pipeline of bankable solar projects.The mission also examined opportunities to expand solar deployment across Papua New Guinea, strengthen regulations for rooftop solar and develop solar and storage solutions for energy-intensive industries such as mining.ISA said the mission is expected to strengthen cooperation with the Papua New Guinea Government and establish a pipeline of priority projects and technical assistance under the Country Partnership Framework.The Papua New Guinea visit forms part of a wider ISA mission across the Pacific, including Fiji, Vanuatu and Kiribati.

Bel isi PNG Inc. has appointed a new Board of Directors following confirmation at its third Annual General Meeting on May 29, 2026, and the formalization of recent leadership transitions.The restructured board brings expertise in governance, compliance, security, business and development to support Bel isi PNG’s work in family violence prevention and workplace well-being.Executive Director Pansy Taueni-Sialis welcomed the appointments, saying the strengthened board would help guide the organization into its next phase.“I am delighted to introduce a strengthened and highly capable board as we enter an exciting new chapter for our organization,” Taueni-Sialis said.She said the board’s experience and diversity would support Bel isi PNG’s work across the country.Doreen Iga has been appointed Board Chair. She is the Executive Director of the Building Community Engagement Program, managed by DT Global, and has held senior roles with the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, the Australian High Commission and CARE International.Former Board Chair Sir Robin Fleming, KBE CSM, has been elected an honorary board member. He has more than four decades of banking experience, including serving as Group CEO and Managing Director of BSP Financial Group Ltd., and previously led the Bel isi PNG board.Vandhna Narayan, Group Chief Compliance Officer at BSP Financial Group Ltd., has joined the board. She brings experience in corporate governance, regulatory compliance, risk management and human rights law, including previous work with the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement and Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre.G4S Secure Solutions (PNG) Ltd. General Manager Kevin Dauda has also joined the board as a business and partner representative. He brings experience in commercial operations, security risk management and workplace safety.Navara Kiene, Head of Programs and Partnerships at Santos Foundation, completes the new appointments. She has nearly two decades of development experience in gender equality, disability and social inclusion, and family and sexual violence prevention.Kiene is also supporting the management transition of the Bel isi program.

Australia has strengthened its support for disaster preparedness in Papua New Guinea with the handover of specialist earthquake monitoring equipment under the LaeShakeAware project.The equipment was transported from Australia aboard Australian Defence Vessel (ADV) Reliant and formally handed over at Lae Port on Saturday, 7 August, in a move aimed at strengthening Papua New Guinea’s ability to monitor, understand and respond to earthquake hazards.The new equipment will support a community-based seismic monitoring network, providing more timely local information following earthquake events and helping disaster authorities better assess impacts and prioritise assistance.The initiative is particularly focused on Morobe Province, one of Papua New Guinea’s areas exposed to seismic activity, while also contributing to broader national disaster preparedness efforts.LaeShakeAware is funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and led by Geoscience Australia in partnership with the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT), the Mineral Resources Authority, the Morobe Provincial Disaster Office and local communities. The project aims to strengthen earthquake monitoring, disaster preparedness and community safety by connecting scientific data with local decision-making and community response. Australia’s Consul-General in Lae, Brenton Kanowski, said the equipment handover demonstrated Australia’s commitment to working alongside Papua New Guinea to strengthen resilience against natural hazards. “Papua New Guinea is one of the most seismically active countries in the world. Through LaeShakeAware, Australia is supporting PNG institutions and communities with the tools, knowledge and partnerships needed to better understand earthquake risk and respond effectively when disasters occur,” Kanowski said. The project is also expected to strengthen local technical and scientific capacity, including opportunities for PNG researchers and future scientists to develop expertise in earthquake monitoring and disaster risk reduction. Vice Chancellor of the Papua New Guinea University of Technology, Professor Ora Rengai OL OBE, welcomed the handover and highlighted the importance of collaboration between universities, government agencies, communities and technical partners. “This LaeShakeAware initiative demonstrates what can be achieved when universities, government agencies, communities and technical partners work together,” Professor Rengai said. He said the equipment would strengthen the university’s research and monitoring capabilities while supporting the development of future PNG scientists.The initiative is part of Australia’s wider support for disaster risk management in Papua New Guinea through Geoscience Australia, which works with PNG institutions to improve technical capability and access to scientific information that can support safer and more resilient communities.The arrival of ADV Reliant in Lae also comes as Australia continues broader engagement with Papua New Guinea.HMAS Leeuwin recently arrived in Lae to support joint activities involving the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) and Australian Defence Force (ADF).Together, the engagements highlight the breadth of cooperation between the two countries, extending from disaster preparedness and scientific capability to security and resilience.The LaeShakeAware project is expected to play an important role in strengthening Papua New Guinea’s ability to prepare for and respond to earthquakes by bringing together science, technology, government decision-making and community knowledge.For Morobe Province and communities vulnerable to seismic hazards, the improved monitoring capability could provide critical information when earthquakes occur, helping authorities make faster and better-informed decisions during emergencies.Australia and Papua New Guinea have maintained a long-standing partnership focused on strengthening institutions, supporting safer communities and building resilience to natural hazards.Through LaeShakeAware, that partnership is now being translated into practical tools and local expertise aimed at reducing earthquake risk and improving preparedness across Papua New Guinea.

Papua New Guinea’s first narrative feature film, Tukana- Husat I Asua, made its return more than forty years after its initial release in 1982.Communities across Bougainville celebrated after the film returned in late July and early August with community screenings in Tinputz, Buka, Arawa, and Buin.Supported by the Autonomous Bougainville Government through the Bougainville Arts, Culture and Tourism Authority, and Australia, the screening tour brought communities together to revisit a film that remains an important part of Bougainville’s cultural history.The film was restored with the assistance of Australia’s National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA) in partnership with Spectrum Films, with support from the Australian Government.Madeleine Moss, Australian High Commission Minister-Counsellor said the restoration would help preserve an important piece of Bougainville’s heritage.“The restoration of Tukana safeguards a crucial part of Bougainville’s cultural history, allowing its story to continue educating, inspiring and connecting communities for future generations.”A tour was also held led by Head of the Australian Development Office in Buka, Ms. Greer Smith, which began in Tinputz, home of the late Albert Toro, the film’s writer, director, and lead actor.Family members, friends, and community members met at Bougainville Technical College to honour his legacy and celebrate his contribution to storytelling in Bougainville.Willie Oscar, one of the attendees to the film’s screenings, said the film’s message remains relevant in the present time.“After watching Tukana, the message for young people today is to respect and listen to our parents and elders, so we can learn from their experiences and build a better future.”He added that the film also taught the importance of education, respecting culture, and traditions, pursuing aspirations, and staying connected to one's roots.Tukana – husat i asua is generally recognized as one of the country’s first feature films and a milestone in the nation’s cinematic history.The restored version was gifted to Papua New Guinea’s National Film Institute as part of the country’s 50th Independence celebrations.

PNG will not assemble a national team for the 2026 Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Prime Minister’s Cup unless outstanding financial obligations to players, officials and stakeholders are fully settled.PNGFA President John Kapi Natto said the association would not nominate or assemble a national team for the tournament, which is scheduled to be hosted by Fiji from September 17 to October 3, until outstanding player allowances, prize money, reimbursements and other financial commitments from previous competitions have been addressed.The outstanding obligations include payments arising from the 2024 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup in Solomon Islands, including allowances owed to players and team officials.They also include outstanding payments from the 2025 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup hosted in Papua New Guinea, where the PNG Bilums won the inaugural women’s title while the PNG Kapuls finished runners-up in the men’s competition.PNGFA said there are also outstanding reimbursements owed to the association and other stakeholders who contributed financially or in-kind to the successful staging of the 2025 tournament in Papua New Guinea.In addition, the association said all financial commitments associated with PNG’s participation in the 2026 competition must be secured before any national team departs for Fiji.Natto said the decision had not been taken lightly but was necessary to protect the welfare and interests of players and officials who had represented the country.“Our players and officials have represented Papua New Guinea with pride, discipline and commitment. They fulfilled their obligations to the country, and it is only fair that commitments made to them are honored in return,” Natto said.He said PNGFA could not ask players and officials to participate in another regional tournament while previous allowances, reimbursements and other agreed entitlements remained unpaid.The PNGFA president said the position was also consistent with the association’s responsibilities as Papua New Guinea’s national governing body for football.As a FIFA Member Association, PNGFA said it has a responsibility to safeguard football, protect the interests of players and administer the sport responsibly and transparently.Despite the decision, Natto stressed that PNGFA remained supportive of the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup and its role in promoting football development, regional cooperation and unity among Melanesian nations.“This decision should not be interpreted as opposition to the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup, the MSG Secretariat, OFC, FIFA, or our Melanesian neighbours,” he said.Natto also acknowledged the achievements of PNG’s national teams at the 2025 tournament, saying the Bilums’ historic championship victory and the Kapuls’ runners-up finish had brought pride to the country.He said PNGFA remained hopeful that discussions with the relevant authorities and stakeholders would result in a timely resolution.“We remain ready and willing to participate once all outstanding obligations have been resolved,” Natto said.The 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup is scheduled to take place in Fiji from September 17 to October 3.PNGFA said it would continue advocating for the welfare of its national players and officials while working with stakeholders to resolve the outstanding financial matters.

The Papua New Guinea (PNG) Lewas held their nerve in a thrilling finish to defeat Thailand by five wickets in their T20 International at Amini Park in Port Moresby city today.Thailand won the toss and elected to bat first, posting 109 runs for five wickets from their allotted 20 overs.The Lewas produced an outstanding bowling and fielding performance to restrict Thailand to a modest total and give themselves a strong chance of chasing down the target.PNG made an explosive start to their run chase with the opener by Konio Oala, smashing a six from only the second ball she faced.Oala continued her aggressive approach, scoring a quick-fire 26 runs from 18 balls, including three sixes and a boundary.However, following the dismissals of Oala and fellow opener Hollan Doriga, the PNG innings began to lose momentum.Thailand introduced its spin attack, which proved highly effective in containing the Lewas batters and slowing the scoring rate. PNG struggled to find the boundaries as the required run rate increased.With the match going down to the final stages, Pauke Siaka stepped up to steady the innings and keep PNG's hopes of victory alive.The game came down to the final ball, with the Lewas requiring two runs to win.Siaka kept her composure and delivered when it mattered most, scoring the two runs needed to seal a dramatic victory for PNG.She finished unbeaten on 25 runs from just 15 balls, guiding the Lewas across the line in a tense finish.Match Result:PNG Lewas — 5/110 (20 overs)Thailand — 5/109 (20 overs)PNG Lewas won by 5 wickets.The victory highlighted the Lewas' determination and composure under pressure, particularly in the closing stages of a match that went down to the final delivery.

Residents of Wam Village and surrounding communities in rural Drekikier now have improved access to essential healthcare following the official opening of a new Level Two Health Centre on Thursday, August 6, 2026.The facility, established by Nazarene Health Ministries (NHM), will provide a range of essential health services, including the diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses such as tuberculosis (TB), HIV/AIDS and dental conditions.It will also provide nutrition services, antenatal care for expectant mothers, supervised deliveries and other essential maternal health services.The new health centre was officially launched in the presence of NHM Chief Executive Officer Joseph Sika and his executive team, as well as East Sepik Provincial Health Authority (ESPHA) Deputy Director for District Affairs – Public Health, Raymond Pohonai, Deputy Director for Programmes – Public Health, Margareth Morisause, and health officials from ESPHA headquarters in Wewak.The facility was developed by NHM, a church-run non-government organisation and an implementing partner of ESPHA.It replaces a government-run aid post that was originally established in the 1980s. After years of deterioration, NHM revived the facility in 2014, with ESPHA later providing staff and administrative support through its partnership arrangements.The newly constructed health centre was launched together with a support vehicle and a church under NHM’s theme, “We treat, Jesus heals.”Speaking at the launch, Mr Pohonai congratulated NHM and acknowledged the important role played by church-run health organisations in extending healthcare services to remote communities across East Sepik Province.“ESPHA currently has 34 partners, and we are thankful to have church-run facilities operating in remote areas where ESPHA’s presence is limited. Hence, we are keen to support these facilities in our capacity as the lead health organisation for the province,” he said.Mr Pohonai said East Sepik’s large geographical area and widely dispersed rural communities made partnerships essential to ensuring people in remote locations could access healthcare.“East Sepik has a vast landmass, with our rural communities scattered across challenging geographical locations. Hence, ESPHA alone cannot fully cater for the health and medical needs of our people,” he said.“It is through partnerships with implementing partners such as NHM that we are able to reach more people in the remote parts of the province.”Ambunti-Drekikier District Health Manager Eddie Yehrewanie also reaffirmed ESPHA’s commitment to supporting the new facility.He said the district had health workers available to strengthen partner-run facilities, provided suitable accommodation could be made available.“Accommodation remains one of our main challenges when allocating staff. If NHM can provide accommodation, we will be glad to deploy one or two more staff to strengthen health service delivery in Wam and the surrounding communities,” Mr Yehrewanie said.For the Wam community, the opening of the facility marks an important improvement in access to maternal and general healthcare.Community members expressed relief and appreciation for the new health centre, particularly the antenatal clinic, labour ward and support vehicle.Residents said several mothers had died during childbirth in the past because of the lack of supervised delivery services and reliable transportation. They said the new facility would help save lives by providing timely maternal care and enabling referrals to district and provincial hospitals when required.The facility was officially launched by Micah Iale, the longest-serving Community Health Worker in Wam Village. Mr Iale has supported healthcare delivery in the community since the 1980s and has played a significant role in shaping NHM’s health interventions in Wam.NHM also announced that a solar-powered oxygen concentrator would soon be installed at the facility to provide oxygen support for patients and assist during medical emergencies.Mr Pohonai said there was potential for the facility to expand its services in the future if it was effectively utilised and maintained proper reporting systems to ESPHA and the Papua New Guinea National Department of Health.The opening of the Wam Level Two Health Centre is being hailed as an example of the importance of collaboration between the Nazarene Church and its Health Ministry, ESPHA, the Wam community and Nazarene Church communities across the Maprik and Ambunti-Drekikier districts.The partnership contributes to the objectives of Key Result Areas 1, 2 and 3 of Papua New Guinea’s National Health Plan 2021–2030, particularly in strengthening access to essential health services for rural and remote communities.

The PNG Chiefs have made a major statement ahead of their entry into NRL, securing Samoan international and premiership-winning winger Brian To’o as one of the key players for the club’s inaugural 2028 season.To’o will become Chiefs Player No. 006, joining the Papua New Guinean club on a three-year deal following the completion of his current contract with the Penrith Panthers.The signing gives the new franchise an established international star with a proven record at the highest level of rugby league.To’o has made 151 NRL appearances and scored 99 tries, while also winning four NRL premierships. His representative career includes 17 appearances for New South Wales in State of Origin and 11 Tests for Samoa.His experience is expected to be particularly valuable as the Chiefs assemble their first squad and prepare for the challenges of entering the NRL competition in 2028.While his performances on the field were a major factor behind the signing, the Chiefs have also placed significant importance on To’o's cultural connection to the Pacific.A proud Samoan, the powerful winger has built a reputation not only for his performances but also for his strong connection to family and community.PNG Chiefs Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lorna McPherson said bringing To’o into the club was about more than simply recruiting an experienced NRL player.“Brian is an exceptional rugby league player, but this signing is much more than football,” McPherson said.She said To’o’s background and values closely reflected the identity the Chiefs want to establish as Papua New Guinea's newest NRL club.The club hopes its roster will reflect the diversity and culture of Papua New Guinea and the wider Pacific, while also providing young players in the region with role models at the highest level of the game.McPherson said To’o's decision to join the Chiefs would send an important message to supporters and aspiring young rugby league players across the country and the Pacific.The arrival of To’o is another significant piece of the Chiefs' plans as they build their inaugural playing squad.PNG Chiefs General Manager- Football Michael Chammas, said the club was looking for players who could help establish the standards and culture of the new organisation from the beginning.“Brian has performed at the highest level of rugby league for many years and knows exactly what is required to create and sustain a winning environment,” Chammas said.To’o’s experience of playing in successful NRL teams is expected to be particularly valuable as the Chiefs prepare for their first season.Chammas also highlighted the winger’s work ethic, competitiveness, and consistency, along with his ability to understand the importance of team culture.The Chiefs believe those qualities will help shape the environment around the club as it prepares to enter the competition.For the Chiefs, signing a player with To’o’s resume represents a significant step in preparations for their NRL debut.The club is still more than a year away from taking the field for its first premiership match, but the recruitment of established players is already beginning to give supporters an idea of the type of team Papua New Guinea intends to take into the competition.To’o brings premiership experience, representative football, and a strong Pacific connection- qualities that could make him an important figure both on and off the field.His arrival is also likely to generate considerable interest among rugby league supporters in Papua New Guinea and Samoa, where the sport has a strong cultural following.The Chiefs will enter the NRL in 2028, with To’o set to join the club at the conclusion of his current Panthers contract.For a franchise preparing to make history, landing a player of To’o’s experience and standing represents an early statement of intent.Brian To’o is now officially part of the Chiefs family- and the countdown to 2028 has taken another significant step forward.

LAE City FC has made a statement on the opening day of the 2026 OFC Men’s Champions League, defeating Cook Islands champions Tupapa Maraerenga 4-1 in a dominant Group B performance at Churchill Park in Lautoka, Fiji, today Sunday 09th August 2026.The Papua New Guinea champions controlled large periods of the match and showed composure beyond their years, with a combination of emerging talents and experienced campaigners proving too strong for the Cook Islands side.Solomon Kamake opened the scoring in the 17th minute, putting Lae City in front and immediately putting Tupapa under pressure.The match intensified as both sides battled for control, with penalties becoming a major talking point during the first half.Lae City doubled its advantage just before halftime when Nalau Moses' 43rd-minute corner was deflected into the Tupapa net by defender Shane Tuteru, giving the PNG side a 2-0 lead at the half time break.The experienced defensive combination of captain Langarap Samol, Philip Steven and veteran goalkeeper Ronald Warisan held firm, frustrating Tupapa's attempts to find a way back into the contest.Lae City returned from the break with renewed purpose and extended its lead in the 52nd minute, with Moses getting his name on the scoresheet.Tupapa refused to surrender and pulled one back in the 72nd minute through Tremaine Rimene-Albrett, who beat Warisan to reduce the deficit to 3-1. But Lae City remained composed. Substitute Ruel Api, introduced in the 71st minute, put the result beyond doubt when he struck in the 90th minute to complete a convincing 4-1 victory.The win gives Lae City an ideal start to its OFC campaign and provides early momentum for a youthful squad competing against some of the region's established clubs.Coach Valentine Nelson praised his young players for rising to the occasion alongside the team's senior campaigners.“Our young players really stepped up to the occasion and gave their best in the opening match of the round.”Nelson said the team had already identified areas requiring improvement and would continue to build as the tournament progresses.PNG Football Association president John Kapi-Natto, who watched the match from the stands, also praised Lae City's performance, particularly the contribution of its emerging players.“The young development players were outstanding throughout the game with guidance from the experienced senior players.”Kapi-Natto said the performance was further evidence that PNG's domestic Premier Soccer League clubs were developing a new generation of talented footballers.The victory puts Lae City in a strong position heading into its next Group B assignment.Lae City FC will face Vanuatu champions Galaxy FC on Wednesday, August 12th, at Givind Park 4R Stadium in Ba, Fiji.

An overwhelming majority of Papua New Guineans are demanding urgent government action to tackle sorcery accusation-related violence (SARV), according to a ground-breaking national survey conducted by the Melanesian Institute.Captured from 2, 000 respondents across every province, the findings highlight a stark public mandate: 95% of citizens feel the Government is failing to prevent SARV, while 96% believe it falls short in supporting survivors and prosecuting perpetrators.Speaking at the findings’ launch event in Goroka, Brother Martin Tnines, Executive Director of the Melanesian Institute, stressed the critical need for immediate intervention.He noted that SARV claims hundreds of lives annually across PNG and called on the Government to immediately publish, fund, and implement its revised SARV National Action Plan (SNAP).Although the revised framework exists to strengthen legal enforcement, prevention, and survivor care, it currently remains unpublished, unfunded, and unexecuted- leaving vulnerable communities without essential state support.Public consensus on actionable solutions is nearly unanimous.An astounding 99% of respondents believe the Government must fund the SNAP.Furthermore, over 90% want dedicated resources for community advocacy, specialized rapid-response police units in high-risk provinces, and guaranteed free medical care for survivors at health facilities.A notable 86% also support a complete ban on sharing social media videos and photos depicting SARV acts.The data underscores both the pervasive reach of SARV and a clear cultural shift against violence.While 90% of respondents report that SARV occurs within their communities and 68% acknowledge a personal belief in sorcery, 89% firmly reject violence as a response, condemning it as morally wrong.Supported by the PNG-Australia Partnership, the Melanesian Institute- which has led research and advocacy on SARV for over four years- vows to build on these findings alongside civil society and media partners until the violence ends.

The PNG Lewas squad has been selected already and are set to represent Papua New Guinea in the Thailand Women’s Tour of PNG 2026 which will go down here at Amini Park. The PNG Lewa girls will be led by Captain Brenda Tau and Vice-Captain Pauke Siaka. The PNG Lewas are ready to take on Thailand in a five-match international series on home soil.PNG LEWAS SQUADBrenda Tau – CaptainPauke Siaka – Vice CaptainKonio OalaHollan DorigaTanya RumaSibona JimmyNaoani VareHenao ThomasIsabel TouaHane Lohia TauGeua TomDika LohiaBuruka VickyKevau GabeStandby:Kevau Frank – Batting replacementErani Pokana – Batting replacementThe PNG Lewas will take on the Thailand Women's team in five different matches;10 August – T20I11 August – T20I13 August – 50 Overs15 August – 50 Overs17 August – 50 OversAll five games will go down here at Amini Park, Port Moresby. Bringing in the international cricket right here at Amini Park!Everyone is urged to come out and support the PNG Lewas as they represent our nation on home soil.

The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) on Friday 07th August 2026 took another major step in improving police welfare with the official opening of ten (10) unit modified H65 duplexes police barracks at Mirane in Kundiawa, Simbu Province.The housing project was officially opened and commissioned by the Assistant Commissioner of Police Highlands Eastern End Command, Mr. Clement Dalla, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Mr. David Manning, and the RPNGC Executive Management.The 10 duplexes will provide decent and secure accommodation for police officers and their families serving in the Simbu Provincial Police Command.Speaking at the ceremony, ACP Dalla said the project was part of the Government’s commitment through the Special Police Assistance Program (SPAP) to upgrade the police infrastructure nationwide."For too long our officers have been serving under difficult living conditions. This government, through SPAP, is now delivering proper housing, workstations, and support for our front-line police officers. This is an investment in the welfare and morale of our members,” ACP Dalla said.ACP acknowledged the Marape-Rosso Government for its vision and funding through SPAP and the RPNGC Executive Management under the leadership of Police Commissioner Mr. David Manning for prioritizing police welfare and infrastructure.ACP Dalla also thanked the Provincial Government, District Development Authority, Provincial Police Commander, and the local community for their support in making the project a reality.He urged officers who would occupy the houses to take ownership and take care of the properties."These houses belong to you because of your service to the nation. Look after them. This is your home while you serve the people of Papua New Guinea,” ACP said.ACP Dalla also acknowledged the contractor, Far East Handyman Limited, and all stakeholders involved in the successful delivery of the project on time and to the standard.ACP said the opening of those (ten) 10 duplexes marks another milestone in building a modern, disciplined, and community-focused police force that is well-supported to meet the law and order challenges today.