The residents of Port Moresby city and parts of Central province are being urged to use water and electricity wisely as water levels at Sirinumu Dam begin to run low due to the El Niño weather condition.PNG Power Ltd (PPL) in a statement released today, is urging customers and the general public in the National Capital District (NCD) and Central Province that the company is actively managing reduced water availability at Sirinumu Dam in response to the ongoing El Niño drought conditions affecting the region.The reduced water release from Sirinumu Dam directly impacts hydro generation capacity across the Rouna hydropower cascading stations, resulting in a reduction in available renewable generation on the Port Moresby power grid. PPL is supplementing this reduced hydro output with diesel thermal generation at Moitaka Power Station to maintain grid stability and minimise the number of feeders currently being on load shedding.Sirinumu Dam also serves as a critical raw water source for Port Moresby’s city water supply. PPL is working in close coordination with Water PNG and relevant government authorities to ensure that, while power generation water releases are reduced, the minimum required raw water discharge for the city’s water supply system is maintained throughout this period.To conserve water and responsibly manage the Sirinumu Dam reservoir through the current drought period, PPL has implemented the following water release reduction and generation management measures:As of May 2026, PPL has reduced water release from Sirinumu Dam. As a direct consequence, load shedding has commenced due to a generation shortfall resulting from reduced power supply from the Rouna Hydro Stations.The Sirinumu Toe of Dam power station (TDS) is operating at a reduced output of 500kW (down from its normal 1.5MW), releasing approximately 2.5 cumecs into the Laloki River.Only two (2) siphon valves are being kept open instead of the full ten, further reducing total discharge from Sirinumu Dam to approximately 3.9 cumecs, compared to the normal maximum of 14.0 cumecs.The Rouna hydropower cascade stations (Rouna 2 and Rouna 4) are each being operated on a single generating unit to match the reduced river inflow, maintaining steady operating pond levels and minimising water loss.PPL is conducting close real-time monitoring of all uncontrolled inflows and generation dispatch, with emergency load shedding protocols on standby should conditions deteriorate further.PPL is actively working to restore forced-outage thermal generators and is progressing the recommissioning of Rouna 1 and Rouna 3 hydropower stations to restore additional generation capacity to the Port Moresby grid and ease the current load shedding burden on customers.“These water conservation measures are anticipated to remain in place for up to ten (10) months, in line with the forecast duration of El Niño drought conditions as advised by the National Weather Service Bureau. PPL will continuously review and adjust these measures as drought conditions evolve,” stated the State- owned power company.The National Weather Service Bureau’s May 2026 Drought Update confirms that NCD has been under Drought Alert status for two consecutive months, while Central Province has now transitioned from Drought Watch to Drought Alert. Climate forecasts indicate below-normal rainfall across most of Papua New Guinea through to August 2026, with El Niño-like conditions expected to intensify in the coming months.Regular updates will be provided to the public on the status of dam levels, generation operations, and any planned load shedding through its official communication channels. Customers are encouraged to monitor PPL’s official Facebook page and website for the latest information.

Vabukori village, Ward Councilor/Member – Turaho Morea, has thanked the National Government and the Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission (PNGEC) for the commencement of the Biometrics and Photo Roll updating for the Electoral Roll.The exercise commenced this week on Wednesday 24th June in the Vabukori Local Level Government, Port Moresby city.Mr. Morea said that it is critical because of past experiences where there were practices of multiple voting and people voting under false pretense. Corrupt practices have always been part of our General Elections and have ruined so many elections in our country.“The Biometric and the Photo Roll system will help to eliminate such mal and corrupt practices. It acts as a second check and balance mechanism where you’ve got the fingerprints that will identify someone as a legitimate or eligible voter, and then you also have the photo identity that confirms a person. So those are the type of security mechanism that I know will eliminate double voting or pretentious voting,” said Mr. Morea.Mr. Morea was even more pleased that the Electoral Commission has chosen Vabukori to be the pilot ward in the country, for the Biometric and Photo Roll exercise. He extended his gratitude to the PNG Electoral Commission for trialing, especially the biometric enrollment in Vabukori.He emphasized that the timing of the biometrics enrollment system is impeccable for Vabukori Local Level Government (LLG) and the Motu-Koita people, especially with the introduction of the newly created Motu-Koita Electorate, which will be part of the upcoming 2027 National General Elections, where Motu-Koita Electorate will be one of the Open Seats contested in the National Capital District (NCD).“However, if this system is going to be introduced by 2027, great! But I also am aware that under the organic law, such a system has to go through a verified process to be legitimized or legislated in parliament. And if that process is expedited and introduced, where Motu-Koita or NCD in particular is the introduction point of this system, then that will be good,” said Mr. Morea.According to Mr. Morea, during the dialogues they had with the Department of Provincial & Local Level Affairs and the awareness they had with the Boundaries Commission, the Motu-Koita people call for Biometrics to be introduced at the polls, especially, the 2027 National General Elections. He is pleased that the Electoral Commission has included the photo roll registration as well.The Vabukori Councilor is now calling on the Motu-Koita people to get themselves registered on the electoral roll through the Biometrics and Photo roll enrollment system, for a free, fair and safe election.

Teachers at Iobuna Kouba Primary School in Central province are being recognised for their efforts in delivering quality early childhood education, following a recent visit by education officials and representatives from the Australian High Commission.The visit highlighted the school's locally led approach to improving literacy and numeracy outcomes, with teachers showcasing interactive lessons in Grade 1 Mathematics and Grade 2 English.Officials from the Central Provincial Division of Education and the Australian High Commission observed students actively participating in reading, listening and group learning activities.Teachers used Bilum Books and a growing classroom library to support engaging and inclusive learning experiences.Australian High Commission Minister-Counsellor Madeleine Moss commended the school's teachers and leadership team for creating positive learning environments that encourage student participation."It is clear that teachers at Iobuna Kouba are creating positive and inclusive classrooms where students are actively engaged in learning.”The visit also brought to light how teachers are implementing Papua New Guinea's 1-6-6 education reform, which integrates Prep, Grade 1 and Grade 2 into the primary school system.The reforms aim to strengthen foundational literacy and numeracy skills during the critical early years of education.Head Teacher Joseph Buka said the school's progress is driven by the commitment and dedication of its teaching staff."Our teachers are working hard to make learning active and inclusive for every child.”"We are seeing students becoming more confident in reading, speaking and working together."He added that while support from education partners is appreciated, it is the daily efforts of teachers that continue to improve learning outcomes for students.The school has also invested in improving its learning environment through funding provided under the Achieving Quality Education for All (AQEFA) grant, managed through Australia's Partnerships for Improving Education (PIE) program.Using the funding, the school community constructed fencing, installed water tanks, built footpaths, and refurbished classrooms. School leaders say these improvements have contributed to better attendance, increased safety, and improved classroom conditions.The visit reinforced the importance of collaboration between schools, education authorities and development partners in strengthening education outcomes across Central Province.Through the Australia–Papua New Guinea partnership, teachers in the province continue to receive in-service training and access to teaching and learning resources, complementing the work already being led by schools such as Iobuna Kouba Primary to improve enrolment, attendance and student achievement.

Strong leadership, collaboration and continued coach education have been identified as critical factors in the growth of women's rugby league in Papua New Guinea following the 2026 Santos Cup Coaches Conference.One of the highlights of the conference was a presentation by PNG Orchids head coach Craig Sandercock, who shared insights into elite-level coaching, athlete management and the standards required to succeed on the international stage.Coaches from across the country attended the two-day event in Port Moresby, where they exchanged ideas and explored modern coaching approaches aimed at lifting standards throughout the Santos Cup competition.Former Kumuls representative and current Lae Snax Tigers Women's assistant coach Mark Mexico said coaching development remains central to the future success of the sport."The conference highlighted how important strong leadership and quality coaching are at every level of the game," Mexico said."Opportunities like this allow coaches to continue developing their skills and return to their franchises with new ideas and approaches that can benefit players and communities."Mt . Hagen Eagles Women's coach Regila Wilfred said bringing coaches together created valuable opportunities for networking and knowledge sharing."Bringing coaches together from different regions creates opportunities to build relationships, exchange experiences and learn from one another," Wilfred said."The level of enthusiasm and engagement throughout the conference showed a genuine commitment from coaches to improving player development and contributing to the future growth of rugby league in Papua New Guinea."The conference included practical sessions on player performance, coaching philosophies, media engagement and the use of digital analysis tools increasingly adopted by elite rugby league programs.PNG Rugby Football League acknowledged the support of Santos, PacificAus Sports, KMHL and Digicel, whose continued investment in women's rugby league pathways is helping create opportunities for players, coaches and officials across the country.Officials said partnerships such as these continue to play a vital role in strengthening the Santos Cup competition and supporting the development of women's rugby league from grassroots participation through to the elite level.

The Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) has reinforced its commitment to developing women's rugby league by hosting the 2026 Santos Cup Coaches Conference in Port Moresby.The two-day conference, held at Citi Boutique Hotel, brought together head coaches and assistant coaches from franchises across the country to participate in professional development sessions aimed at improving coaching standards in Papua New Guinea's premier women's rugby league competition.PNG Rugby Football League Chief Operating Officer Tony Archer opened the conference, highlighting the importance of ongoing learning and adaptation as rugby league continues to evolve at both national and international levels.Archer also led a review of the 2025 Santos Cup season, encouraging coaches to reflect on team performances, identify lessons learned, and prepare for the upcoming 2026 campaign."The Santos Cup remains the pinnacle of our female national domestic rugby league in Papua New Guinea, and investing in our coaches is investing in the future of the game," Archer said."Through initiatives like this conference, we are ensuring our coaches are equipped with the knowledge, tools and leadership skills required to develop players and strengthen women's rugby league throughout the country."Conference sessions focused on key areas including game-day operations, physical performance standards, coaching philosophy, media engagement and the use of performance analysis software Hudl.The opening day concentrated on competition management and high-performance requirements, while day two introduced coaches to modern video analysis techniques and player assessment tools at the National Football Stadium.PNGNRLC Coaching Development Manager Stanley Gene said the conference was designed to help coaches grow both professionally and personally."Coaching is about more than preparing a team for game day. It's about developing people, creating positive environments, and helping players reach their full potential," Gene said.The conference forms part of PNGNRLC's broader strategy to strengthen coaching pathways and enhance the quality of women's rugby league nationwide.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) from Alotau District are showcasing locally made products and business innovations at the PNG SME Week Agritrade Expo at APEC Haus in Port Moresby city.The event is being hosted this week and brings together entrepreneurs, farmers, producers, and business owners from across Milne Bay province to promote local products, build networks, and explore new market opportunities.According to Alotau District SME Coordinator Juno Sabeya, the district's participation was made possible through the support of the Alotau MP Ricky Morris, who sponsored 21 SMEs to attend the national expo."We are here for PNG SME Week, and our good Member, Ricky Morris, has sponsored almost 19 to 21 SMEs to attend," Sabeya said.The participating SMEs travelled to Port Moresby by air, road, and sea. The businesses are currently operating across 10 allocated stalls, sharing exhibition space while showcasing a diverse range of locally produced goods.Among the exhibitors is 28 Essence, a local enterprise displaying natural skincare products including handmade soaps and turmeric-infused oils.Sabeya said the initiative aims to expose local entrepreneurs to larger markets and opportunities beyond their communities."These SMEs have already created products and businesses of their own. The aim is to help them explore opportunities beyond their local settings and expose them to a bigger market," she said.She added that participation in the expo will help improve product quality, branding, packaging, and business presentation while creating opportunities to establish new markets and connections.For many participants, it is their first time attending a national trade exhibition, providing valuable experience and exposure."This is a big opportunity for our SMEs. When they return home, each of them will have a story to tell and new knowledge to apply to their businesses," Sabeya said.The event has also received strong support from the Milne Bay community living in Port Moresby, with families, customers, and supporters visiting the stalls throughout the week.Sabeya encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs not to be discouraged by challenges and setbacks."My message to SMEs and local business entrepreneurs is not to give up. Even if you go down, it's not the end. You can get back up again. Don't stop."She concluded with a simple motto for Papua New Guinea's growing SME sector: "Create, trade and thrive."

Opposition leader and Member for Chuave James Nomane has called on the Government to take immediate action to address what he’s describing as a growing governance crisis to capitalize on Papua New Guinea’s rapidly expanding youth population as a driver of economic development.Nomane stressed what he termed the “paradox” of Papua New Guinea’s economic situation, noting that in spite the country’s vast natural wealth, a significant proportion of the population continues to live in poverty.“Papua New Guinea is one of the most naturally endowed nations on earth, yet more than 40 percent of its people live below the poverty line.”  “We possess world-class reserves of gold, copper, and gas, and produce agricultural commodities such as coffee, cocoa, and vanilla that are highly sought after on international markets.“Yet many communities still lack access to basic services.”He argued that the situation is the result of years of poor governance rather than an unavoidable reality, citing challenges including deteriorating schools, shortages of medicines in hospitals, concerns over public safety, and inadequate access to clean water in many communities.A major focus of the statement was the country’s youthful population.With more than 60 percent of Papua New Guinea’s citizens under the age of 25 and approximately 100,000 young people entering the population each year, Minister Nomane warned that failing to create opportunities for young people could contribute to rising unemployment, social unrest, and instability.However, it said the same demographic trend could become the country’s greatest economic advantage if properly managed.“The youth bulge, properly channeled, is the single most powerful asset we have for rapid development.”The Opposition emphasized the importance of strengthening agriculture as a pathway to economic transformation, arguing that improved productivity, land access, skills development, and stronger market connections could significantly increase rural incomes.According to the statement, a 15 percent increase in agricultural productivity could generate an estimated K1.2 billion in annual farm-gate gains, while exports of commodities such as coffee, cocoa, and fresh produce could potentially double within the next decade.The Opposition also criticized what it described as poor implementation of agricultural funding, claiming that less than 40 percent of sector allocations over the past five years had translated into measurable outcomes on the ground.In addition, it called for a stronger focus on import replacement, noting that Papua New Guinea spends more than K800 million annually importing products such as rice, tinned fish, and other food items that could potentially be produced domestically.The Opposition said reducing reliance on imports and increasing local production would help stimulate rural economies and keep more money circulating within the country.As part of its recommendations, the Opposition urged the Government to immediately table a rural productivity action plan aligned with Vision 2050, subject the forthcoming Medium-Term Development Plan IV (MTDP IV) to an independent performance audit, and redirect capital savings toward agricultural extension services, rural road rehabilitation, and market-access infrastructure.“The land is ready. The people are ready.”“Now the Government must act to make the potential of our young people a reality for Papua New Guinea.”

For members of the Atmin Cultural Dance Group from the Yongom tribe in North Fly District, culture is more than tradition, it is a way of life.Travelling from the remote village of Dome near the Papua New Guinea-West Papua border, the group made the challenging journey through bush tracks and across the Alice River to participate in the 5th Sel Kambang Festival in Ningerum Local Level Government.Their performance was rewarded with enthusiastic applause from festival-goers as they performed traditional dances that showcased the identity, history and customs of the Yongom people.Leading the group was Lydia Gabriel, who said preserving culture remains important despite the influences of the modern world."We all dressed up in full traditional attire, from small children to elderly people, to show others our identity. Culture is life.”“Involving young people helps them learn the culture passed down to us by our ancestors.”The Atmin Cultural Dance Group performed three traditional dances: Ketmo, Amegop and the Flying Fox Dance.Ketmo serves as a ceremonial procession into the performance arena, while Amegop incorporates various traditional activities and movements, including fishing practices, chasing flies from a deceased person's body and removing water from streams to catch fish.The Flying Fox Dance portrays the nocturnal animal searching for trees to roost in and feeding on fruit.Gabriel said life in remote villages continues to be closely connected to traditional knowledge and skills."We grew up in the village fishing, hunting, gardening, swimming, playing and listening to stories. These experiences shaped our lives. In remote communities, we use our cultural skills to survive using the resources around us.”"Today we live in a modern world, but we must not forget that culture is our life. The Yongom tribe, like other tribes in the North Fly District, has its own customs and traditions. We must appreciate and uphold them."The Atmin group has proudly represented the Yongom people beyond Western Province. In 2017, members travelled to Port Moresby and Milne Bay Province, where they performed for two weeks before returning to Kiunga.Back home, the dances continue to be practised in Dome and Iogi villages, ensuring traditional knowledge handed down by generations of ancestors remains alive.The Atmin Cultural Dance Group was among several cultural groups, including performers from Awin, Ningerum and Faiwol communities, who contributed to the week-long Sel Kambang Festival held from June 22 to 26.

Department of Provincial and Local-Level Government Affairs (DPLGA) Secretary Philip Leo has challenged Central Province’s 16 LLG Presidents to become agents of change and transform the way government systems operate at the grassroots level.He made the call during the opening of the 2026 Central Province Local-Level Government Leaders Induction Workshop held on Monday, June 22, 2026, in Port Moresby.In his first official address to a provincial assembly following last year’s National LLG Elections, Mr. Leo urged the newly elected leaders to see their positions as an opportunity to rebuild governance from the ground up.“Do not take this as another occasion or meeting for tea and coffee. We are right at the intersection of our nation’s journey after 50 years. From last year’s Independence Anniversary to this year’s September 16, it is the Year of Jubilee, the year of rebuilding, and it starts with us and it all begins in the home,” Mr. Leo said.He said the government system was designed to function from the bottom up, starting at ward level before progressing through LLGs and provincial administrations, but acknowledged this structure had not been fully realised over the past five decades.“The system works from the wards to the LLGs and then to the province. That is how the government is supposed to function, but unfortunately that has not been the case over the last 50 years. We have lost the way our governance system should function,” he said.The Central Province Local-Level Government Leaders Induction Workshop is a capacity building initiative delivered in partnership with the DPLGA. The mandatory program is designed to equip newly elected and serving LLG presidents and ward councillors with a deeper understanding of assembly procedures, governance requirements, and leadership responsibilities.The workshop also serves as a call to action for leaders to strengthen accountability and deliver tangible results for their communities.Acting Provincial Administrator Magini Raga said the program will provide participants with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively serve their communities.“The theme of the induction program, Strengthening and Promoting Local Governance for Effective Ward Development, is timely and relevant. It reminds us that effective leadership begins at the grassroots level, where decisions directly impact the lives of our people,” Mr. Raga said.“Over the coming days, you will gain valuable knowledge on governance, planning, budgeting, financial management, ethics, leadership, accountability, and development planning from experienced facilitators drawn from key government institutions.”The weeklong workshop in Port Moresby brings together 16 LLG presidents from across Central Province to strengthen local governance and improve service delivery at community level, with ward councillors scheduled for induction next week.As Papua New Guinea reflects on more than five decades of nationhood, leaders were reminded that meaningful national development must begin in villages, wards, and local communities.

Commercial flights into Kiunga will remain temporarily suspended until at least September 2026 as major runway upgrade works continue at Kiunga Airport in Western Province.The National Airports Corporation (NAC) announced that the next phase of the Kiunga Airport Upgrade Project will begin in July, with works expected to continue through to the first week of September.According to NAC, the project has now reached 48 percent completion, with significant progress recorded on both airside and landside infrastructure.Airside works under Stages 1 to 6 have already been completed up to the application of temporary runway line markings. Final inspections and permanent runway markings are expected to be completed by the end of June.However, runway works under Stages 7 to 9 are scheduled to commence simultaneously from the first week of July and are expected to be completed in early September.NAC said commercial flight operations will only resume after the completion of works and following safety inspections, assessments and commissioning clearance from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Papua New Guinea (CASA PNG).Kiunga Airport's runway measures 1,200 metres in length. During the ongoing restrictions, Regular Public Transport services, including Dash 8 aircraft operations, will remain suspended.The airport will continue to accommodate smaller General Aviation aircraft subject to operational restrictions and safety requirements.NAC acknowledged the ongoing impact of the restrictions on passengers, businesses and cargo operators in Western Province.The corporation said the prolonged dry season has significantly affected construction timelines by reducing river water levels needed to transport building materials to the project site."The main reason for the extended restriction period is the prolonged dry season, which has resulted in low water levels and affected the procurement and delivery of construction materials to site," NAC stated.Travellers, businesses and airline operators have been advised to make alternative travel and cargo arrangements while construction continues.Despite the delays, NAC said the project remains a critical investment in improving aviation infrastructure in Western Province and strengthening long term regional connectivity.The Kiunga Airport Upgrade Project is being delivered by NAC under the Civil Aviation Development Investment Project II (CADIP II) and is jointly funded by the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Asian Development Bank.Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Dominic Kaumu apologised for the inconvenience caused and thanked airline operators, stakeholders and the people of Western Province for their patience and cooperation as work continues on the airport upgrade.

Fifteen tourism and hospitality students from Mapex Training Institute have completed the Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training delivered by SP Brewery Ltd, equipping them with practical skills and knowledge to promote safe and responsible alcohol service in Papua New Guinea's hospitality industry.The training, held at SP Brewery's head office in Port Moresby on June 19, forms part of the company's ongoing efforts to encourage responsible alcohol consumption and strengthen professional standards within the tourism and hospitality sector.The RSA program covered key areas including customer safety, recognising and managing intoxication, and understanding the legal and ethical responsibilities associated with serving alcohol.SP Brewery Managing Director Ed Weggemans told students that responsible service practices are essential for hospitality workers entering the industry."While working in your respective areas, you will encounter many of our customers. They expect to be served by trained and knowledgeable hospitality professionals who understand the importance of responsible alcohol service," Mr. Weggemans said.Students received presentations from SP Brewery staff on the company's history, product range, different types of alcoholic beverages, the effects of alcohol consumption, and workplace safety procedures.The training also included practical sessions where students gained hands-on experience in responsible beer service by serving SP Brewery staff under supervision.Mr. Weggemans encouraged participants to engage actively throughout the training and broaden their understanding of both the brewing industry and responsible service standards.As part of the program, students attended a safety briefing conducted by SP Brewery Safety Manager Geraldine Makui before taking part in a guided tour of the brewery's production facilities.The tour provided students with an opportunity to observe the brewing process and learn more about the operations behind one of Papua New Guinea's leading beverage manufacturers.Mapex Training Institute Principal Vipin Vincent praised the partnership between the institute and SP Brewery, saying it was helping to develop the next generation of hospitality professionals."This partnership with SP Brewery goes beyond training. It is about shaping responsible hospitality leaders for Papua New Guinea," Mr. Vincent said."By the end of this RSA training, students leave not only with a certificate, but also with the confidence, legal understanding and ethical foundation to protect customers, uphold the law and promote professionalism within the tourism industry."Mr. Vincent said Mapex was proud to work alongside SP Brewery in developing responsible and capable future leaders for the country's growing tourism and hospitality sectors.

The important role military spouses play in supporting Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) personnel was highlighted at the opening of the 9th Bi-annual Military Wives Convention at Murray Barracks in Port Moresby this week.The week-long convention, hosted by the Force Support Battalion (FSB) Women's Fellowship, has brought together military wives and mothers from Defence Force units around the country under the theme, "Arise Esthers for Such a Time as This."Speaking during the opening ceremony, Force Support Battalion Chaplain Major Jason Evari encouraged participants to view the convention as an opportunity to strengthen their influence within their families, communities and the wider Defence Force.Major Evari said the convention theme reflects the important contribution military spouses make in supporting serving members and helping build strong and stable homes.He described military wives and mothers as an important source of encouragement and support within Defence Force communities, noting that faith and fellowship continue to play a significant role in the wellbeing of military families.Major Evari also highlighted the value of women's fellowship groups and prayer networks in providing support to spouses facing the challenges that often come with military life.Meanwhile, Chief of Defence Force (CDF) Rear Admiral Philip Polewara acknowledged the dedication and sacrifices made by military spouses, describing them as an essential part of the Defence Force community.Rear Admiral Polewara told delegates that while service members wear the uniform and carry out their duties, families at home provide the support and stability that allow personnel to serve effectively.He said military spouses contribute significantly to the strength of Defence Force communities through their resilience, commitment and willingness to support one another.The Chief of Defence Force encouraged participants to use the convention to share experiences, build relationships and support younger spouses who are beginning their journey within military life.He also urged delegates to take advantage of the opportunity to provide constructive feedback and recommendations that could help strengthen Defence Force communities and improve the wellbeing of military families.Rear Admiral Polewara said the welfare of military families remains closely linked to the effectiveness of the Defence Force, adding that strong families contribute to a stronger organisation.Throughout the week, delegates will participate in discussions, fellowship activities and leadership sessions aimed at strengthening support networks and empowering military spouses to play a greater role within their communities.The convention continues in Port Moresby with more than 300 delegates expected to take part in activities and discussions focused on family wellbeing, leadership and community development.