The inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) is a priority across all projects funded by the Australian and New Zealand Governments, and this is to ensure widespread access to services and increased opportunities for PWDs to earn an income and contribute to the economy. As part of the effort to build capacity around service delivery within the disability sector, Callan Connect was established to support the Callan Services Network for Persons with Disabilities (CSNU), the largest disability service provider in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Callan Connect is an initiative funded through the Australia Papua New Guinea Subnational Program (APSP) to coordinate with development partners, the government, and church agencies to address gaps in the health sector, with its outreach programs primarily focused on persons with disabilities. Earlier this year, Callan Connect visited Malasang in North Bougainville to conduct screenings for Persons with Disabilities (PWD), the screenings focused on individuals with visual impairments, utilising the U-SEE device –a tool used to determine the correct prescription for eyewear. With the U-SEE device, the process is simple, and the patient selects their own prescription. Across three site visits, more than 225 PWD were screened (160 female & 65 male) and 192 corrective glasses were issued (137 female & 55 male). Apart from the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (ARoB), Callan Connect also operates in Western Province and across the Kokoda Track catchment areas. The initiative provides disability screening, diagnosis, and referrals, along with interventions for quality ear, eye, physical, and other specialist care. Callan Connect will also arrange venues for surgeries, coordinate travel, accommodation, and meals, and manage local transport and technical assistance for visiting specialists. The capacity development component aims to extend the reach and quality of CSNU's service delivery and provide skills and knowledge to PWD and stakeholders at project sites.

A massive earthquake of 8.7 magnitude happened this morning around 9:20 am that struck off the east coast of Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia, North Pacific Ocean at a shallow depth of 24km. Triggering a destructive tsunami that is now propagating across the Pacific. Remarks: A very large magnitude earthquake beneath the Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia, in the North Pacific Region has generated oceanwide tsunami. The earthquake has generated a destructive local tsunami at the nearby coastlines and is propagating to distant coastlines within the Pacific including the northern coast of Papua New Guinea. The Department of Mineral Policy and Geohazards Management issued warning that the tsunami is anticipated to reach the coastal areas of Manus Island, New Ireland, New Britain Island, Autonomous region of Bougainville, Madang, East and West Sepik Provinces this afternoon between 4.00pm and 7.00pm. The estimated arrival times and tsunami amplitude (height) are as follows: Location Estimated arrival time Approx height (m) • Manus Island - @ 4.50 pm. 1 – 3 meters • Kavieng - @ 4.50 pm 1 – 3 meters • Rabaul - @ 5.50 pm 0.3 – 1.0 meters • Kimbe - @ 5. 40 pm 1 – 3 meters • Madang - @ 5.50 pm 1 – 3 meters • Wewak - @ 5.30 pm 1 – 3 meters • Vanimo - @ 5. 20 pm 1 – 3 meters Tsunami estimated arrival time information is subject to further revision. The public is advised to stay away from coastal areas during the warning period (4:00 PM – 7:00 PM). People are urged to avoid going out sea, people are also urged to stay clear of the coastlines, beaches and harbors. Those in the threatened coastal areas are to move to higher ground or further inland. The National Disaster Authorities will provide updates as to when it is safe to return. This information is subject to further revision.

The Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) has successfully launched its brand-new official website along with the Communication, Knowledge and Visibility Strategy (CKVS) 2025–2027. The Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) is committed to increasing the public availability of relevant, digitized and disaggregated data and information for key Forest-Climate Change Biodiversity (FCCB) sectors. A critical step toward achieving this objective is the modernization of CCDA’s website, along with the development of a robust communications and knowledge management strategy. This milestone marks a significant step forward in improving public access to climate information, raising awareness and strengthening CCDA’s engagement with partners, stakeholders and citizens across Papua New Guinea. “The CKVS 2025–2027 is a vital tool in enhancing how we share knowledge, promote transparency, and amplify the climate efforts of our people,” Ms. Debra Sungi, Acting Managing Director of CCDA highlighted. “We are truly grateful to the EU-FCCB Program for their continued support in making this strategy and our website launch possible,” said Ms. Sungi. “Together, we move forward with a bold vision to connect climate ambition with communication excellence.” The launch signifies CCDA’s commitment to digital transformation, stakeholder engagement and effective climate communication which is in line with Papua New Guinea’s national climate priorities and international obligations under the Paris Agreement.

As of Monday 28th July 2025, Pacific Island and Timor-Leste nationals will be able to register for Australia's second annual Pacific Engagement Visa stream (PEV) ballot. The PEV provides opportunities for up to 3,000 Pacific Island and Timorese nationals to live, work and study in Australia each year. Samoa and Kiribati will join the program in 2025-26, showing their strong interest in closer links between our countries and peoples. Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga and Vanuatu will continue to participate in 2025-26. The inaugural PEV ballot in 2024-25 demonstrated the keen interest from the region for deeper connections and enhanced integration with Australia, with over 56,000 ballot registrations. Australia has granted over 1,000 PEVs since October 2024, with many visa holders now settled with their families in Australian communities. The PEV program will grow the Pacific Island and Timor-Leste diasporas in Australia, strengthening links between our people and encouraging business and education ties. PEV holders can move freely between Australia and their home countries over their lifetime, delivering education, skills and economic dividends for the region and linking us more closely together. Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong stated that the Pacific Engagement Visa highlights Australia's commitment to the Pacific family and Timor-Leste. "Strengthening our ties between the Pacific and Timor-Leste through people and education is central to our shared ambition for a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.” "The opening of the second ballot is a milestone in an initiative that will offer life-changing opportunities for families and communities in our region." Speaking also regarding the PEV program was Minister for Home Affairs, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Tony Burke who highlighted that he is looking forward to seeing more people from the Pacific and Timor-Leste settling in Australia and enhancing the nation's rich cultural diversity. "I am pleased to open the PEV ballot for a second year. The PEV demonstrates Australia's commitment to deepening relationships with Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste." Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy also added that the Pacific Engagement Visa program responds to requests from the Pacific for greater regional mobility and access to education and training opportunities. "The program is part of our commitment to listening and delivering on the priorities of our Pacific partners.” "I am so pleased that Samoa and Kiribati are joining the ballot this year.” "It is a great way of bringing the peoples of the Pacific together, growing the diaspora in Australia and creating opportunities for our Pacific neighbours."

The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) has welcomed the interest of Japanese seafood giant, Kiyomura Corporation, in exploring potential investment opportunities in Papua New Guinea’s fisheries sector. Kiyomura Corporation, renowned for its high-end sushi restaurant chain and led by the iconic “Tuna King” Mr. Kiyoshi Kimura, President of Kiyomura Corporation, is exploring options that align with PNG’s national fisheries and aquaculture priorities. NFA Managing Director Mr. Justin Ilakini said the interest from Kiyomura Corporation is timely and aligns strategically with the National Tuna Development Strategy and National Aquaculture Development Policy, both of which aim to expand the sector, increase value-added processing, and enhance market access for PNG’s seafood products. “We welcome Kiyomura Corporation’s interest as it directly complements our goals of sustainable fisheries development, job creation, and broadening access to international markets for PNG seafood,” Mr. Ilakini stated. “This potential partnership signals another step forward in transforming PNG into a key player in the global seafood supply chain.” Kiyomura Corporation, founded in 1985, has built a strong reputation for sourcing high-quality marine products and operating a chain of sushi restaurants throughout Japan. The company is also known for its record-breaking tuna purchases at Tokyo’s fish markets. Its involvement in PNG's fisheries sector could bring high-level expertise, technology transfer, and international recognition to the country's tuna and seafood industries. Two proposals have been identified for possible collaboration:  NFA is proposing a distribution and holding facility arrangement in Japan, like existing models in Singapore and Guangzhou (China), where PNG exports are consolidated and distributed to major retail and wholesale buyers. A similar arrangement through Kiyomura Corporation would strengthen PNG’s seafood footprint in the Japanese market.  NFA is encouraging long-term investment opportunities in onshore processing, cold storage, and aquaculture development. These initiatives would contribute to job creation, wealth generation for communities, and sustainable fisheries resource management. Mr. Ilakini assured Kiyomura Corporation of the Authority’s full support in facilitating scoping and feasibility missions in PNG. “Kiyomura Corporation’s involvement has the potential to unlock significant economic benefits for our people while strengthening PNG’s position as a sustainable and reliable seafood exporter,” Mr. Ilakini said. “We are committed to supporting Mr. Kimura and his team in assessing these opportunities.” This engagement reinforces the NFA’s commitment to sustainable development, community-based livelihoods, and inclusive growth in the fisheries sector, in line with the PNG Government’s economic transformation agenda.

MiBank successfully hosted its first ever  Esiloans and Lending Roadshow in Alotau, Milne Bay province recently on Friday 18th July, with the aim to foster new business opportunities, improve existing business and strengthen partnership with its stakeholders. MiBank’s corporate tagline is “Grow with us”, and the theme for the Roadshow was in alignment with their corporate tagline “Grow with us into the future.” The Road Show was held at Masurina Lodge and was well attended by over ninety (90) invited guests representing over twenty (20) different organizations from Alotau and parts of the Milne Bay province. Alotau Branch Manager Ms. Keilo Nelson in her opening remarks stated that the event was held to acknowledge all the stakeholders and partners, to provide information about MiBank organisation and their products and also to facilitate interaction with everyone. Ms. Nelson acknowledged the bank’s prominent Esiloans customer in the province, Milne Bay Estates who is also the largest employer in the province with over 3,000 employees. “The staff of Milne Bay Estate have access to the Esiloans loan product, their salaries are paid through the MiPei system.” Ms. Nelson also acknowledged the Member for Alotau, Ricky Morris who also attended the event as a special guest. She also welcomed the Member for Wau Waria to the province, Marsh Narewec who also attended the roadshow. At the Roadshow, Morris said, “Alotau District Development Authority will continue to work with MiBank. He announced that the district will disburse K500, 000 funding continuing its Credit Guarantee Scheme arrangement, to assist the people of Alotau district obtain loans for their business. Presentations were done about the bank’s history, shareholders, its operations and evolvement. Information for the Esiloans product was shared by Ms. Tracey Murray, Business Development Manager for Esiloans while information about SME loans and other lending products was shared by Ms. Beverly Oika, Business Development Manager for Lending. Mr. Benjamin Yawi, owner of Jala Transport Service in Alotau shared his experience about being a long-time Motor vehicle loan customer for MiBank. “For small people like me and a few in the community, it is through MiBank that we are able to start our business and also continue to grow our business.” Mr. Yawi acknowledged the bank, he added, “Today I have three vehicles operating and serving the people of Alotau, Milne Bay province, thank you to MiBank. In 2023, the Alotau District Development Authority through a Credit Guarantee Scheme Agreement deposited K300, 000 as security with MiBank. The bank through this partnership provided the credit facility to small businessmen and women who were looking to participate in small-scale commercial and agricultural activities and the Road Show was done also to show the people of Milne Bay the services and products they have that can help everyone from the employment sector down to a person involve in agriculture.

Two new Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs)were signed on Wednesday 23rd July 2025, by the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) and the Japan’s Overseas Fishery Cooperation Foundation (OFCF). This was a significant milestone for Papua New Guinea’s fisheries sector as the MOUs valued at more than K2.5 million and the agreements marked a continued strengthening of a partnership that has spanned nearly two decades. The signing ceremony, held at OFCF headquarters in Tokyo, was led by NFA Managing Director Mr. Justin Ilakini and OFCF President Mr. Shirasu Toshiro. The newly signed MOUs encompass the provision of essential goods and services and include a broader Fisheries Development Assistance for Pacific Island Nations (FDA PIN) agreement. This framework aims to support the sustainable development of fisheries across the Pacific region. In his official remarks, Mr. Ilakini expressed gratitude to the Government of Japan and paid special tribute to the OFCF for its steadfast support of Papua New Guinea’s fisheries development since 2006. “Our partnership with OFCF has delivered tangible outcomes through a wide array of programs and projects valued at over USD 6.5 million since 2008.” “These include the FDA PIN, trap net initiatives, technical advisory services, value-adding activities, and grants for goods and services that have directly benefited our coastal and offshore fisheries,” Mr. Ilakini said. He reaffirmed NFA’s commitment to these initiatives, highlighting ongoing support from the Government of Papua New Guinea as outlined in the project agreements. Underscoring the strength of the partnership, Mr. Ilakini pointed to the continued secondment of OFCF expert Mr. Igarashi Makoto to the NFA. Mr. Igarashi is currently serving as Fisheries Advisor to PNG through NFA assisting NFA on Japanese Government funded Programs and Projects implemented in PNG through NFA." During the meeting, Mr. Ilakini also encouraged OFCF to align its support with NFA’s strategic policy priorities, particularly the National Tuna Development Strategy. He stressed the importance of addressing gaps along the fisheries value chain, building institutional and human capacity, and promoting value-adding initiatives that can boost economic returns for local communities. “These new agreements not only reaffirm the trust and cooperation between our two institutions, but also lay a strong foundation for innovative, policy-driven support aligned with our vision for a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive fisheries sector.” The OFCF is a Japanese government-affiliated institution mandated to provide technical and grant assistance in fisheries cooperation, particularly to countries that maintain bilateral offshore fisheries access agreements with Japan.

80 years after World War II was fought on the soil of Papua New Guinea, today we as the people of this great nation stand together as one to pay homage and respect to the Soldiers who treaded the rugged mountains of the Kokoda terrain with the help and guidance of the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels. The fallen unsung heroes, our forefathers who were never at war, who never started the war, who were never enemies to the Aussies nor the Japanese but who were caught in between the war that was brought to their land. We remember the steps they took not because of fear but mostly because of the giant of a heart they had to help the wounded soldiers. Today Papua New Guinea stands as one to show respect to the heroes who have all laid down in silence, we celebrate 44 years of Remembrance Day. Many business houses, government office, private sectors, schools and some public facilities in the country closed today to show respect to these War heroes. The streets of Port Moresby were very quiet and peaceful, with most people spending time with families at home whilst other headed down to the Remembrance Park at Ela Beach this morning to witness and join in the Remembrance Day Ceremony. PNG HAUSBUNG took to the mostly quiet streets of Port Moresby and asked the public what Remembrance Day means to them. Many expressed gratitude towards our Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels who sacrificed their lives during the World War II, many confessed that PNG owes its freedom to the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels and the Australian soldiers. Others stated that today is the day where we honour and remember the courage, sacrifice and the service of all who served during the war. Today we not only remember the fallen heroes, but we also thank their families and send them well wishes for the courage of their fathers. Lest we Forget.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the significant redevelopment of the Papua New Guinea National Fisheries College (NFC) in Kavieng is set to take place, following Prime Minister James Marape’s high-level meeting with Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) President, Mr. Akihiko Tanaka, at Okura Hotel, Tokyo. National Fisheries Authority (NFA) Managing Director Mr. Justin Ilakini welcomed the development as a milestone in PNG’s partnership with the Government of Japan and JICA, marking a new chapter in strengthening capacity and sustainability in the fisheries sector. “The groundbreaking of this K92 million redevelopment of the National Fisheries College is a direct outcome of the enduring and successful partnership between the Government of Papua New Guinea and JICA. “It reflects JICA’s unwavering commitment to our human capital development and infrastructure priorities within the fisheries sector,” Mr. Ilakini said. Since 2006, the PNG fisheries sector has benefited immensely from Japanese development cooperation, receiving over USD 63.2 million in Official Development Assistance (ODA) across grants, infrastructure projects, technical training, and capacity building—support which continues to bolster PNG’s efforts to sustainably manage and develop its vital fisheries resources. “This partnership has been instrumental in our fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and in building a foundation for our tuna domestication agenda through the National Tuna Domestication Strategy 2025–2035,” Mr. Ilakini added. The college upgrade project—signed last month during a formal exchange of notes at the Stanley Hotel in Port Moresby—will deliver modern training and research facilities, enabling a new generation of Papua New Guineans to access world-class fisheries education and technical skills. In addition to the college redevelopment, Japan has pledged support for the procurement of a new fisheries research and training vessel, which will enhance surveillance capabilities in PNG’s maritime zones. “We extend our deepest gratitude to JICA and the people of Japan because their support aligns with our broader national strategy to localize investment in the tuna value chain, create jobs, boost food security, and expand onshore processing capacity,” Mr. Ilakini said. “The NFC redevelopment is more than just a building project—it is an investment in the future of Papua New Guinea’s fisheries sector and a cornerstone of our long-term economic transformation in reaching the K200 billion economic vision by 2030 envisaged by the Marape - Rosso government.”

The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) of Papua New Guinea has today marked another milestone in its long-standing partnership with Japan by signing a Consultant Agreement with Japan’s Fisheries Engineering Co., Ltd at the Okura Hotel in Tokyo. NFA Managing Director, Mr. Justin Ilakini, and his NFA team was joined by officials from the Department of National Planning and the Department of Foreign Affairs, who witnessed the signing that underscores the strong bilateral cooperation between Papua New Guinea and Japan, particularly in the fisheries sector, which remains a critical pillar of PNG’s economic development and food security. Mr. Ilakini expressed profound gratitude to the Government and people of Japan for their ongoing commitment and support. “I would like to say thank you to the Government and people of Japan for gifting us this very important project.” “Fifty years from now, this moment will still be remembered as a significant turning point for the fisheries sector and the people of Papua New Guinea,” said Mr. Ilakini. He emphasized that, in alignment with Prime Minister James Marape’s message to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba earlier this week, Japan remains a true and enduring partner to PNG. “It has been my greatest privilege and honour to be part of this historic event and to sign this agreement, which reaffirms our partnership and commitment to sustainable fisheries development,” he added. The Consultant Agreement paves the way for the implementation of a transformative fisheries project in Kavieng, New Ireland Province. Demolition works are scheduled to be completed by the end of August 2025, allowing the official groundbreaking ceremony to take place in September and full construction is set to begin in November. The total project value is K111 million, with K92 million funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and K20 million committed by the Papua New Guinea Government through the NFA. President of Fisheries Engineering Co., Ltd, Mr. Uchida Akira, thanked the NFA for its collaboration and assured all parties that preparatory works were on schedule. “We are fully committed to ensuring all documentation and groundwork is completed by August to allow the groundbreaking event in September.” “We look forward to delivering a world-class facility for the people of Papua New Guinea,” Mr. Akira said. This project aligns with PNG’s National Tuna Domestication Policy and focuses on enhancing capacity in coastal fisheries, post-harvest processing, commercial fishing, and sustainable marine resource management. Over the past 12 months, Prime Minister Marape has strengthened PNG’s global partnerships, deepening economic and development cooperation with nations including China, Australia, the United States, India, Indonesia, New Zealand, and especially Japan. His diplomatic outreach, anchored by the principle of “friends to all, enemies to none,” has positioned PNG as a responsible and visionary regional leader. As Papua New Guinea celebrates 50 years of independence, the country is forging its most robust network of international partnerships to date. The next challenge is to ensure these relationships translate into tangible opportunities for the people — through jobs, infrastructure, and sustainable growth.

The destruction and the act of Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV) happened back in year 2023 following the death of a man believed to be linked to sorcery. The incident occurred on the morning of September 2nd, 2023, when a mob entered the home of an elderly man at 6:00 a.m., allegedly dragged him out, tortured him, causing his children to flee, they burned several houses belonging to his family, and destroyed livestock and food gardens. The victim was later rescued by locals and taken to Mingendi Rural Hospital in Kerowagi, where he remained admitted for three months. The PNG Tribal Foundation assisted the survivor by covering his hospital bills, assisting police logistics including fuel and paperwork, and supporting the progression of the case throughout the years. Later on, a total of eight suspects were arrested and charged with willful murder and arson in relation to the incident. PNG Tribal Foundation President, GT Bustin stated that the case is one of the many ongoing sorcery accusation-related violence (SARV) cases the Foundation has been supporting. “This is about ensuring justice is served to those who continue to accuse innocent people and destroy lives and property,” Bustin said. The suspect, who had already been arrested and charged, failed to appear in court for several months and was in hiding until a bench warrant was issued by the National Court last week, leading to his re-arrest by police recently. He is currently in police custody and is expected to appear in court soon. “Tribal Foundation had to fund the re-arrest of several perpetrators who have been let out on bail, including some who were involved in murder on various incidents and should not have been let out on bail in different cases,” Mr. Bustin said. According to the Foundation’s records, three of the suspects are remanded in Barawagi Prison, while five are out on bail and attending court hearings. The survivor is currently living with his three children, aged 10, 12, and 27 in Kerowagi, Simbu Province, all thanks to PNG Tribal Foundation.

A minor earthquake occurred early this morning around 2:41AM about 100km from Lae city in the Morobe Province. The Port Moresby Geophysical Observatory confirmed with PNG HAUSBUNG that the earthquake occurred and was recorded as 5.6 magnitude and not 5.8magnitude. The depth of the earthquake was 101km at the Lat - 5.81 degrees South and Lon - 146.65 degrees East, thus the earthquake is placed beneath the Finisterre Ranges. The Geophysical Observatory also added that the because the earthquake occurred at that depth, it is considered a moderate size event thus no damage is expected. The Observatory also highlighted that the 5.6 magnitude earthquake is below the reporting threshold for PMGO to issue Earthquake Information Bulletin to the public and the NDC. Therefore, with facts highlighted, no threats can be associated with the earthquake.