Mrs. Elvin Iramu, President of the Igam Barracks Military Wives Association, has called for stronger family support measures and improved reunion arrangements for serving personnel during the 9th Bi-annual Military Wives Convention currently underway in Port Moresby.

Mrs. Iramu, whose husband serves as a Physical Training Instructor at the Joint Forces Academy, was among delegates presenting issues and recommendations on behalf of families living in Igam Barracks.

She said the week-long convention has provided an important platform for military wives to share their experiences, raise matters affecting their families and contribute ideas that could help strengthen support systems within the Papua New Guinea Defence Force.

Mrs. Iramu said one of the most valuable aspects of the convention is the opportunity for military wives from different barracks across the country to meet and build lasting relationships.

"Our husbands often know each other because they have trained and served together throughout their careers, but as wives we rarely have the opportunity to meet and connect," she said.

Mrs. Iramu said the convention allows women to establish support networks, share experiences and maintain communication with families from other military communities.

Representing Igam Barracks, she highlighted the importance of reunion arrangements for personnel serving away from their families, particularly those attached to training institutions or deployed on operations for extended periods.

She said maintaining strong family connections contributes positively to the wellbeing of both serving members and their loved ones and supports a stable home environment.

Mrs. Iramu encouraged continued discussions on ways to strengthen reunion arrangements and family support initiatives, noting that military families play an important role in supporting personnel throughout their service.

She said the convention provides a constructive avenue for military spouses to share recommendations and contribute to ongoing conversations about the welfare and wellbeing of Defence Force families.

Mrs. Iramu also acknowledged the important role played by chaplains, commanding officers and Defence Force leaders in listening to the concerns and suggestions raised throughout the convention.

She expressed hope that discussions and recommendations from this year's gathering would continue to contribute to efforts aimed at strengthening military communities and supporting families across the country.

Faith and fellowship, she said, remain central to military family life and continue to provide encouragement and strength for women supporting serving members.

Mrs. Iramu described being a military wife as both a privilege and a responsibility, saying the convention has empowered women to embrace leadership roles within their families and communities.

She said the convention theme, "Arise Esthers: for Such a Time as This," serves as a reminder that military spouses have an important role to play in supporting their families, communities and the wider Defence Force.

The Military Wives Convention continues throughout the week, bringing together more than 300 delegates from military units nationwide to discuss ways of strengthening support networks, promoting family wellbeing and enhancing the role of military spouses within the Defence Force community.