Despite the bad weather conditions, East New Britain Governor Michael Marum travelled to the Gazelle, Kokopo and Rabaul Districts on Sunday 4th January to offer provincial government support to the churches.

The governor presented a sum of K40,000 to the Rausepna Catholic parish located inland of the Baining area.

By noon, he headed to the Vunakabi Resettlement in Rabaul, where he presented K20,000 to the Tavana United Church. Their last stop was the Karavara United Church in Duke of York LLG, Kokopo district, where he presented a total of K20,000 of financial support for the maintenance for the church.

The sole purpose for the governor’s hand of support is not only to help these churches improve their infrastructures by undergoing maintenance, but also as a show of gratitude for assisting in development and community building.

A small yet warm gesture given to these churches helps strengthen faith and foster a better sense of community within the area.

Father (Fr) Michael Dawai of the Rausepna Catholic Parish acknowledged the efforts of the governor and his team with their continuous support to churches within the province.

He stated that the churches will continue to do their part in community development, peace and moral guidance.

The Governor said, “The church remains a key partner in development. When we support the church we strengthen families, communities, and the values that hold our society together”

Development and service delivery to all sectors of the East New Britain will remain the ENB Provincial Government’s commitment while partnering to working alongside all church denomination in 2026.