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.

The people of Sisimakam village along the Kiunga- Tabubil Highway in Western province want an access to the Indonesian part of landscape to enable ease to medical and other services for El Nino affected people.The local Member of Parliament (MP) for North Fly district, James Donald, raised this during the opening of Sisimakam to Py'nang access road, and Sisimakam-- Hawenai-- Rwarengre road project at Sisimakam village on Monday this week.It is understood that the North Fly District Development Authority (NFDDA) has been working closely with the Fly River Provincial Government and Development partners within the province to connect an easy route to Indonesia for relief supplies.MP Donald said that in the coming days, the NFDDA will continue to work together with relevant authorities to put in place shortest route to Merauke and Yetetkun side of the Indonesia border, so as to cater for affected families in Western Province.He said this is achievable if all parties work together to fast track and link Alice pit to Yetetkun side of the Indonesian territory for relief supplies."The National Government, and relevant authorities in charge of border must work together to stage border post facilities at Putmambin border of PNG side. People in Western are affected due to continuous dry weather conditions. I called on all authorities to work together so as to serve our people in Western Province."The prolonged dry weather conditions in Western Province have been affecting families for a month now; therefore, collective efforts are needed to serve the people.

Kina Bank is enhancing security and convenience for its corporate clients through its recently launched upgraded Corporate Online Banking (COB) platform.The upgraded platform reflects Kina Bank’s ongoing commitment to innovation, security, and next generation digital banking solutions, empowering businesses across Papua New Guinea (PNG) to operate more efficiently and with greater confidence.Kina Bank Executive General Manager, Business and Retail Banking, Rayeleene Elston, said the upgrade represents a significant milestone in the Bank’s digital transformation journey.“This upgraded platform makes it easier, faster, and more secure for our business customers to manage their banking. It is another important step in our commitment to delivering innovative digital solutions that support business growth and success,” Ms. Elston said.The enhanced COB platform introduces a range of new and improved features designed to streamline business banking operations and provide customers with greater control, including:Multi-currency and international transfer capabilitiesBulk payment upload functionality to improve efficiencyA new administrative portal enabling greater control and streamlined user managementThese enhancements provide businesses with a more intuitive, reliable, and efficient banking experience, supporting improved financial management in today’s fast-paced operating environment.Kina Bank remains focused on delivering secure, customer-centric digital solutions that enable the growth and success of its business customers.

Bougainville’s elected leaders, comprising the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) and Bougainville Members of the National Parliament, have reaffirmed their unity, solidarity and collective commitment to a peaceful and lawful pathway towards Bougainville Independence following a leadership meeting held in Kokopo, East New Britain Province.The leaders said their deliberations were guided by the Bougainville Peace Agreement, Part XIV of the Constitution of Papua New Guinea, and the Bougainville Way of consensus, which continue to provide the foundation for progressing Bougainville’s political aspirations through dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect.President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, His Excellency Ishmael Toroama, and ABG Vice President Ezekiel Masatt led the meeting, which was attended by Bougainville Regional Member Peter Tsiamalili Jnr, North Bougainville Member Francesca Semoso and South Bougainville Member Timothy Masiu. Central Bougainville Member Jimmy Miringtoro participated in the discussions but was unable to attend the meeting in person. The meeting discussed Bougainville’s independence aspirations and the way forward, with leaders reaffirming their commitment to work together in the best interests of the people of Bougainville.The leaders acknowledged that while they hold different responsibilities, they share a common obligation to uphold the aspirations of the people of Bougainville and ensure that all actions continue to be guided by dialogue, consensus and respect for constitutional and political processes.They further reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a united front on matters concerning Bougainville’s political future and agreed on the importance of continued collaboration between the ABG, Bougainville Members of the National Parliament and other key stakeholders.The leaders also highlighted the importance of ongoing engagement with the National Government and National Parliament as discussions on Bougainville’s independence continue. They expressed confidence that a coordinated and united approach would strengthen Bougainville’s position as preparations continue towards future governance arrangements and broader independence readiness efforts.   In acknowledging the mandate given by the people of Bougainville, President Toroama said, “We, the leaders of Bougainville, extend our heartfelt gratitude to our people whose mandate guides us. Our people have given us the vote, and it is our solemn responsibility to uphold their aspiration.”  “This moment is both historic and spiritual. We commit ourselves to walk this path with courage, humility, and unity, ensuring that the aspiration for independence is realized in peace and dignity."

In celebration of International Women in Engineering Day (IWED), ExxonMobil PNG (EMPNG), the operator of the PNG LNG Project, honours the women whose leadership and expertise keep the Project running safely, reliably, and efficiently. Among them is Alma Gaso, an engineer whose journey is as inspiring as it is unconventional, and whose work reflects the growing presence and influence of women across the energy industry.Alma is from Popondetta in Oro Province and is the second of three siblings. She is also the only engineer in her family, a distinction that makes her journey even more special. Outside of her work, Alma enjoys traveling, she loves Japan for its delicious cuisine and Thailand for its beautiful beaches.Her engineering journey, however, was not always part of her plan. “I never planned on becoming an engineer. Life just took me down this path, but I enjoyed the journey, and I like where I’ve landed.” That openness, to learning, exploring, and embracing unexpected opportunities has played an important role in shaping her career. For someone like Alma, who found engineering by chance, opportunities for exposure and encouragement matter deeply. Today, she sees a positive shift with young girls given opportunities and encouragement to pursue engineering careers.Alma joined ExxonMobil PNG (EMPNG) in 2015 as part of the fourth cohort of engineering graduates and was one of only two female engineers in her intake. Over the years, she has gained diverse experience across a range of engineering roles, as well as in business functions beyond her technical field. Alma also had the opportunity to undertake a two-year expatriate assignment at ExxonMobil’s Singapore office. During this time, she served in two key positions, first as an LNG Commercial Manager, and later as an LNG Supply Planner. In these roles, she was responsible for managing LNG sales and marketing and planning and scheduling LNG deliveries to long-term buyers for the PNG LNG Project.Today, Alma is back supporting the PNG LNG Project, where she thrives serving as a Machinery Engineering Lead, a role that combines her technical expertise, leadership, and problem-solving abilities. She describes her work in a way that brings it to life, “Machinery engineering is like being a doctor, but for machines. We diagnose problems, fix them, and make sure everything runs at its best. “The exciting part is troubleshooting issues, it’s like being a detective, piecing together clues to solve a problem.”Asked to describe herself in three words, she responds simply — adaptable, positive, and easy-going. Yet her journey reflects much more, a quiet determination and the courage to grow in a field where women are still underrepresented. What motivates Alma is both the challenge and the people. No two days are ever the same in engineering; there is always something to improve, optimize, or rethink. But beyond the technical demands, it is collaboration that inspires her most.“There’s so much to learn from others, their experiences and their stories, "she added.Her goals extend beyond personal success. In an environment where safety and precision are critical, Alma’s work contributes directly to operational excellence. She leads with confidence and care, ensuring that systems perform efficiently while maintaining the highest safety standards. “I want my work to improve safety, efficiency, and performance, but also to inspire others to step out of their comfort zones,”Behind Alma’s success is the value of mentorship and the importance of strong role models for young girls. She credits her mentors who have helped guide her journey.Like many in her field, Alma works in high-pressure environments, particularly during critical operations. She manages the demands through careful planning and teamwork. Alma’s journey reflects a broader shift happening across the industry. Women in engineering are no longer just increasing in number, they are shaping decisions, leading teams, and helping define the future of the industry.Still, her path has not been without challenges. One of her biggest has been developing the confidence to speak up. “I’m still working on it,” she admits, “but I’ve become more comfortable sharing my perspective.” Those moments, speaking up in a room full of professionals, stand out to be meaningful achievements. “They might seem small, but they show growth.”Alma’s story also highlights the importance of early exposure through initiatives like ExxonMobil PNG’s Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day (IAGTED) program. These programs help open doors and inspire the next generation of women engineers by breaking down stereotypes and building confidence early.“If there’s one thing I want young girls to take away,” Alma says, “it’s this – be curious, be adaptable, and don’t limit yourself.”As EMPNG continues to invest in programs that empower young women, stories like Alma’s are the proof of what is possible. Her story is a reminder that when girls are encouraged to explore, learn, and believe in themselves, they don’t just enter engineering, they reshape it