More than 100 Adventist Church members in North Fly, Western Province cleaned up Kiunga town on Sunday morning this week. This community service is part of the preparation towards PNG for Christ program next year. Youths, missionaries and church parents gathered in Kiunga town as early as 7am  to clean up the town. They went along with spades, rakes, grass knives, plastic bags collecting rubbish on the ground. Empty boxes, tin cans, betel nut stains among others have been collected for proper disposal at the rubbish bin. The church members started cleaning the town from Sare Kona junction to police station. North Fly's District Director Pastor Mathias Anjo said they are preparing for open crusades next year. "Church members around the country are doing clean up and for us here in North Fly, we are cleaning town to maintain cleanliness. We cleaned main town, and the piled up rubbish in front of the main market. People must keep town clean. There will be a big event hosted in North Fly District so we are getting ready for that." he said. Another church member who is also a Health Extension Officer or HEO, working with Australian Doctors International in Kiunga, Ripson Mura, said maintaining good health and hygiene practices in town is important for all to avoid getting sick. " Everyday we are faced with different life style diseases so it is better we maintain good  hygiene practices in town and at homes too." he said. He said health is everyones'  business and public safety in town must be maintained. This clean up is part of the community service in preparation for evangelical crusades expected to commence in April next year and residents in Kiunga have been urged to keep the town clean.

Papua New Guinea's women's football coach says qualifying for the World Cup would give the sport in the Pacific a massive lift. The Oceania champions are two games away from qualifying for the event later this year. They face Panama in the semi-final of the Intercontinental Playoff at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland on Sunday. Win that and the Lakatois will progress to a final decider against either Chinese Taipei or Paraguay four days later in Hamilton. Coach Spencer Prior said that if his team qualifies for the World Cup it would be huge moral booster for football in much of the Pacific region where the sport has long been overlooked in favour of rugby and rugby league. "It's not just this team, it's also the potential legacy that this team can create for the region," the former Manchester City, Leicester and Norwich star said. "To qualify for a tournament where more people are actually going to watch the women's football world cup globally than the men's rugby world cup, not only will it heighten interest in the sport but in female's sport as a whole." FIFA has expanded the tournament from 24 teams to 32 for the 2023 event, which Prior said makes it easier for developing countries to qualify. "If you look at the Oceania Football Championships, typically we would only get New Zealand going to the world cups because of the gap between New Zealand and the rest. But because of the format of the world cup this year, it's opened up another spot for a Pacific Island nation potentially making it into the finals which is obviously significant for the entire region." Papua New Guinea's journey to its match-up with Panama, began last year when they won the OFC Women's regional tournament. [caption id="attachment_36375" align="alignnone" width="788"] Spencer Prior, second left, arriving at Port Moresby last year. Photo: PNG football[/caption] The team defeated all of its opponents including higher-ranked Fiji and New Caledonia. However, the coach of that team Nicole Demaine left the fold and was replaced by Prior who is the former head coach of the Thailand national team and has been heavily involved in women's football in Australia for many years. Since then they have lost to Fiji, Solomon Islands, and the Philippines - twice in warm-up games. The Papuans have been playing against Wellington Phoenix men's age-grade side and a local Auckland women's team to prepare for the tie. Prior admitted Panama is a world away in its standards of football - the country boasts it's own professional women's tournament and many of its current roster play for professional clubs overseas. They are ranked No.57 in the world. Despite the odds, Prior said his team have momentum and have spent the last two months training together at a high performance Centre. "Whether they make it or don't, I think the whole process of getting this far is a fantastic experience and development for the players," said Prior. "But hey, at the same time, since we made it this far, we might as well go the all way and see if we can qualify." "We've been based in New Zealand for the last two months, working at a world class facility... we've done alot in terms of the players' fitness and getting to live a high performance lifestyle ....getting them physically but at the same technically intact." Defender Margaret Joseph told OFC media they know they are up against a fast side in the Central Americans. "I have been watching them on how they play. Our players and defenders are mainly focusing on their forwards and strikers. "They are fast so we will just have to watch the long queues and when to drop, manage our line, communication." The 2023 Women's Football World Cup kicks off on July 20 in Australia and New Zealand. The PNG squad is: Faith Kasiray, Betty Sam, Leah Lou (goalkeepers), Lavina Hola, Margaret Joseph, Lucy Maino, Olivia Upaupa, Anastasia Gunemba, Michaelyn Butubu, Shalom Waida, Gloria Laeli (defenders), Yvonne Gabong, Rumona Morris, Ramona Padio, Rayleen Bauelua, Kesai Kotome, Phillis Pala, Daisy Winas (midfielders), Calista Maneo, Charlie Yanding, Georgina Kaikas, Nenny Elipas, Asaiso Gossie (forwards). Source: rnz.com

Broncos Captain Adam Reynolds will sit out Saturday night's pre-season game against the Cowboys. Reynolds completed yesterday's training at Twin Waters without issue before waking up with a tight back, and Coach Kevin Walters is taking a no-risk approach with his halfback ahead of the Round 1 clash with the Panthers on March 3 at Penrith. "Adam ran well yesterday including some extras but is a bit tight in his back this morning so he won't train today at the main session, which will mean he won't play against the Cowboys," said Walters. "We want him cherry ripe for Round 1 and he's moving really well after a big pre-season, so there's no use taking a risk with him in a trial game in these circumstances." New signing Jock Madden will now start at halfback against the Cowboys in his first game for the Broncos, with Josh Rogers added to the interchange. Source:Brisbanebroncos.com.au

In setting the phase ahead, Chief of Defense Force Major General Mark Goina officially began the Commanders monthly walk on Friday 27th of January last month. The walk which began as early as 4.30 am had seen over hundred participants from all Port Moresby based units, Defence Department and the Defence bilateral partners. Major-General Mark Goina officially led the walk on an estimated 3.5 kilometers walk that began from Murray Barracks headquarters to Hohola tunnel, onto freeway to Waigani Central tunnel than to Boroko and ended at Murray Barracks. The units that took part came from Goldie River Training Depot, 1RPIR from Taurama Barracks, Basilisk Naval Base, Air Transport Wing, Force Support Battalion, PNGDF Headquarters and Department of Defence Staff. During the walk the team was also happy to see participants from Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, US and other defence partners. The walk was also important as it coincided with the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the first establishment of Papua New Guinea Defence Force. During the walk, all the units participated very well and the walk ended successfully with a complimentary speech from Major-General Mark Goina. During his speech he assured the troops that despite uniform issues; the soldiers were very professional in their dressing and did a good turn out on 50th PNGDF anniversary parade the day before. Major General Goina thanked the Australian Defence Staff and the New Zealand Defence Staff for always supporting PNGDF and is looking forward in working together in revitalizing the force. He thanked the other defence partners from Indonesia, America, Japan, China, French India and other countries who are affiliating with PNGDF. Goina thank the Department of Defence Staff who also accepted his invitation and successfully walked with him. He urges the Department of Defence and PNGDF to work together as one team throughout this year. Commanders Walk is a monthly walk as part of Defence Force activity that happens every month. Today will be the second Commanders Walk of the year.

National Capital District Metropolitan Superintendent Chief Inspector Silva Sika has called for a meeting with all Public Motor Vehicle (PMV) operators at 1 pm on Sunday, February 19, at the Unagi Oval in the Gordons area in the nations’ capital. The meeting will be with PMV operators and people from the organisations who are responsible for the operation and administration of vehicles in the city, Police, Central Province Transport Authority, the Chief Executive Officer of the Road Transport Authority, Mr Nelson Terema, and the Chairman of the Public Motor Vehicles Association, Mr Jack Waso. Mr Sika said there is a growing concern about the manner in which public motor vehicles (buses and Taxis) are being driven on public streets by drivers without due care and consideration for other road users, and in violation of traffic rules. He further added that the PMV operators must make it their business to attend this gathering so they will disseminate the right information to their drivers. "We all must work together to make our city safe for everyone to move around. I want you all to come so we can meet and discuss this openly. You might have some good things to share with us so please feel free to come to this meeting," Mr Sika said. He said the meeting is also open to the public. Mr Sika said the Officer in Charge of Boroko Traffic Senior Inspector Joseph Salle can be contacted on telephone 3234201, Digicel 71361184 or 75518209 to confirm their attendance.

Restoration efforts in the Porgera valley are in progress as the township slowly slips back into normalcy with the recommencement of government and health services this month including the revival of the Porgera Rugby League competition. A Porgera youth initiative, Porgera League has registered a total of 36 teams to compete in this year’s competition, six of them female teams. Pre-season warm up matches began two weeks ago as most of the clubs and teams got themselves registered in preparation for the competition proper, which kick-starts this weekend at the Paiam sports field. The Restoring Justice Initiative (RJI) and PJV’s Community and Social Responsibilities (CSR) Manager Trevor Liversidge during the presentation of rugby balls, highly commended the Porgera youth, particularly through the efforts of the Porgera District Sports Council for initiating and reviving interest and participation to get over 36 teams registered for both the A and B grades. The 36 teams derive from 18 clubs in total from as far as Mulitaka to Paiela and within Porgera with each club registering with a fee of K300 covering both the A&B grades. During the final warm up matches played last Sunday, RJI Manager Pat Niuni together with Mr Liversidge and President of Porgera Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Nickson Pakea, visited participating teams at Lukal and Tipinini and delivered rugby balls to each team. Mr Niuni expressed to the youth at Lukal that the sporting program is a huge effort toward supporting the restoration of Porgera. “We all have to work together to restore Porgera while we wait for the mine to restart. Look after the community, look after the highway, and support the security efforts. Prove that you are able to achieve this on your own and give confidence back to the company and businesses and your own people. Play peacefully and do not incite or support violence. Let’s show the province and country that we can do this,” Mr Niuni said. Mr Pakea who has been vocal on peace and restoration efforts in the valley has supported the Tipinini team with their registration fee into the competition. Addressing the teams at Paiam on Sunday, he said Porgera has already opened its doors back to normalcy and appealed to everyone to do their part to fully restore Porgera.“ Porgera is slowly coming back to life and we have to fix the law and order before the mine can reopen. Get involved in meaningful activities and programs like sports and education and have purpose. Do not exist aimlessly. “Every individual has a role to play to take back Porgera, not just me or Barrick or the leaders or the security personnel. You all have a part to play by doing the right thing. Play your games peacefully and respectfully, “Mr Pakea emphasised. Porgera district rugby league has aligned the competition with the PNG Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) sporting calendar for the year with the competition being played into the Easter Cup. The District Sports Council is also reviving other sporting codes in the district, which include basketball, soccer and touch rugby.

More than five murder cases have been reported in Madang between January and February according to Madang Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Superintendent David Seine Jr. PPC Seine said from February first to the seventh, four murder cases were reported in the Sumkar District of which three were in the Karkar Local Level Government (LLG) and one from Sumgilbar LLG. PPC Seine said according to police investigators, one of the three people who were murdered on Karkar Island on February 1, is the Dangsai Primary School head teacher.  He further added that the other two killed were suspects who were allegedly involved in the murder of the head teacher. He said according to police the teacher was traveling by boat from Kubugam to Karkar Island with the other passengers when he was murdered in the boat. “The head teacher, identified as Donald Kapom, reportedly had an argument on the boat with the other passengers and he was murdered before the boat reached shore. The killings at Karkar Island were believed to be in retaliation to the head teacher's murder. We are investigating both cases. “Karkar Police Station Commander Chief Sergeant Bolar Rimur is in charge of the investigation. The school was also closed and police officers on the Island are trying their best to make sure peace is restored. School must resume and the students must not be affected,” PPC Seine said. PPC Seine said the bodies of the three people killed were taken to Kubugam by boat and onto Modilon Hospital Morgue by Talidig police officers. He further added that a fourth man was beheaded at Karkum village along the North Coast Road on February 7. He said the man, yet to be identified, was beheaded whilst on his way to enrol his daughter in school.

Water Police officers in Port Moresby are now assisting the PNG National Maritime Safety Authority in the search for four Port Moresby-based fishermen that went missing last week Tuesday (February 7). Director Water Police Chief Inspector Chris Smith said Water Police officers helped initially when the report was lodged at the police station last week. He said the police officers are assisting the National Maritime Safety Authority officers. Mr Smith said the search was unsuccessful and no one has been found. He further added that the Water Police officers are doing their normal sea patrols around the waters of Port Moresby and are also keeping an eye out on those that went missing. As a result of this recent incident Mr Smith has again issued a strong appeal to people living along the sea and traveling by sea to always listen to warnings that are issued by the PNG Weather Service. He said before the men went out a warning was issued by the Weather Service and was published on all the media platforms to inform people traveling on the sea that the weather was not good. The missing four are identified as Gabi Lohia, 31, Lohia Michael Nou, 18, Frank Doura, 35, and Maku Dai 22 from Hanuabada in Port Moresby. They left Hanuabada at around 10 on Tuesday morning on a fishing trip.

Halfback Jamal Fogarty has backed ‘once in a lifetime player’ Jordan Rapana to slide into the No.1 jersey with a minimum of fuss in the absence of Xavier Savage. The 33-year-old Kiwi has played nine games at fullback across the past four seasons and finds himself there again this weekend after Savage suffered a broken jaw in Moruya in round one of the Pre-Season Challenge. With Savage set to be sidelined for up to eight weeks, Fogarty is confident the 180-game veteran will ease seamlessly into the spine ahead of their first full-team hit out this weekend. “I think Raps (Rapana) can do the job there, we’ve seen it before last year when he’s gone back a couple of times to play fullback,” Fogarty told media during pre-season training. “Raps is once in a lifetime footballer. He’s so carefree - so many other players worry and stress about things where Rapa just goes out and plays football. “And to be honest he’s never holding the wing anyway, he’s always roaming around so it probably suits him very well.” Coach Ricky Stuart is spoilt for choice with utility backs capable of filling the No.1 jersey with the likes of Albert Hopoate and Harley Smith-Shields both experienced in the position. Fogarty has faith in the Raiders' depth but he admits it did sting losing Savage after the pair had just completed their first pre-season as part of Stuart's first-choice spine. “It’s not ideal, myself and Xav (Savage) have worked really hard over the pre-season to get that combination going to get a steady start to the season,” he said. “Losing him we're kind of back to square one with a new fullback but we’ve got players here and the right coaching staff to get ready for the early rounds.” The hard-running Rapana proved his worth at fullback for the Māori All Stars in 2022, topping the run metres (156) and breaking seven tackles in a 16-10 win, before returning to the wing for this year's game in Rotorua. Fellow outside back Matt Timoko is another Raider in no doubt that Rapana can acquit himself well at fullback against Wests Tigers with Nick Cotric and Smith-Shields filling the wing spots. “Raps is a very experienced player, you can chuck him anywhere and he will definitely do his job,” Timoko said. “I’m keen to go out there and play with him. It’s been a couple of months. “It is a big blow having Sav out because he was our number one fullback from the start of pre-season and he’s been training well there. "But at the same time, we’ve got to keep moving forward and not dwell on the setbacks.” Source: NRL.Com

Growing up, Susan Alape watched her father take daily medication. In high school, Susan resolved to become a nurse so she could provide support for her father and others like him. After graduating from Pacific Adventist University, Susan realized her goal of becoming a nurse. With 5 years’ experience, Susan joined UNFPA and Burnet Institute’s Faculty Development Programme. She completed the first module on evidence-based practice in 2022. “I was referred to the course by one of the Maternal and Child Health Coordinators for National Capital District Provincial Health Authority, who said I should try it out,” said Susan, after completing the course. “I didn't think I was going to be accepted as I'm a general nurse with less than ten years experience, but I have an interest in this area of maternal and child health. I was elated to have been accepted.” UNFPA’s Faculty Development Programme, hosted in partnership with the Burnet Institute, focuses on education - how to deliver the lessons learned - to other practitioners. The development and strengthening of those who teach is one important strategy to improve the quality of care provided by maternity health professionals and in turn, to reduce maternal and newborn mortality. “Evidence-based practice is relevant in all areas of the healthcare system,” said Susan. “ It ensures that what we teach and practice is of high standard and produces quality outcomes fornursing care and good patient satisfaction.” Delivering the best care means engaging in continued education about emerging technologies in the healthcare space. Susan shared that keeping up to date with the latest advancements is essential for those working in nursing. “As time goes by, technology advances and science evolves, bringing in new information and evidence that we may use in our practice and teaching,” said Susan. “We have to be up to date with new information and this course highlighted the importance of evidence-based practice, particularly the importance of examining how and from where you get your information and self-critiquing the research you do to support your practice.” Patient satisfaction is one of the most important outcomes for Susan. “I believe that the patient's smile reflects the quality of care given and I'm always glad when I see patients smile when they leave.” “I do hope to have a career in maternal and child health in the near future and be able to undertake further learning.” Whether or not Susan utilizes her new skills to advance her interests in maternal and child health, Susan is now letting evidence-based practice guide her work as a nurse. “Despite the challenges faced in our healthcare system in PNG, I enjoy serving people from all walks of life,” shared Susan. “I am able to care for my father as well as serve my countrymen and women through my nursing career.”

PNG Fashion Week Limited through its economic arm, Miss Papua New Guinea has launched its second shop, this time an international branch in Brisbane, Australia which is a first for the business and a very first for the nation in this industry. The shop which specializes in selling locally designed clothing and local arts and craft is looking forward to serving the demand for Papua New Guinean made items in Australia and the surrounding international community. According to PNG Fashion Week Director Ms Philma Kelegai, the Brisbane branch located at 28/198 Adelaide Street, Anzac Square, Brisbane CDB, will provide an avenue for local designers to tap into the international market to further push their local brands and in turn reach more international clients for their businesses. For over five years now, the Miss Papua New Guinea shop located at Vision City in Port Moresby has been carrying local brands by local Papua New Guineans and so far has created a mark in the fashion and textile industry as a brand that is here to stay. Ms Kelegai said that with the country facing a downturn in the economy as far as inflation and the turnout of success for SMEs is concerned, the focus for the business now is to look outside of the local market and explore promising opportunities at the international level. “With the country’s economy going through some tough challenging times, the focus for us now is to look further and find avenues for growth for our business and our clients whom we are connected to.” “With the opening of our newest shop in Brisbane, our clients (local designers) can now have direct access to the international market as whatever products we have in our branch in country will be the same for our international branch as well,” Ms Kelegai said. Miss Papua New Guinea is a business pathway for local designers and creatives who are part of the country’s premiere fashion platform, PNG Fashion Week. Ms Kelegai said, “With a platform as massive as PNG Fashion Week, the potential for pushing local brands on there is very promising and so that has been our focus, to push for and to encourage local designers through all our major activities, the most coveted one being the NGCB Paradise Runway.” Dubbed as “the future of culture”, the NGCB Paradise Runway is PNG Fashion Week’s largest and most popular high fashion runway which is dedicated to promoting Papua New Guinea’s diverse and unique cultures through culturally and traditionally inspired designs. With the opening of the Brisbane shop, Ms Kelegai is confident that the future is looking bright for PNG Fashion Week and more importantly for the Miss Papua New Guinea brand as they continue to venture into unexplored markets to establish themselves as a leading brand in the world of fashion. The official launching and opening of the shop was attended by representatives from the Prime Minister’s Office as well as officials from National Gaming Control Board Ltd who currently remain as the naming rights sponsors to the NGCB Paradise Runway. NGCB CEO Ms. Imelda Agon officially opened Miss Papua New Guinea - Brisbane on 14th February, 2023. Source: PNG Fashion Week

Coral Sea Hotels, which includes the Coral Sea Hotels nationwide, and the Grand Papua Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals; is the PNGAFF’s exclusive hospitality partner for 2023. According to Coral Sea Hotels General Manager, Peter Laigaard Jensen, Coral Sea Hotels has been a long-term supporter of the sporting ambitions of PNG, through the support of PNG AFFF. “We were there for the Pacific Games in 2015 as a major sponsor, and we have always welcomed sports officials and players at our establishments”, commented Mr. Jensen. “Sport is an important part of community living in PNG, and our representatives bring much prestige and honour to the local communities as well as the country” continued Mr. Jensen. “If we can contribute to their preparation through the provision of high-quality hospitality, then we are confident that they will be in the best position to do PNG proud”. In responding to Mr. Jensen, the President of PNG AFF, Timothy Dom Jim, thanked Coral Sea Hotels for support of sport in PNG. “We are grateful for the invaluable support from Coral Sea Hotels, and a partnership that will grow over the years”. About the Coral Seas Hotels Coral Sea Hotels are a hospitality pioneer in Papua New Guinea and offers a portfolio of premium, mid–market, and upscale quality hotels, residences & apartments in strategic well appointed locations throughout the country. Coral Sea Hotels - YOUR HOME IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA. Coral Sea Hotels is a business division of Steamships Limited. About the Papua New Guinea American Football Federation (PNG AFF) The PNG-AFF is a Non-Profit Organization aimed at developing American Football, tackle and Flag Football in Papua New Guinea. PNG American Football Federation is now an Allied Member of the International Federation of American Football (IFAF). By 2025, PNG American Football Federation will be a Full Member of the International Federation of American Football (IFAF).