The Sepik Pride Rugby Franchise was unfortunate missing out to qualify to participate in the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup for 2024. Sepik Pride’s Day 01 supporter East Sepik Province Governor Allan Bird took to social media stressing on facebook to convert this one-year suspension upset into motivation, also confirming Sepik Pride will participate in the 2025 Season. “The positive of the situation is we will take moment as a learning experience and use the 12 months to organize ourselves accordingly.” “We will appoint one point of contact between the franchise and the League Management to minimize misinformation or any other issue.” Furthermore, Governor Bird expressed gratitude to the management and sponsors for their undying efforts to qualify for the 2024 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup. “This was unfortunate for us but, thank you to our Sepik Pride Team Management and sponsors for giving your best this year.” “Thank you to the Digicel Cup Board for the fair decision which was adequate for a starting franchise.” Governor Bird also reiterated the management structure and the duties for each official of the franchise. “Everyone in the franchise management must know their place and their duties to improve governance to be healthy.” Governor Bird further motivated his team management to get to work stop complaining. “We will work harder and wont nag about this.” The team now will remain sidelined and prepare themselves for the Upcoming 2025 season.

“If we want to see PNG become a better place to stay for our next generation, we need to focus on the good side of the country.” Thise are the words of Author and Motivational speaker, Glen Burua in an interview with PNG HAUSBUNG. He strongly believes and has voiced that there is hope in making our country a better place despite the amount of negativity that social media emits. “There are many people who are trying to make this country a better place with the little things that they do in life.” “Focus on the good side, we cannot be complaining or blaming our way to success.” “Ask yourself what you can do or contribute to the positive impact of our country.” He said he believes that if a good number of people asked that question, PNG would be a better placed in the near future. Taking action with what they can do in their area of talents or skills to change this country bit by bit and ignites that urge to change within. “Whatever you’re good at, project it in a positive way and be different. It all starts with oneself. If you want to change the country, start with yourself. If you want to change the nation, be the change.” The 26-year-old from a mixed parentage of East New Britain and Morobe Province, is also a Movie Producer who represented the country in the USA as a Film Maker, one of his films made it internationally and a motivational speaker who travels around schools in the country speaking to students. He has written three books –two of which are out and one still in the process of publication. His first book titled ‘Turn Adversity to Advantage’ was inspired by the painful journey that he had experienced and wrote the book to encourage especially young ones who he believes are going through similar things that he had gone through. “It’s so sad nowadays that a lot of young people don’t overcome their challenges, they get stuck in their pain-it kind of makes them stuck in life and a lot of young people don’t progress and then they turn to crimes and all these as a means for survival, but I believe there is always a way out based from my experience.” “I can’t be everywhere for everyone so writing the book was my way of sharing the message with other young people and it has so far inspired a lot of young people to conquer their own challenges.” Burua mentioned that his second book, ‘You are not your grades’ book was inspired by a grade 7 student who shared his experience about how he was a poor student academically whose life and grades took a drastic turn after reading his first book ‘Turn Adversity to Advantage’. “It changed him, and he started performing better and rose to the top of his class. He introduced the book to a few of his friends and they excelled in their grades as well. So, I decided to write a specific book on how our grades do not define us.” “I know how it feels to be a dux and I also know how it feels to be a failing student. What is measured on our report card is not who we are -it’s who we were.” “For example, the grade 8s, 10s and 12, are going to see their results after the exams and some will start crying over those results but what we need to realize is that we cannot be crying over a result of our past performances.” “If you are not happy with your result, you need to tell yourself that what you are seeing now is who you were. You have the power to change your grades. You can be tomorrow what you do today.” He added that his third book is in the process of publication and is a collective story of Papua New Guineans who were once failures in their past. “I wanted to put the stories together into one book to inspire the younger generation and other Papua New Guineans as well.” Meanwhile Burua is greatly appreciative of his publishers, Shane Baiva Publications that has helped him publish his first two books with a third in the works. “I would like to take this time to thank my publisher. The publishers always do the hard yards they sacrifice a lot to make sure the book becomes what it is supposed to be.” “All you have to do is write and your editor does all the work. I really appreciate Shane Baiva Publications.”

Prime Minister James Marape is set to sign a Framework Agreement for Closer Security Relations between Australia & Papua New Guinea. The agreement will come after a bilateral meeting the Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the Parliament House in Canberra on Thursday, December 7, 2023. This landmark agreement, among others, encompasses Australian Federal Police support for the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, reinforcing mutual security interests in the region. Prime Minister Marape emphasised the strategic importance of this security arrangement for both Papua New Guinea and Australia. “The security arrangement is in the best interest of Papua New Guinea and also for Australia and its regional security interests.” “Cabinet will fully endorse the finer details before Prime Minister Albanese and I sign off. Australian police officers will work under the command and control of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary and the Police Commissioner.” The agreement extends to potential Australian support for the Police Training Academy at Bomana and explores the creation of a regional academy within Papua New Guinea. Prime Minister Marape highlighted the enduring partnership between Australia and Papua New Guinea, particularly in strategic economic and bilateral relations. He underscored the shared security interests and the need to protect the sea border from illegal fishing and exploitation. “Australia and Papua New Guinea share common security interests, and such security arrangements are vital to maintaining law-and-order in the region, safeguarding economic and trading interests.” In addition to the security agreement, Prime Minister Marape will attend the 17th PNG Resources and Energy Investment Conference & Exhibition set for December 10-13 at the International Convention Centre in Sydney. He will address businesses and major resources companies operating in Papua New Guinea, promoting the country as a favourable investment destination.

The Leprosy Mission (TLM) in Papua New Guinea is a part of an International Fellowship devoted in spreading awareness of all ages on the fight against leprosy and other fatal diseases across the globe. The Leprosy Mission currently is seeking adequate funding and is hosting a raffle ticket fundraiser for its valued supporters and public to have the chance to win 5 new Landcruiser tyres with K100.00 per ticket. The Leprosy Mission aims to secure K5000.00 as an adequate sum to carry out their awareness projects in the nation. The draw will be held on the 8th of December 2023, all the proceeds will go to TLM PNG fundraising committee. Due to leprosy being pestilent in almost 10 provinces in PNG, the Primary Aim of the TLM led by Country Leader Mrs. Natalie Smith the is to bring the governments and public’s attention to announce this as a problem in our Department of Health and must be eradicated. This brings the delegated directives of TLM in PNG to support, train, educate and promote healthy and financial habits in communities to promote long progressive management for families affected by leprosy. The TLM currently carry out almost 10 projects that are funded by Australia and New Zealand Leprosy Mission in their respective outreach program. TLM plans to reach out to other Provinces around PNG apart from operating in the National Capital District, Gulf Province, and Central Province only. Administration Officer Mrs. Dorothy Owen told PNG HAUSBUNG that the striving team representative’s dedication to reach out to families affected by leprosy is a daily commitment and a struggle as average victims are outside the city vicinity. “Our officer is every day on the road to seek the victims to aid in educating and supporting confused victims who are unaware to treat this disease.”

The 2024 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Clash is back again. Today the Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNG NRLC) General Manager Mr. Leith Isaac was pleased to announce the 12 teams confirmed to participate in the 2024 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup. “Through an audit initiative to consume the full structure and capabilities of franchises.” “Its data is used through respected coordination to be shared within the registered clubs for understanding and improvement.” “We hold Club Professionalism as key pillar through the NRLC Strategic Plan.” The Waghi Tumbe for this season and four other bidding franchises clubs relayed their expressions of interest. The Sepik pride was among the excluded in 2023 confirming only 11 teams and Waghi Tumbe to return in 2024. The NRLC confirmed participating teams are; Kroton Hela Wigmen Agmark Rabaul Gurias PRK Mendi Muruks Lae Snax Tiger PRK Gulf Isou Gas Resource Central Dabaris WNBPG Kimbe Cutters Bintagor Goroka Lahanis EPG Enga Mioks Wamp Nga Mt Hagen Eagles NCDC- Moni Plus Vipers JPG Waghi Tumbe “We mindfully and process carefully the expression of interest of all teams as a professional committee should to determine our decision especially to franchise clubs being given the opportunity to proceed to express interest such as Waghi Tumbe.” Simbu Warriors and Morobe Kandes were granted provisional Licenses and approved to participate in 2025 after the PNGRLF Board assessed their bid application has fulfill the requirements. The Board will ensure the full criteria is satisfied before mid-2024 for the upcoming clubs. PNGRFL CEO Stanley Hondina expressed gratitude to Chairman Adrian for creating systems to improve the game and congratulating him in exercising professionalism within the management. “We have planned on this outcome of franchise clubs engaging each other at a professional level, and also to their affiliates.” “And to the 12 successful Teams for 2024 season; congratulations to you all the best to your preparations.” The unfortunate franchise clubs who were not eligible, still have the opportunity to participate in the next 2025 Season, much work is yet to be done to qualify themselves for the bid application.

Schools in West New Britain (WNB) will have now up until week 10 going towards the end of this month December, by Friday next week, all schools should close down. The WNB Provincial Education Board is reminding schools particularly in the province as they are nearing closure for the school year to maintain control, especially the school board of management and the teachers ensuring that schools end well without any problems during the graduation period. One parent Mrs. Nancy Rebon told PNG HUSBUNG that due to all the law-and-order issues, schools should go straight to all the main parts of the program that is the presentation. Mrs. Rebon added that given the current situation in the province, it would be better if teachers plan a short program for Grade 8s to receive their certificates and parents are notified of the school calendar for 2024. Meanwhile, The WNB Provincial Education Board have reminded teachers that those who have not taken up positions for 2023 must specify their interest by telling the department that they will not be teaching at this time. Teachers who would like to transfer out from the current school that they are teaching at, starting from primary school up to secondary, may do so in writing. For teachers to do their own swapping between schools is not allowed because they have to consult the education office of Kimbe where they can be able to organize their teaching positions for 2024. The WNB Provincial Education Board is still concerned about teachers who have missed classes during 2023, and those thinking they will continue in 2024, will not do so. Teachers wishing to move to another school will have to consult the Division of Education in Kimbe rather than making their own posting.

France has committed a remarkable ‘country package’ of K344 million, dedicated to preserving nature, forest and mitigating climate impact. This funding was acknowledged by the Prime Minister James Marape when he extended his sincere gratitude to the France President. Papua New Guinea, boasting the world’s third-largest primary rainforest, holds 7 per cent of the planet’s biodiversity. This innovative ‘country package’ represents a groundbreaking financing mechanism arising from an international dialogue seeking to fortify North-South solidarity. Its objectives include: • Achieving 30 per cent protection of land and sea by 2030; • Realising a 25 per cent reduction in deforestation and forest degradation by 2025; • Establishing a sustainable financing mechanism for forest biodiversity; and • Supporting scientific research and education to nurture future generations. French President H.E. Emmanuel Macron unveiled this transformative initiative during a meeting on Saturday, December 2, 2023, with Internal Security Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr, on behalf of Prime Minister Marape, at the sidelines of COP-28 in Dubai. Upon his arrival in Dubai, Prime Minister Marape acknowledged France’s unwavering commitment to nature, forests, and climate. He thanked France for standing out as a leader in championing the cause of forest nations, including Papua New Guinea. Prime Minister Marape reflected on the positive outcomes resulting from his meetings with President Macron throughout 2023, spanning locations such as Gabon in Central Africa, Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea, and Paris in France. Notably, the official launch of the K210 million European Union-funded Forestry, Climate Change, and Biodiversity (EU-FCCB) Programme in Port Moresby earlier this year marked a significant milestone for Papua New Guinea. This latest announcement of the US$100 million for nature, forests, and climate in Papua New Guinea is viewed as a substantial contribution, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to environmental conservation. “In my addresses at the United Nations General Assembly and various international forums, I consistently emphasised the pivotal role of forest resource management in the climate change conversation." The Earth, in its natural state, relies on trees as its lungs too maintain ecological balance,” PMJM said. He called upon developed nations to follow France’s exemplary commitment in implementing the 2015 Paris Agreement, particularly in the Conservation of Earth’s forests, on COP 28 in Dubai.

The Kokopo main market was declared the first ‘model healthy marketplace’ in Papua New Guinea recently. This declaration was based upon the World Health Organization's (WHO) and National Department of Health's (NDoH) Healthy Island Concept (HIC). The concept of 'Healthy Islands' was developed in 1995 during the initial Pacific Health Ministers Meeting on Yanuca Island, Fiji. WHO Representative Nola N'drewei explained that Kokopo market is currently modelled as a healthy marketplace after fulfilling several HIC standards. The standards include water and sanitation, waste management, and general layouts and operations of the market. She applauded the ENB provincial market authority for the careful management of market infrastructure and the overall layout of the market. “Kokopo market, has been the model market for so long." "People from abroad and within enjoys coming here because of the proper set up and well managed market." “When you walk in, you know where to go which makes it convenient for both vendors and buyers." People still admire the market and the city, she said, despite security concerns. Healthy marketplace is one of the several geographical settings of the HIC. The concept of 'Healthy Islands' was developed in 1995 during the first Pacific Health Ministers Meeting on Yanuca Island, Fiji. The market declaration follows a weeklong training at the Gazelle International Hotel for environmental health officials and provincial market managers. According to Rose Kavanamur, the environmental health manager at NDoH, the training has given market managers and EHOs the tools they need to look at methods to enhance the market setups in their respective provinces. “I commend the ENBPMA for a job well done in ensuring that public health is upheld at the market." Meanwhile, Mr Leonard Maing, chairman of the ENB provincial executive council's Community Development Committee, stated that the province is pleased to take on the responsibility of maintaining the market's image. He was speaking on behalf of the ENB Governor Michael Marum who is on official duty. “We've come a long way in establishing ourselves as the country's first model market." Mr Maing further urged the citizens of the four districts of ENB to respect the operations of the four main markets regulated under the ENB provincial market authority. “Let’s keep on maintaining basic hygiene in the marketplace and follow the regulations being put up by the authorities." He further commended NDoH and WHO for facilitating the training as well declaring the Kokopo market as the first model healthy marketplace in the country.

Kimbe police have arrested more than 15 young people from Kavutu village at the Hoskins LLG, following the burning and destruction of a government vehicle belonging to Hoskins LLG and also for brutally attacking a senior officer who is currently at Kimbe General Hospital sustaining serious injuries to his body. Police moved into the area on Monday and arrested more than 15 youths, some of whom were place at the new Hoskins police cell and Baluma Police Station. The relatives of the person who attacked the senior government officer, from Galewale village in Hoskins went on a rampage in Kavutu village burning down nearly 35 houses. Police are attempting to investigate why the people of Kavutu village destroyed the government vehicle and then attacked the officer. Meanwhile, relatives added it is expected the victim will be transferred to Port Moresby for further medical checks.

The Papua New Guinea Rugby Union Association went out with a bang of success after hosting its last event in the calendar for the year, the 4th and Southern leg of the Kumul Petroleum Holdings 7s tournament at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in the nation's capital over the weekend. There was a total of 16 men's teams and 8 womens teams that turned up to compete in the tournament; most of which were experienced and seasoned teams but a good number of teams brought inexperienced players with a level of uncharted talent and skill. Although competition was tough, a number of teams managed to pull through to the finals and walk away with victory on Sunday, December 3rd, which was Finals day. Winners and Runner Ups for the Bowl for Men and Women: Bowl RunnerZ Up Women - Blazers Bowl Winner- Juggernauts Bowl Runner Up Men- Underdogs Bowl Winner- Valley Hunters Winners and Runners up for the Plate for Men and Women: Plate Runner Up Women- Young Gunz Plate Winner- Nova Plate Runner Up Men- Spartans Plate Winner- Young Gunz Cup Winners and Runner Ups for Men and Women: Cup Runner up Women - Bialla Lasima Cup Winner- Chiefs Cup Runner Up Men- Chiefs Cup Winner- Kimbe City Pirates Chief Executive Officer of PNG Rugby Union Sailosi Druma said the KPHL 7s tournament was specifically facilitated to introduce the rugby union code to players who wanted to experience it and to promote the code. He added that he was happy with the number of interested teams that brought along with it a pool of unexposed raw talent. "Alot of these players are not in the national teams and thats basically the whole purpose of having this series." "To get the game to alot of kids that dont have an opportunity to play rugby and sevens is a good way to introduce them to the code." Meanwhile despite being a new team starting out, the Biala Lasima Ladies gave the Chiefs Women a run for their money in the Women's Cup grand final unfortunately bowing out of the tournament as runners up with the Chiefs Women claiming the Cup. And the Kimbe City Pirates put in a vicious fight for the Cup with the Chief's open men's team who ended the tournament declared as the Cup Winners of the KPHL Southern Leg 7s.

Following a successful first week of round 1 games, the Hohola Off-Season Rugby League (HOSRL) committee is now set for its season confirmed with 52 teams each in both the Under-20 and A-Grade teams. HOS Events Coordinator, Mr. Omega Naru stressed that time consuming complications were sorted out this weekend to enable a more smooth coordination for teams to participate. “We have a total of 104 teams, which is the first time ever with this high number in HOS,” said Mr. Naru. “Due to the high number of teams, four weekends of continuous rugby is equivalent to the completion of round 1.” “Due to late appearances from teams outside the vicinity of Hohola Ipi Park, we have rearranged the Pools to accommodate them to play after 12pm as it will provide more time for them to gather and prepare for games,” he said. Today marks the 2nd week of round 1 and is looking to be another successful week for the season. Mr. Naru also emphasized on the tremendous cooperation from the fans and supporters from the different areas of Port Moresby that came to cheer on the teams. “We’ve inform the supporters frequently to maintain control and try their best to accept defeats and wins as it is just the beginning of the season.” The teams again represented their respective communities ranging from 2 Mile Hill, 4 Mile, Gordons, East Boroko, Erima, Hohola, Tokarara, Vune Valley and Waigani.

After a long wait and one cancellation, the Kumul Petroleum Holdings 7s Southern leg tournament facilitated by the Papua New Guinea Rugby Union Association is finally underway. The 7s Tournament kicked off at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium at Konedobu, Port Moresby on the 1st of December and will go on today, Sunday 3rd of December. "The number of teams is the same as in the Momase and Highlands leg of the tournament." Women's teams filled two pools with Nova, Kapamanda Sharks, Young Gunz and Blazers teams in Pool A and Chiefs, Juggernauts, Goldie and Bialla Lasima in Pool B. The Men's teams filled four pools with Spartans, Goldie, Juggernauts, Hagen Tribesmen in Pool A, Isanina, Taurama Diggers, Valley Hunters and Chiefs in Pool B, Bialla Suara, Central, Underdogs and 3rd Dragons in Pool C, and Kimbe City Pirates, Rhinos, Young gunz and Bomana in Pool D. Chief Executive Officer of PNGRU, Sailosi Druma stated that due to continuous law and order issues in East New Britain, the KPL 7s NGI leg was cancelled but the association was thrilled to move on and host the Southern leg of the KPHL 7s, which is also the last event in their calendar for the year. "We're happy that finally we were able to commence. We still got a lot of interested teams but we only could accommodate for 16 men's teams and 8 women's teams." Meanwhile, Druma mentioned that ticket prices are at K5 for Children aged 12 and below, K10 for Children 13+ and adults and exclusive zone for K100.