The Port Moresby Suburban Rugby League (PSRL) is gearing up for this weekend’s “Do or Die” semi- final matches following a successful round of games held last weekend. Last week Saturday and Sunday games were very tough knockouts resulting in wins and a few draws. The B-Grade games showed impressive strength and endurance amongst the teams. Two teams ended in a draw and will rematch tomorrow. These two teams are Sogeri Hikers Eastern and the Northern Warriors. Toks Nest also was tied with Marane Rats, but Toks Nest will proceed to the semi- finals because it is ranked higher on the points ladder. The A-Grade teams were relentless to secure their win, embracing the game and going toe- to- toe with the competitive teams. The A-Grade Marane Rats, Killerton Falcons, Mountain Bulls and the Waliya are set to take the field in the weekend’s semi-finals. Meanwhile, on the behavioral part of the fans towards match officials during match days, the PSRL is happy to report that the rate of inappropriate behaviors of spectators have decreased and is hoping that this improvement of crowd behavior is maintained. Points Collector and Draw Organizer, Mr. Judah John was pleased to mention the support from teams and their officials towards the PSRL Officials as well. “We try our best to be fair during games, errors are inevitable when games reach critical stages, so it is up to the players to minimize them.” “We work with minimum equipment to assist in decision making, it would be greatly appreciated for players to carry out ball plays correctly so referees can award tries without question.” “I appeal to the A-Grade and B-Grade boys playing next week to maximize the time you spend at home and try to prepare early to be mentally and physically fit for weekend games,” he said. This week's Do- or- Die draw will commence on Saturday with four games; that is, two B and A Grade game each.

WaSH Project Management Unit is set to rollout programs and projects in the Rabaul District after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This MoU was signed by the East New Britain Acting Provincial Administrator Mr. Levi Mano and the Acting District Administrator Mr. Freddy Lemeki, at the Lamana Hotel in Port Moresby recently. Speaking during the signing of the MoU, Mr. Lemeki said that this is in line with the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) IV and signifies the partnership in development of the 5-year District WaSH Plan, which aims to deliver a bottom-up approach on resource and budget allocation to improve access to safe and sustainable WaSH in rural and peri-urban communities. This arrangement will now pave way for baseline survey and numerator’s training in the district. Earlier this year, the Rabaul District successfully established its WaSH Committee with its terms of reference. A WaSH Technical Team under the Committee was also set up specifically to look at improving water supply projects in the Wards including schools and health facilities within the district. Following the signing, a training will be held for Ward Development Officers and Environmental Officers, which is also a requirement of the National WaSH Policy to come up with a five-year implementation plan for the WaSH program in the district.  

RSPCA PNG resumed their Dog Show for the first time since COVID-19, on Saturday, October 14th 2023 at Sir John Guise Stadium with a fun-filled program with a variety of great prizes and activities that had dog owners and families could participate in. General Manager David Thompson, in a statement said that the RSPCA Dog Show was a way to both bring the community together as well as promote awareness. The event was previously an annual event but due to the covid-19 pandemic restrictions, the organization did not host dog shows for the past two years. “It’s really to bring a community together and have an awareness program at the same time." "People bring their dogs here to participate and win prizes.” “At the same time our education team actually get more opportunities to spread awareness on our organization and what it stands for and it introduces us to the community and what we can all do together.” There were a total of eight Performing Categories that included categories like Best Groomed, Dog Obedience, Smartest Dog Trick and many more that Dog Owners had to choose from and register their furry friends. “We only had eleven dogs registered this year and it could be bigger but it’s really difficult but hopefully next year we’ll have a few more and we will hopefully keep this going back into an annual event.” Thompson was appreciative of the RSPCA Dog Show Sponsors that showed up including the major sponsor Marketing 2000 Pet care, Brian Bell Group, Pascoe Productions, Pedigree, Legend Fm and Total Event Company and was grateful also to their partners; RPNGC, Bomana Dog Unit, Foodco PNG, Yatch club and Sir John Guise stadium TEC and Patron of RSPCA PNG, Governor General Sir Bob Dadae. Sir Dadae explained that the Dog Show was also a fundraising event that will help RSPCA PNG to continue its outreach programs in the three main areas which are: its adoption programs which include the shelter and its animals, the education program-which is for human awareness in primary schools and operation wantok- which covers animal population control. “I’d like to take this time to acknowledge the good work of the RSPCA PNG in promoting animal welfare in the country. I support the cause to discourage the hunting of rare animals at the risk of extinction.” His Excellency further stated that we as humans need to show more empathy towards animals and strongly discouraged animal cruelty. “Our approach towards animals is a reflection of our personal behavior and attitudes." "Caring attitude for animals prospers profession and kindness to fellow humans.” Meanwhile there were SME Stall spaces available that saw small businesses come out to sell food, drinks and other crafty items and there were 8 Categories of skills that were on display on the day with only eleven entries. Competition was tough but everyone went home with a reward for their efforts. Doggies and owners walked away with Gift Vouchers for RSPCAPNG Goods and Services. The winners of the 2023 RSPCA DOG SHOW in their respective Categories are: Best Groomed: Charlotte Dog Obedience: Zeus Smartest Dog Trick: Zeus Most Interesting Coloured Fur: Leila Most Original Attire: Leila Fastest Time Speed in Dog Show: Lilly Most Elegant and Agile Walk: Charlotte The Best Sniffer/Nose at seeking a treat: Charlotte and Butterscotch.

The four Local Level Governments (LLG) in the Rabaul District in East New Britain Province, will now be able to implement their projects and initiatives, after financial support of K250, 000 was made available through the Rabaul District Administration. This funding is part of a K1.4 million allocation from the 2023 District Budget, which was approved by the District Development Authority (DDA) Board earlier this year. The presentation of funding was made to the four LLG Managers during the Rabaul District’s third quarter review in Rabaul by the Deputy Provincial Administrator for District and LLG Affairs, Mr. Nicholas Larme. Additionally, a cheque of K26, 000 was handed to Balanataman LLG to purchase land for the Malaguna No.2 community hall. When presenting the cheque, Mr. Larme emphasized the significance of empowering wards and highlighted the need for individuals to take responsibility for their own development within their respective wards, in order to restore confidence in the government as well as the effective implementation of ward minimum standards, revenue enhancement and ward governance policies. Meanwhile, Mr. John Matava, Deputy District Administrator (Admin.), who represented the district administrator, urged the LLGs to use the funds strictly for their intended purposes. He stated that the release of the remaining balance would be contingent upon successful monitoring of the initial allocation of K250, 000. The LLG managers expressed their gratitude for the assistance and affirmed their commitment to achieving their desired outcomes for their respective wards, while also strengthening ward focus.

The Papua New Guinea Defense Force (PNGDF) Moem Barracks in Wewak, East Sepik recently received keys to two refurbished homes done up by the Papua New Guinea Ports Corporation (PNG Ports). The two homes were completely rundown and finally received the desperate maintenance attention it needed. The two refurbished homes will accommodate the Second Royal Pacific Islands Regiment (2RPIR) soldiers. PNG Ports happily took the initiative to refurbish the two homes as part of their community service. While handing over the keys to the 2RPIR second in command Major Edo Andrew, PNG Ports Chief Infrastructure Officer Mr. Vagi Eoima said, “PNG Ports and the Defense Force (PNGDF) have a longstanding relationship, particularly the maritime element.” “This shows PNG Ports is committed to address local issues as a responsible corporate citizen, “said Mr. Eoima. “It is right that they continue to work together where possible, for the good of the country, including the addressing of adequate and proper accommodation of all military barracks.” Major Edo Andrews was grateful and admitted that housing was a problem at all military barracks. “It goes a long way and is the perfect gift for Moem Barracks.” “On behalf of the 2RPIR, the soldiers, and their families, I thank the PNG Ports for taking the initiative to renovate the houses.” PNG Ports has always been a determined establishment that supports the PNGDF efforts in the marine elements especially in times of emergencies, and developments towards local and international military infrastructure.

Papua New Guinea Legendary Expedition Tours (PNGLET), alongside the PNG Oncology Nursing Group (PNGONG), is in the process of planning a charity walk of the rugged Kokoda Track. Owner/Operator of the PNGLET, Mr. Chris Suma said this charity walk is expected to coincide with ANZAC Day in April 2024. When asked why he felt compelled to take up this challenge, Mr. Suma explained that he is doing this for cancer awareness, having affected his family’s life. “My father battled cancer for 9 years. So, when the PNGONG asked me to do this, I was more than willing to take up the challenge." Mr. Suma added that he felt this challenge was his own little way of helping fight cancer in PNG, as he had seen his own father’s pain and suffering, as he battled cancer. “There are 20 PNGONG members, who have expressed interest to take part in this Charity Walks of the Kokoda Track. The challenge will be 8 days and 9 nights along the track. We plan to arrive back in Port Moresby on ANZAC Day, to attend the ANZAC Day War Memorial Dawn Service at Bomana and this will be followed by a Gala Dinner in the night.” Mr. Suma explained that it will be during the Gala Dinner, where pledgees will be made. All the pledged funds will go towards the PNGONG, in helping them improve their practice in caring for cancer patients across the country. The PNGLET/PNGONG team, will be accompanied by their Australian Counterparts and they have an estimated 6 months left to prepare for the Charity Walk. PNGLET is a nationally owned and registered trekking SME, based out of Kokoda in the Oro Province that provides international and domestic tourists alike, adventures along the treacherous Kokoda Track.

Prime Minister James Marape has hailed the signing of four agreements on Friday,13th October, 2023, as a "giant leap" towards the reopening of the Porgera gold mine in Enga. The agreements signed between the State and New Porgera Ltd included the Mining Development Contract, Special Mining Lease 13, Fiscal Stability Agreement, and Escrow Arrangement for Landowners. The mine is expected to commence operations before the end of the year, with full production anticipated within six months, contingent upon the finalisation of compensation agreements for landowners. The mine is currently being operated by the New Porgera Ltd company that is made up of 51 percent Papua New Guinea stakeholders and 49 percent by Barrick. This momentous signing event took place at Government House and was witnessed by the Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae, Prime Minister Marape, Barrick Gold Corporation President and CEO Mark Bristow as well as company representatives and Enga Governor Hon. Sir Peter Ipatas, the Ministers and MPs, the Porgera landowner representatives and members of the State Negotiating Team. Prime Minister Marape expressed his gratitude to Mr. Bristow and the Barrick team for their care and stewardship of the mine since its closure in April 2020. "I want to say October 13, 2023, is a day in which we have taken a giant leap from April 24, 2020." "Today's signing of four key instruments is a big step towards reopening Porgera." Marape further emphasised on the significance of the partnership stating that this was the first time that a Papua New Guinea company has merged in a joint venture with a global supermajor like Barrick. "This incorporated joint venture is structured in a way where accountability of all parties is on the table." "I want to assure everyone that this has been done transparently." He addressed the crucial issues regarding the resettlement of Porgera landowners and exoressed his gratitude by thanking everyone for their patience and support. " We believe that what has been secured under SML 13 is in the best interests of everyone, and we look forward to the next 20 years." "It is my view, and the Enga Governor's view, that this arrangement will lift the living standards of Porgera Valley landowners, Enga Province landowners, and Papua New Guineans." President and CEO of Barrick Gold Corporation, Mark Bristow described the day as special with the signing of SML 13 occurring on Friday the 13th and stated that this was a milestone and that this was only the beginning of exciting voyage ahead of us. "The important thing, as the Prime Minister said, is that it's a real partnership." "We've worked hard to get here, and it's important now to finish the last step, and that is the compensation arrangements for all the landowners." "We want to get that out of the way as quickly as possible." "We believe that we can do that with the help of everyone." Meanwhile this historic agreement marks a significant step forward in the reopening of the Porgera gold mine and will eventually usher in new opportunities and prosperity for the region as well.

The Samoa Fetu squad along with their coaching staff and international and local National Rugby League officials, paid a visit today to the Waigani Christian Centre (WCC) in Port Moresby. Braving the rainy weather in the city, the Fetu Samoa Squad spent the 10 o’clock break with WCC students going through introductions, answering few questions and talking to the students about the importance of practicing healthy and fit lifestyle routines. WCC was pleasantly surprised and welcomed the visiting squad. Church Executive and Financial Treasurer of Waigani Christian Academy Mrs. Katherine Polangou was especially excited and pleased with the visitation by the Samoa Fetu Squad and Officials. “We must find other means of encouragement for students, not only through the church." "This event indirectly builds the student self-esteem and confidence in social skills.” “We hope to conduct more visitation like this in the future.” Meanwhile, despite the Samoa Fetu Squad missing out on the 2020 World Cup, the Head Coach and team captain humbly expressed the excitement and the importance of the upcoming games. “I am humbled and privileged to accept this role as Head Coach for Samoa Fetu and confident for the girls to take the field on Sunday. With NRL players on the opposition, we will direct our focus in the field to concentrate on what we can control,” said the Head Coach, Jamie Soward. “We have a fantastic captain, with wealth of experience. I’m happy she gets to captain Samoa on her father side.” The Captain, Ms. Guthrie Williams told PNG HAUSBUNG the importance and seriousness of being captain to her amazing team of sisters and representing Samoa. “The Captain position completes my heart; it is an honor and privilege for my family, and I don’t take it lightly." "Playing for Samoa again since 2020 is what Samoa needs, it is the right direction as we want to be in the world ranking to be in a good position to compete in the next World Cup.” “I am willing to help my teammates in any way they need me, not because of my positions but of the way I was raised."

With the theme ‘Making sure no Child is Left Behind’, Papua New Guinea singer/song writer Johnny Yawari who is lead singer of popular band, Wame Blood will be hosting ‘A Concert for a Worthy Cause’ at the Hilton Hotel on the 10th of November, 2023. His event will feature artists like Archie Tarzy, Didi Maru, Soul Harmony and Sprigga Mek and other artists who have collaborated with him over the years. The artists will perform on the night to raise funds for Mr. Yawari’s Tanuga School building initiative. “We can do this through music. I have realized that music is a great way also to raise funds and help our children in Kutubu and other parts of PNG through the Wame Blood brand.” “We will involve kids that we’ve identified from schools here in Pom as well as a few kids we will be bringing across all the way from Tanuga school to come and sing with us on the night of the concert to perform the ‘Hope for PNG’ song which will be one of the highlight of the event.” Yawari stated that music was a great platform to help raise funds for this benefit and that this would be the second concert for a worthy cause that his brand will be hosting after the successful Earthquake Disaster Relief Concert in March of 2018. “We did our first concert at the Cosmopolitan in 2018 and managed to raise K30, 000 worth of funds that went towards helping the survivors of the earthquake that affected the people of Kutubu and parts of Hela Province.” He added that he had seen organizations support rugby and other sporting codes with funding and has appealed to the business houses around the area and in PNG as a whole to come forward and do their part and assist in supporting this cause by giving back to our people whilst enjoying good music as well. Mr. Yawari is the chairman of the Foe Association which is a non-government organization and has in his years of service already built three classrooms one of which was opened recently in Gesege and mentioned that they have recently built a four in one steel structure double classroom in Tanuga that is in the heart of Kutubu and serves as the main school at the station and have already done a ground-breaking ceremony for their new staff houses. “We have successfully built almost three double classrooms and one was successfully opened a four-in-one classroom recently for the new school in Gesege.” Yawari made a comparison between the first concert that was held in 2018 at the Cosmopolitan saying that when going out to clubs, you don’t really enjoy the music because of all this noise and it seems everyone do not appreciate the music but for this concert it would be a better and exclusive experience. “Just come and eat your meal, have some good wine and listen to the beautiful music so to music lovers and anyone who would like to support the cause to come and get yourself a tickets which will come out this week.” Tickets are going for K1, 000 per head and a table of 10 heads for K10, 000 according to Yawari and can be purchased at the Wame Blood shop in Stanley Hotel, the Hilton Hotel. Interested people can contact the numbers that are on the flyers also to purchase tickets can contact Theresa on 7186 0820 or Raula on 7829 4490 or you can send an email to: admin@wameblood.com.­pg for more information. Meanwhile Yawari announced that the Wame Blood studio construction will be completed by the end of next month with plans to open the studio by December or January 2024 and with equipment ordered from overseas, Wame Blood will work towards getting new artists to record with the studio. The company also has major plans to set a good example as role models for the youngsters of this nation. “One of our major plans is to visit different schools to talk about music and life. As role models we have to set an example for the little ones coming up and that’s to drive the message of education and self-belief.” “We want our kids to grow up with an independent mindset, to try and see what we are doing and be a role model to their community as well.” Yesterday at 19:04 · Sent from Mobile

Almost three months of no flights in and out of Enga province, Air Niugini has announced that flights will resume to its normal route to Wapenamanda on Tuesday 17th October. The Airport was shut down and flights were stopped from travelling in and out of Enga province due to major issues regarding law and order. This action was taken by Air Niugini on mid July. The issue was a tribal fight resulting in over 100 deaths and casualties, Papua New Guinea Defence force (PNGDF) and Provincial Police forces finally stepped in and stabilized the situation. The issue in Wapenamanda has dialled down now and come to a rest between tribal leaders. Air Niugini is now confident in the law-and-order operations in maximizing security and minimizing threats and hazardous activities. Air Niugini is now prepared to reopen flights in and out of Wapenamanda. Security measures will be carried out by Air Niugini’s security department within the airport terminal and vicinity to minimise the risk of travellers and properties. Security measure will not only be focused in Wapenamanda but to all airports, any form of conflict should occur would result in the cancellation of all flights at that terminal. Wapenamanda flights will resume its weekly routes, served by Air Niugini Dash 8 twice a week on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s. The Air Niugini’s first priority is the safety of the passengers, the crew, and the aircraft.

Hugo Canning Company Limited today announced the winners of the highly anticipated Independence Cash Bonanza with Ox & Palm and Ocean Blue promotion. This promotion gave away a total of K320, 000 to 12 lucky people across the country who participated via a live draw with winners across all four regions of Papua New Guinea at the Kraft Heinz head office this morning in Port Moresby. Participants who part took in the Independence Cash Bonanza entered the draw by purchasing any OX & Palm or Ocean Blue product to go into the draw for weekly prizes, as well as a grand cash prize. Participants wrote their names and contact details at the back of their receipt and place their receipt in an official entry box at participating stores. Southern Region Prize Winners: 3rd Prize Winner: Jack Mark – K10, 000 2nd Prize Winner: Kila Prop – K20, 000 1st Prize Winner: Dorish Siddy – K50, 000 Highlands Region Prize Winners: 3rd Prize Winner: Daniel Dee – K10, 000 2nd Prize Winner: Matthew Mark – K20, 000 1st Prize Winner: Josie Yalo – K50, 000 Momase Region Prize Winners: 3rd Prize Winner: Mondo Malai – K10, 000 2nd Prize Winner: Lian Steven – K20, 000 1st Prize Winner: Daisy Paul – K50, 000 Niugini Islands Region Prize Winners: 3rd Prize Winner: Lorna Vaen – K10, 000 2nd Prize Winner: Isaiah Wangi – K20, 000 1st Prize Winner: Shane Benedict – K50, 000 General Manager, Mr. Von Pacetes in response to the announcement of the winners, commended their loyal consumers who supported our Independence promotion. “It is with utmost gratitude and admiration that we express our sincere thanks to each and every consumer in making the promotion a resounding success.” “This promotion is the first major and successful promotion that Hugo Canning embarked on, post pandemic, and we couldn’t have done it better.” Pacetes thanked the people of Papua New Guinea for their trust and loyalty that continues to inspire the company to constantly aspire for excellence in ensuring that their brands, Ox & Palm, Ocean Blue and Heinz, remain at the forefront of innovation and quality. “Hugo Canning looks forward to bringing more exciting promotions and opportunities for everyone in the future.” Meanwhile Marketing Manager, Peggy Maha also expressed her appreciation to the consumers, customers and the participants of the competition and has said that this is the start of more promotions the company will be rolling out in 2024. “We wanted to run this promotion to stay in touch with our consumers and ensure that our brand still had that interaction with our consumers as well as help our customers [retail outlets] who continue to do well during these hard economic times for our people.” “We have a lot of products that are entering the market at the moment and we’re entering new categories as well, so this was just a start to something that is going to continue into 2024.”

Former PNG’s Sprint King and local and international level rugby trainer Nelson Stone is now an esteemed member of the Fiji Bulikulas coaching staff. Stone has represented PNG for over a Decade, winning 3 gold medals and 1 silver medal in the athletics division and retired in 2019. NRL Dolphins Club team coaching staff official Shane Morris was pleased to offer this rare opportunity to the PNG Rep Mr. Nelson Stone. Everything changed for Stone on Wednesday the 4th of October 2023. Mr. Stone was very humbled and stressed the excitement and seriousness of the commitment he has vowed to uphold to the FIJI Bulikula squad. “This opportunity is exciting and different simultaneously; I will carry out my duties fully in preparing the team and am eager to learn more along the way.” Stone is currently training the Bulikulas squad to be relentless and is confident of the outgoing results. Mr. Stone will focus his energy on preparing the Fiji squad in strength and conditioning sessions. “Working with this international coaching staff has really broadened my perspective in coaching and helped identify significant concepts to add to my knowledge.” Fiji Bulikulas will go head-to-head with the Fetu Samoa on Sunday 15th October. “I would like to encourage committed goal driven individuals whether you are a sportsman or not, have integrity in what you do and keep moving forward towards your goals.” “Never ever stop trying and always believe in yourself with your heart and mind, that’s when doors will start to open for you.”