The University of Goroka (UoG) in the Eastern Highlands province is set to host the inaugural Pacific Teacher Challenge Conference from July 5th to 7th, 2025. This landmark event, the first of its kind for UoG and a significant gathering for the Pacific, aims to address the critical challenges faced by educators across the region, particularly those in rural and remote areas. “This important event brings together teachers, educators, university leaders, policymakers, and researchers from across the Pacific,” stated Dr. Jane Awi, Executive Director for Somare Research Institute and the Chairlady for the inaugural Pacific Teacher Education Conference. “Our focus…
Author: Paula DAVID
The SP PNG Hunters Rugby League Club has announced the appointment of two new directors to its Board, marking a significant step in strengthening the Club’s leadership both on and off the field. Joining the Board are Mr. Warwick Vele, a seasoned professional in superannuation, finance, and ICT, and Ms. Belinda Manning, a well-regarded expert in strategy and enterprise transformation. Both bring extensive experience and a strong passion for rugby league in Papua New Guinea. Chairman of the SP PNG Hunters, Stan Joyce CSM welcomed the new appointments. “We are delighted to welcome these two outstanding individuals to the SP…
In a major milestone for Papua New Guinea’s sporting future, rugby league great Marcus Bai has been appointed to the board of the country’s upcoming National Rugby League (NRL) franchise, marking a proud and historic moment for the nation. The official announcement of PNG’s inclusion in the NRL has generated a wave of excitement across the country. At the centre of this landmark development is Bai, a former Kumul and internationally respected figure in the sport. Bai, who represented PNG on the global stage and enjoyed a successful professional career, described his appointment as both “shocking” and deeply humbling. Despite…
Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has officially launched the board of Papua New Guinea’s first National Rugby League (NRL) franchise, marking a major milestone in the country’s historic entry into the NRL by 2028. Speaking at the Santos National Football Stadium in front of dignitaries from both PNG and Australia yesterday, Prime Minister Marape described the franchise as a “national unification project” and a symbol of the enduring 50-year partnership between the two countries. “We are using rugby league not just as a sport, but as a strategy to unite our people,” Marape said. “Like Mandela used rugby (union) in…
Former PNG Kumul’s star and NRL premiership winner Marcus Bai is calling on parents and guardians to take an active role in nurturing young talent through existing pathways now available. Speaking passionately, Bai reflected on his own journey, emphasizing the stark contrast between his playing days and the present. “Playing during our time, nobody was there for us, we did it ourselves,” Bai stated. “But now, the government is. The Prime Minister has now set up that forum, they set up the Hunters, it is another bridge.” He stressed that these initiatives, including the SP PNG Hunters, are creating pathways…
A shared long-standing partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia since 1975 still continues through the announcement of PNG becoming the NRL 18th team last year, with Prime Minister James Marape announcing today the inaugural PNG franchise Board. MP Marape announced that the board consists of a total seven experienced and well-versed members including former Kumuls star and NRL premiere ship winner Marcus Bai, Former Bulldogs Administrator Digicel PNG’s Vice-President Lorna McPherson and five other members. Meanwhile, Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy states that the PNG team has been talked through for decades and is…
Thousands of Papua New Guineans, in vibrant yellow gathered as early as 5am this morning for a spirited Trukai Fun Run, raising crucial funds to send Team PNG to the upcoming Pacific Mini Games in Palau. The event, a powerful display of national unity and athletic passion, underscored the vital role of community support in the nation’s sporting success. “This isn’t just about a fun run; it’s about investing in our nation’s pride,” said Team PNG Chief de Mission Me. Kinivanagi Karo. “Every clean-up and every shirt sold is going directly into helping our athletes prepare and travel to Palau.…
Pacific International Hospital (PIH) has successfully wrapped up its two-day Cancer Outreach Program in Kokopo, marking a significant step forward in its ongoing efforts to extend essential healthcare services beyond Port Moresby city. The outreach was held at the PIH Medical Centre in Takubar Industrial Estates on Friday, 20 June, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, and continued on Saturday, 21 June, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The event saw strong community engagement, with many local residents attending for cancer consultations, screenings, and health education sessions. At the heart of the outreach was PIH Cancer Specialist Dr. Suresh Raghunath,…
Ambitious pledges at Bali Forum target cervical cancer prevention for girls and women globally. Governments, donors, multilateral organizations, private sectors, and other partners convened at the 2nd Global Cervical Cancer Elimination Forum in Bali to unveil significant policy, programmatic, and financial commitments aimed at eliminating cervical cancer; one of the world’s most preventable cancers. With over 300 participants, including Ministers and Vice Ministers of Health from diverse regions, the forum highlighted a strong political commitment to expand access to HPV vaccination, screening, and treatment, working toward making cervical cancer the first cancer ever to be eradicated. The World Health Organization…
In a strategic move aimed at enhancing player development and game time, the SP PNG Hunters and the Rockhampton Capras have agreed to a player swap involving Hostplus Cup talents Khaiya Waiembi and Morea Morea. The agreement, confirmed by both clubs, will see Waiembi join the Hunters while Morea heads to the Capras. The switch is expected to take effect as early as next week. Coaches from both sides described the move as a mutually beneficial opportunity to support the growth of the young athletes within the highly competitive Hostplus Cup competition. “This arrangement gives both players a fresh environment…