The Australia Awards In-PNG Scholarship Program proudly celebrated the 2025 Somare-Whitlam scholars at recent ceremonies in Madang and Mt. Hagen, marking the beginning of their academic journey. The In-PNG scholarships provide Papua New Guineans with opportunities to study education, nursing, and midwifery at 12 higher education institutions across the country, directly addressing critical workforce shortages. The program also supports women in the maritime industry by offering cadetships that create new career pathways. This initiative plays a vital role in strengthening PNG’s workforce, particularly in remote areas where graduates often serve as teachers, nurses, and midwives. The extension of the Somare-Whitlam Award name to the In-PNG scholarships reflects the enduring partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia and the shared commitment to education and national development. With this announcement, the Somare-Whitlam Award now applies to both in-Australia and in-PNG scholarship recipients under the 2025 Australia Awards program. Australia Awards Scholarships are prestigious international awards offered by the Australian Government to support the next generation of global leaders. These scholarships provide study opportunities in Australia and PNG, helping to address critical workforce gaps and offering short-term professional development opportunities. For further information on the Somare-Whitlam Award, visit australiaawardspng.org.