Australian High Commission

The rangers completed five months of basic training including Conservation and Ecosystems management skills to equip them to better manage the Track and its unique surrounds.

The KTA RCDP is supported by the Australian Government through the Kokoda Initiative. It is part of the PNG-Australia Partnership. KTA Acting Chief Executive Officer Julius Wargirai congratulated the rangers at the ceremony and acknowledged their commitment through the intensive training program.

In a ceremony at the PNG Customs Office in Port Moresby on Monday, Chief Commissioner David Towe thanked the Australian Government for its continuous support to the country in enhancing border security.

The equipment include telephones, reporting tools, first aid kits, passport verification devices and scanning devices.

Andrew Edger, Counsellor Department of Home Affairs said Australia shares a maritime border with PNG, reaffirming the Australian Government’s commitment to secure the borders of PNG.

The K50 million (AUD19million) upgrades will support work to improve, restructure and transition grids in Buka and Arawa to renewable energy.

In a statement, Jon Philip said, “The upgrades are designed to connect businesses and communities to reliable, affordable and renewable electricity, as well as providing long-term capacity solutions and reducing operating costs.”

The upgrades to Buka and Arawa grids will connect neighboring areas to have access to more reliable electricity.

In a recent ceremony in Port Moresby, the Australian High Commission handed over K417, 000 worth of critical radio equipment to the Bougainville police.

The equipment includes 17 high frequency radio units that are to be installed in the police stations across Bougainville, fitted into police vehicles and for officers in the field to carry with them.

The police officers in Bougainville will now be able to communicate clearly and reliably with the provision of these equipment, and improving their emergency responses and calls for assistance.

The Australian High Commissioner and the Head of Australian Defence Staff in Papua New Guinea, joined the local community in Sanananda to unveil a plaque commemorating the 180 men who were left wounded, killed or missing after fierce fighting that took place between Nov 1942 and Jan 1943 in the area.

The visit saw the delegation travelling to Buna for a tour of World War II sites. They then joined the local community at Sanananda for a moving commemorative service and the plaque unveiling.

The awardees are attending a three-week pre-departure workshop at the Gateway Hotel in Port Moresby.

The event is designed to maximise opportunities for awardees to succeed.

Australia Awards represents the continuing commitment by the governments of Papua New Guinea and Australia to build human capacity in Papua New Guinea through investment in education.

Representatives from the governments of Papua New Guinea and Australia opened the international-standard facility.

The facility was refurbished to include a new generator, an electrical upgrade to the workshop as well as new training tools and equipment.

The equipment will support the hospital to deliver better services to the people of West Sepik, particularly antenatal, obstetric and paediatric services. The equipment, delivered with the assistance of the Australian Defence Force, includes items such as baby scales, stethoscopes, vital sign monitors and suction equipment for the delivery room.

Australian High Commissioner, Bruce Davis, was pleased to provide the equipment.

The official carrier, The Royal Australian Airforce, touched down at 10:55am at the Jacksons International Airport to the welcome of a PNG Defence Force Guard of Honour and Royal PNG Constabulary Band.

At 11:02 am Governor-General Cosgrove disembarked and was greeted by Chief Protocol Officer, Morea Veratau, Minister for Sports, Special Events and APEC, Justin Tkatchenko, Australian High Commissioner to PNG, Bruce Davies, Chief Secretary, Isaac Lupari, and Foreign Affairs Secretary, William Dihm.

The Governor-General who will be acompanied by his wife Lady Lynne Cosgrove will fly in on the Australian Air Force Aircraft at 11 am.

Media Council President Alexander Rheeney made this call after local media have been rejected to cover a breakfast event with Australia Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull recently.

 “The barring of local journalists from covering some parts of the Australian Prime Minister's visit early this month was unfortunate and should not have happened.