Papua New Guinea Australia Alumni Association (PNGAAA)

PNGAAA celebrates achievements

A virtual networking dinner was hosted on Thursday, 11 February at the Hilton Hotel, Port Moresby, and around PNG.

Governor of East Sepik Province, Allan Bird, and Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Jon Philp, both spoke at the event, reinforcing the PNGAus Partnership’s commitment to sustainable development and shared prosperity.

In his keynote address, Governor Bird urged alumni to make the most of their “rare and special” position as highly educated Papua New Guineans and give back to their communities and nation.

Alumni recognised

The Papua New Guinea Australia Alumni Association (PNGAAA) event was held simultaneously in Port Moresby and 10 provinces to celebrate alumni’s innovation and successes over the past year.

Australian High Commissioner, Jon Philp, joined the Governor of East Sepik Province, Allan Bird, to present the 2020 PNG-Australia Alumni Awards to five high-achieving alumni on the night.  

PNG-Australia Alumni Awards are supported by the Australian High Commission and honour alumni for excellence in local, national and international achievements and leadership.

Alumni association launches ESP chapter

East Sepik Provincial Administrator Dr Clement Malau and Papua New Guinea Australia Alumni Association (PNGAAA) Vice President, Dr Pamela Kamya, joined Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Bruce Davis, at the launch in Wewak on 6 November.

The East Sepik Chapter is the tenth PNGAAA chapter to be established joining existing provincial chapters in Manus, Madang, Eastern Highlands, East New Britain, Enga, Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Morobe, Milne Bay and National Capital District.

Alumni association celebrates successes

Their annual dinner, hosted at the Hilton Hotel, Port Moresby, was not only to applaud their work for the past 12 months but also to raise funds to support the Association’s efforts to carry out high-impact community-based projects.

Minister for National Planning and Monitoring, Sam Basil, and Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea Bruce Davis, both spoke at the event, signifying a shared commitment to PNG’s sustainable development and the PNG-Australia Partnership.

Outstanding PNGeans recognised

The winners in the five awards categories include: Alumni of the Year Gertrude Tamade-Elai, Australian High Commission Papua New Guinea Women in Leadership Tina Mark, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Cheryl Mondo-Mulas, Young Leader Dr Izzard Aglua and Community Service Engagement Dr Hilda Audubo.

Alumni association launches ninth provincial chapter

The National Capital District Chapter boasts the largest number of alumni in Papua New Guinea (PNG) with over 1,500 members.

It is the ninth PNGAAA chapter to be established joining existing provincial chapters that include: Manus, Madang, Eastern Highlands, East New Britain, Enga, Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Morobe and Milne Bay.

Australian Deputy High Commissioner Caitlin Wilson was joined by PNG Minister for Public Service Elias Kapavore, Governor of East Sepik Allan Bird and PNGAAA President Dr David Kavanamur, to launch the newest chapter of PNGAAA.