papua new guinea

Key points:

• Justin Olam was dropped from the Storm in round 21 after they lost to Newcastle
• The centre says he was looking forward to heading home to PNG thinking his season was done
• Melbourne brought him back for the semi-final against the Roosters, which they won 18-13

The Papua New Guinea star struggled to find his explosive best this year after a series of injury setbacks curtailed his pre-season.

Olam's axing after the Storm's round 21 defeat to Newcastle seemed to spell the end for him in first grade 2023.

PNGRFL CEO Stanley Hondina gave a preview of what the official program would look like and the processes involved.

He said the Australian High Commission through ADF and NRL working committees of both PNG and Australia are taking care of proceedings before, during and after the event this weekend.

Hondina said the Kangaroos, Junior Kangaroos, Jillaroos and Junior Jillaroos will be arriving on an Australian Air Force plane this Thursday. A media conference follows with the captains of the two teams, at the Stanley hotel.

Minister Kua emphasized that the insurance business is growing and is well-positioned in a stable environment.

“And that does impact on insurance business there is profile increases. And it has a direct bearing on the premiums that you pay so there is inflation in premiums,” Kua stated.

He stressed another challenge was finding suitable underwriters internationally who can share the risks of underwriting business in PNG.

He made this remark as the country’s flag was lowered during the Flag Lowering ceremony on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium.

The Governor General reminded Papua New Guineans that PNG is a Christian nation but has seen little change due to the uprising of conflict, and law and order issues.

He challenged all citizens to start treating each other with respect and work together for the better.

“We must build a peace-loving national character within ourselves and among our citizens. We must have a change in our Mindset.

They reflect on Papua New Guinea’s 48th Independence anniversary from Australia.

Despite the challenges and negative news surrounding their homeland, this day remains a beacon of patriotism for PNG citizens worldwide, a day to cherish their hard-won freedom.

This year's event also showed support to local PNG businesses in Townsville, fostering a sense of home for both local and international JCU students. It's an effort to bridge cultures and nurture a sense of belonging.

Building on the recently ratified bilateral agreement to counter illicit transnational maritime activities, the U.S. Coast Guard joined hands with PNG agencies – the Defence Force, Customs Services, National Fisheries Authority, and the Department of Transport's Maritime Security Division – to make this historic operation a reality.

Ship riders from PNG agencies spent a cumulative 10 days countering illegal maritime activity, including illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

Notable achievements of the patrol include:

PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer, Stanley Hondina said the PM’s XIII concept is aimed at using rugby league to drive social awareness messages.

“This year we will see the introduction of the Australian school boys and girls taking on our junior Kumuls and Orchids, thanks to the Australian Government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the NRL,” stated Hondina.

Nine players from the Hunters have been named in the squad with sole player, Gary James from the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup competition, selected from the Enga Mioks side.

To be hosted at the Lae Botanical Gardens, the LaeFest 2023 will have a series of traditional food, exotic cultural singsing, village life exhibitions, carving and weaving and SME arts & crafts.

For entry, children will pay K1 while adults pay K2.

Live music will be provided by Red Ink Tern, Reks Band, Aponge Masalai, Duaks, Ethnic DJ and Et Kalsa.

Residents wishing to book a stall can visit the old district headquarters at Huon Road, Top Town for more information.

A new ATM was commissioned at the Central Government Office (CGO) in Port Moresby on Friday, September 8^th.

The CGO, frequented by hundreds daily, has been carefully chosen as a site for this ATM facility. The bank collaborated with the Ministry of Public Service to install this facility.

Westpac PNG chief executive officer Brett Hooker said this initiative builds on Westpac’s strategy to offer customers more ways to do their banking.

Associate Professor Jes Sammut from UNSW Science has received more than $2.6 million from the Australian Centre for International Agriculture Research for a project that will build on previous work to improve fish farming in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

“We have transformed lives under our previous projects. It is exciting to be funded to do more in PNG,” A/Prof. Sammut said.