Australian High Commission

The song, Wan Solwara (One Ocean), was created by Adrian Tjupurru Fabila and his son Jake in collaboration with Michael Dave, Ruth Maison, Walter Kerevio, Jolista Masu, Robertha Yansi, and Milton Garea during a visit to Bougainville in September 2022.

Richard Mogu and local sound engineer Melchior Wagum mixed Wan Solwara in Buka, while Wantok Musik sound engineers in Australia handled the mastering.

The project showcases the power of cultural exchange in fostering connections between people and supports Australia's Indigenous diplomacy.

The training aims to strengthen the enduring relationship between the two countries through the enhancement of military skills. As part of the exercise, personnel from the ADF's 4th Health Battalion visited a regimental aid post in Port Moresby to better understand the military and civilian health services provided within PNG.

According to Medical Officer, Lieutenant Loren Parsons, the visit was an opportunity for the Australian medics to evaluate what training and mentorship were required to develop the PNGDF's skills.

Funded by Australia Awards PNG, these courses are designed to enhance capacity in STEM education and improve the identification, response, and management of diseases and infections through Health Science.

The awardees were welcomed to the country with a beautiful ceremony featuring indigenous Nunukul Yagera dancers, who acknowledged and gave their consent as traditional owners of the land where the event was taking place, showing deep respect for the rich culture of the Australian Indigenous people.

Australia’s Acting High Commissioner Dr. Joanne Loundes hosted a morning tea to bid farewell the PNG Lewas team as they embark on their journey to compete in the Women's Pacific Island Cricket Challenge in Fiji.

Dr. Loundes said the High Commission was privileged to hear from Lewas Captain Kaia Arua-Boe about her experiences as an elite female athlete on the world stage.

The tournament, which will run from 11-18 March, is partially funded by Defence Australia.

Australian High Commission Minster Counsellor, Economics, Health and Infrastructure, Diane Barclay handed over the keys to St John Chief Executive Officer, Matt Cannon at St John headquarters in Port Moresby on Wednesday 27 July.

The ambulances were funded by the Australian Government as part of the Papua New Guinea-Australia Partnership to boost St John’s capacity to address the high number of emergency responses in NCD, Central and Gulf provinces. 

This biosecurity project, led by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, will aim to strengthen PNG’s ability to prevent and control serious animal diseases, using African Swine Fever (ASF) as a model, through strengthened field disease surveillance and laboratory diagnostics.

The Australian High Commission will virtually launch on 24 February the short film ‘The Bilum Story’ to celebrate the remarkable PNG women social entrepreneurs who 10 years ago began to shine a spotlight on bilum as a national treasure, and driving inclusive economic growth for women weavers.

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.