Lucy Bundu Au is amongst four retirees who has served and worked at the Somare Institute of Leadership and Governance (SILAG) since 1979; back when it was known as the PNG Administrative College. Lucy was just at the age 20 when she left her first employer the Public Service Commission and joined SILAG as a student admin clerk. She has occupied a number of senior management positions in the last 43 years whilst working with SILAG including, an officer in charge for Student Admin, an OIC for Revenue Finance section, an OIC for Registry as well as an acting building and facilities manager from 2018-2019. In 2019, Lucy was appointed as the Acting Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) Business Project Coordinator. Around the same time, the position GESI and Industrial Relations Officer was created, and this is the current position she occupies. During the time that she has been the GESI officer, her office managed to have come up with four internal polices which she leaves behind as a legacy. These policies include, family sexual violence, child protection, disability policy and harassment policy. She is one of the very few individuals who have witnessed the changes that have taken place from the time the Institute was known as PNG Administrative College to PNG Institute of Public Administration (PNGIPA), then to Pacific Institute of Leadership Governance and now to Somare Institute of Leadership and Governance. As part of her journey at SILAG, Lucy recalled the first time she joined the institute sharing memories of the campus which was filled with multi-racial people from Australia, Africa, Asians and other Pacific countries as well as a few Papua New Guineans who were also among those that strived to be the first trained public servants in the country. She stated that the Administration College then had more than six hundred students and stayed on to seeing it transition to this day with more new management coming in. Her greatest achievement according to her, was contributing and being part of the institute's transitions and policies that came with it up until today. In addition to sharing her journey, Lucy had a few role models herself that she looked up to in which have left the institute except for one, Michael Barobe; the Chief Executive Officer of SILAG. She described Barobe as a natural born leader with no nonsense and that is something she has always admired about him and through his strict leadership, has changed the institute in which is now recognized as the only mandated school of government. SILAG has come a long way, and she believes a lot more can be achieved through under his leadership. An emotional Lucy shared that SILAG has always been her second home to her and her family. “SILAG has shaped my personal life and professional career into something I may have never achieved if I had worked somewhere else.” “For 43 years this place has been familiar to me compared to my own home.” From a 20-year-old to now a 65-year-old, it has been memorable journey for her who has lived through the challenges and the positive changes for SILAG. Before taking the final bow, she expressed how grateful she is to the past and current management for their leadership and for mentoring her throughout the years and with that leaves with a piece of advice to the young staff that have just recently joined SILAG; “Work hard and work smart, learn as much as you can.” “Every day comes with new challenges, take on those challenges and focus on your own career plan.” Lucy is the longest serving staff of SILAG followed by her other colleagues and fellow retirees who are, Samuel Yangu, Wesley Waninara and Job Minan.

The Somare Institute of Leadership and Governance (SILAG) officially closed its 2023 academic year last Wednesday with closing remarks made from each executive staff including the Chief Executive Officer as well as the directors and managers of the institute. The closing ceremony also saw the awarding of high performing staff as well the farewelling of their retirees. Chief Executive Officer of SILAG, Micheal Barobe in his closing remarks, thanked the staff for their commitment and commended the retirees for their contribution towards building the institution to where it is now. Barobe also expressed his gratitude for all that has been done this year including achievements made this year in which he was thankful to his staff for and also called for improvements in 2024. “For this year we have reached well over K4 million this year in revenue and that shows how well we have performed, therefore, we must make sure that we are one of the top contributors to the development of this country by offering the best public service training and teachings we can give.” For the first time in the history of the institution since working with the government, Barobe announced that the government increased its budget to K23 million this year towards the institution. With that, he expressed his appreciation towards the government for its major contribution and expressed to his staff that these are the kind of funds spent on reforming and building the institution to ensure that they revise their public service management act as well creating a place to be of moral for public service training. “One of the first things we have put in place, are the training policies and when we put meaning towards the policies, we evolve our diploma leadership governance and management courses.” In addition, SILAG’s main focus now is on improving and developing leadership training. He stated that as of next year they will look closely at focusing and empathizing more on courses that correlates to the institution’s aim, goals, and mission. Furthermore, Barobe stated that the staff’s commitment in creating an environment conducive to learning, has been remarkable and therefore is deeply grateful for their service. With the recent name change, this has positioned SILAG for success and excellence in the rights of leadership and governance. Meanwhile, he also commended the top performing staff for their achievements and excellence they portrayed working under the institution and awarded them for the 3rd and 4th quarter of the year. It is with importance that Barobe along with the SILAG management have recognized those individuals who have performed above and beyond and have also thanked and wished four of their retirees for their contribution in developing the institution to where it is today.

Air Niugini has issued an advise to valued customers that the airline has cancelled Cairns flights for Monday 18th December due to continuous rain and flooding around Cairns which has resulted in closure of the airport. A decision on flights for Tuesday onwards will be made later today. Customers who are holding tickets for the affected flights may change or refund their flights without penalties by contacting Air Niugini or your Travel Agent for further information. Air Niugini has a close affiliation to the city of Cairns and holds the people of Cairns and Far North Queensland in our thoughts and prayers as they battle through the effects of massive flooding. Air Niugini will return to the normal scheduled services, as soon as possible. The airline regrets any inconvenience caused; however, safety is paramount in its operations.

Manly star Tom Trbojevic has declared himself fully fit and ready for Round 1 in Las Vegas. The 27-year-old played just 11 games last season after a torn pectoral in Origin II ended another NRL campaign prematurely. "A pec is about a three month injury so I've had plenty of time for that to recover and I'm in a really good mental space now and training really hard," Trbojevic told media on Friday. "Coming into pre-season I was basically ready to go so it's been a really good five or six weeks. "I'm fully fit. Contact and everything has all been cleared so I'm good to go." The 2021 Dally M Medal winner said "it's hard not to be" excited at training as he joins teammates in preparations to meet the Rabbitohs in Las Vegas and kick off the 2024 NRL Telstra Premiership. "Vegas is a crazy part of the world and the opportunity to play footy there doesn't come very often so I'm looking forward to getting over there and hopefully showing Americans what we can do," he said. Source: NRL.com

Directors of the Simberi Mining Area Association (SMAA) and Simberi Mine Service (SMS) recently completed a week-long training on the Introduction to Principles of Board Directorship, Good Governance and Corporate Risk Management conducted by the Papua New Guinea Human Resources Institute. The training is a tailored non-assessable training that gives them an understanding of the corporate management and leadership approaches to address their issues and manage their businesses and association. This training was funded by the Simberi Gold Mine Limited (SGCL) to provide capacity building to improve and promote good governance and leadership for the directors to manage their own affairs. The SGCL sees this as an opportunity to further support and work with landowners to effectively operate their organizations for all stakeholders’ benefit. In addition, the avenue provided by SGCL, represents the company’s commitment to building stronger communities and empowering people in diverse teams. The training covered important areas of general board matters, structures, ethics, directorship principles and financial governance, which will facilitate the directors in understanding their accountability in the leadership of the landowner association and umbrella company. Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of the participants, Pius Vaket from the Sitsoim Clan stated that the training was an effective tool, and the content was delivered to their level of understanding at a time when they needed to resolve pressing matters within their management. He said due to lack of knowledge in understanding good leadership and governance their overall progress to achieve better outcomes has been negatively affected. Furthermore, that it was a strategic time to reconnect and realign all the different stakeholders’ intent and aspirations with the Memorandum of Agreement and make the association active, so that it can serve its purpose and the interest of the communities and its stakeholders. “Many landowner groups face issues arising from poor governance and with that SMAA plans to have further meetings in the coming weeks with the five different stakeholders included in the MOA to find a set of resolution for the landowners and the company.”

Reunited with Wayne Bennett and feeling fit after niggling injuries ruled him out of England duty, Herbie Farnworth is looking forward to a big year ahead with the Dolphins. As he was put through his paces on his first official day of pre-season training under Bennett, Farnworth looked fit and right at home in his new training kit after a nine-week break since October's grand final. “I came on the Friday did all the testing and all the boys here are really super keen for the year,” Farnworth said. “I'm just glad to be back training.” Signed by Bennett to play for the Broncos as a teenager, Farnworth never got the chance to play under the seven times premiership winning coach but the pair are now back together at the Dolphins. The 23-year-old, who was also formerly part of Manchester United’s junior development system, said he was excited to be learning again from Bennett, no matter which position he plays - be it in the centres or at fullback. “It's really cool, he signed me on my first deal at the Broncos," Farnworth said. "I think it was Wayne's first day as well today … but he was on the field loving it, so it was pretty cool to be back with him. “I'm just happy for wherever Wayne sees me, I'll play. I'm just pretty keen to get back playing and training hard.” [caption id="attachment_48086" align="aligncenter" width="793"] Wayne Bennett overseeing his players at pre-season. ©Rowan Clark / The Dolphins[/caption] With Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow starring at fullback for the Dolphins last season, it’s most likely that Farnworth will remain in the centres, where he has excelled for the Broncos and England. Farnworth said the fresh start was a chance to put last season's grand final loss to Penrith and missing England's Test series against Tonga behind him as he focusses on helping Brisbane's cross-town rivals achieve success. “Oh, it was super tough, obviously anyone who's lost a grand final, it's definitely tough to get over it, especially in the way that we did,” Farnworth said. “But I'm pretty keen just to move on now and start working hard for this club and hopefully can bring something back here in the next year or two. “[This past year] I saw some really good signs early on at this club and we have some good quality older players as well as younger players coming through, so it's all looking very good for this year.” However, Farnworth said there was plenty of work for him to do to improve his game, although he remained tight lipped about exactly what he was focusing on. “I've got a lot of things to improve on; had a little look at last season and stuff I can do better,” Farnworth said. “I won’t share fully because I don't want to give away anything, but it'll be a good year this year. “[I am tough on myself], I am for sure, but I think that's the best way to be really.” Source: NRL.Com

With a surge in HIV/AIDS cases in the country and globally, it is imperative for individuals to undergo testing to they know their HIV status. As of last Friday, the staff and surrounding communities of Tabubil Hospital convened to commemorate World AIDS Day at Tabubil Hospital, highlighting the prevailing global health concern. Endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO), the 2023 World AIDS Day theme, "Let Communities Lead," emphasizes the need for global communities to unite. The theme urges collective action to take ownership by raising awareness, eradicating stigma and discrimination, and motivating individuals within communities to undergo testing. This proactive step allows individuals to be aware of their HIV status and seek early treatment. OK Tedi Mining Limited, Health Services manager, Mr. Raymond Singamis, during his keynote address outlined the importance of the World Aids Day and gave a few facts about HIV/Aids. “According to World Health Organization data, an estimated 39 million people globally are living with HIV, with 9.2 million lacking access to essential medication.” “In Papua New Guinea (PNG), the HIV prevalence stands at around 72 thousand people.” The critical question arises on how this trend can be reversed as Singamis suggests a solution lies in communities taking the lead. By empowering communities to spearhead initiatives, there is hope to reduce the prevalence of HIV and foster a proactive approach to addressing this global health challenge. He further commended the dedicated efforts of the hardworking health professionals at Tabubil hospital and acknowledge their commitment in providing counselling, conducting tests, and offering medication to those currently grappling with HIV/AIDS. Meanwhile, Tabubil hospital Administrator, Ms. Margareth Samei, stressed that the hospital is well-equipped with resources and must take immediate action and expressed that it is imperative that they extend their efforts by conducting awareness campaigns in communities. “Our goal is to not only educate but also empower communities to take the lead and actively contribute to the fight against and minimization of the spread of this virus within our community.” She also appealed to the health professionals at Tabubil Hospital to join hands together and act now and help raise awareness on this global health issue in schools and the communities.

Steamships Trading Company Limited has now partnered with the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany to fund the redevelopment of Vula’a Elementary School in Hula, Central Province. The joint effort will support the implementation of a community-based comprehensive redevelopment plan that includes the construction of a double classroom equipped with new classroom furniture by members of the community. The project funding encompasses the procurement of building materials, freight, and cartage as well as any other project-related costs. This collaborative initiative aims to enhance education infrastructure and community empowerment, fostering a conducive learning and participation environment for all students in the community. Steamships Managing Director, Mr. Rupert Bray, expressed enthusiasm for the project stating that Steamships recognizes the importance of investing in education and infrastructure to empower communities. The investment at Hula, will enable sixty more children to access education services and create a lasting impact in the community. “We are appreciative of the support with the German Embassy in Canberra for this school project and through this partnership, we can aim to achieve more.” In addition, the total project value amounts to K168, 000 with the financial support for micro-projects valued at €25,000 (approximately, K100, 000) and Steamships contribution of K68, 000. Meanwhile, Chargé d’ affaires of the Federal Republic of Germany to Australia, Sigrid Sommer, expressed that by ensuring equal access to quality education, is pivotal in shaping a sustainable future for young minds and their communities. “The German Embassy Canberra is proud to partner with Steamships and the Hula community in this important initiative, which aligns with our long-term commitment to supporting sustainable development in Papua New Guinea.” Moreover, the redevelopment project holds the promise of not only providing essential infrastructure but also fostering a sense of pride and enthusiasm among the students, educators and members of the community that jointly constructed the building. The improved facilities are expected to encourage greater attendance and participation, thereby contributing to a more vibrant and engaging educational experience. In concluding, the German Embassy Canberra and Steamships are committed to the successful execution of this initiative and look forward to witnessing the transformational impact it will have on the Vula'a Rivilina Elementary School and its community.

PNG Human Resource Institute (PNGHRI) recently hosted its 3-day 2023 Annual Conference at the Crowne Hotel in Port Moresby starting with a graduation event for Associate Degree in Human Resource Management and awards recognition. The presentation of awards was given to those to whom PNGHRI have recognized in terms of their dedication, passion and success. The awards given accordingly were corporate awards, top HR graduates, PNG HRI graduates as well as Fellowship Awards. PNG DataCo was among other top performing organizations who received the title for Top State-Owned Enterprise in PNG. Chief Executive Officer, Paul Komboi who received the award thanked his team and extended his gratitude to PNGHRI for the recognition. “This recognition is a testimony of the dedication and perseverance of our team.” “At PNG DataCo, as a telecommunication and IT service provider, we strive to serve communities through our business and technological advancement across PNG.” In addition to this, PNGHRI also presented awards to other organizations including National Fisheries Authority who received an award for top performing statutory authority in PNG, Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) of Papua New Guinea who received top governance and compliance statutory authority in PNG, MVIL who received transformational stated owned enterprise in PNG and PNG Customs and Internal Revenue Commission who both received top performing government organizations. Meanwhile, President of PNGHRI, Jerry Wemin in congratulating all awardees stated that the corporate awards given every year are usually given to those recognized human resource leaders in their organizations that have played a major role in dedicating their service to their organization.

A total of six medical doctors had the privilege to learn a new set of skills as they battle to overcome isolation by setting up HF radio connections for their clinics. Doctor Cinderella Gaso was amongst the group that took part in the two-week course held at the Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) Technologies training center in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province, to learn solar and high frequency radio installation as well as basic troubleshooting of technical issues. She has spent the last nine years working between the remote Kairiku and Goilala districts in Central Province and has faced the issues that many rural hospitals and health centers face which is the lack of communication systems and technical expertise. "Coming here and becoming more hands-on has been beneficial for me because the training bridges many gaps that I've had to face in my nine years of practice.” “I've travelled to many isolated health centers and noticed the main issues faced were lack of communication system, no proper power supply and other technical issues that can be addressed.” She emphasized that training like this is important to them because there is a great need for technical assistance in remote district hospitals in order to keep the facilities operating. “As for many rural hospitals, we do not have the luxury of having technicians, electricians, or even plumbers to care for the medical systems, which is something many rural hospitals lack.” “Such abilities gained from this training are important to us doctors since they will allow us to instruct other medical officers at our rural hospitals to address basic technical issues on our own." Also taking part in the two-week course was, Doctor Micah Misivet, another participant from Warangoi rural hospital in Pomio, East New Britain Province, who expressed how glad he was that the training involved more than just the basics of solar and HF radio systems. “I had no idea there was more to it; I've gained a lot merely understanding the physics of radio and solar systems.” “I now understand why using an HF radio and proper solar systems are more vital while being situated in remote areas.” Meanwhile, MAF Technologies Workshop Manager, Lukas Schadegg, stated that the training, with the rural medicine program of the PNG Society of Rural and Remote Health, was a success because the participants began with the fundamentals of electronics and then had to complete the course of building an HF Radio with solar installations on their own. “With zero experience on HF radio and solar systems, yet they demonstrated an impressive result of successfully completing the installation course.” Lukas further commended the trainees and coordinator, Doctor David Mills for providing them the opportunity to acquire such significant training which is recognized as a way forward in bringing health services to rural areas of PNG. Apart from the medical doctors, other attendees were technical officers from the Eastern Highlands Provincial Health Authority (EHPHA), officers from the New Tribes Mission (NTM), and MAF Technologies’ own radio tech trainees.

A total of K100, 000 from the East New Britain Provincial Government (ENBPG) annual budget will now be allocated to Organizational for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement (OISCA) starting next year 2024. This is one of ENBPG’s obligations after a signed tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) took place between ENBPG, OISCA Japan and OISCA PNG Association Incorporation. The MOA signed last month at the OISCA training center was witnessed by OISCA BOD Chairman Sinai Brown, Acting Provincial Administrator Levi Mano, OISCA international Representatives and the three stakeholder’s senior management team and members. In this revised agreement the parties agree to jointly undertake establishment of cottage industry at OISCA Ecological and Technological (Eco-Tech) training Rabaul branch for processing specifically cocoa, peanut butter, rice and other food such as fruits and nuts. In addition, wood products, textiles, tourism and identified potential markets for investments will also be established to provide training to farming communities. According to the MOA document, some obligation of ENBPA includes assisting in programs on sustainable management to promote and develop institutional sustainable capacity of the institution. The ENBPA’s commitment to improve livelihood of its people, has seen it allocated an annual budget of K100, 000 to the institution as well as provide K400, 000 through the Division of Agriculture and Livestock industry to manage and fund the establishment and operation of cocoa processing plant, rice development and packaging project. Mano made mention that the province has been faced with one of the greatest challenge and that is with the youths and such initiatives like this will help stop them from doing illegal activities. He said OISCA has been here revolving over time and running life skills training and now with this MOA, signifies OSICA to move onto another level. “The spirit OISCA is promoting is good especially with the inclusion of spiritual capacity building and now with the ward focus, OISCA has become a center point in re-filling and re-developing our lives.” “We want to maintain the bridge between OISCA and the government, the government will not do things on their own but need such stakeholders. This is the way forward and we will work together to implement this MOA.” Furthermore, the MOA will also enable training and employment providing students in PNG to go and study or work in Japan, Australia and other developed countries. While the original agreement is acceptable and remains as it is, the parties hereby agree to renew the agreement for three years, beginning this year through to 2026 for OISCA Eco Tech training center Rabaul branch to be the lead agency for cottage industry projects supported.

PNGFM Limited team members today commemorated the World Aids Day that falls on the 1st of December every year marking this year’s theme, ‘Let Communities Lead’. In commemoration of the day itself, the staff had a session led by member of PNGFM’s Occupational Health & Safety Committee (OHSC) and Lead TB Warden, George Kavil who presented the awareness session on HIV/Aids in Papua New Guinea. Both Mr Kavil and his fellow awareness session coordinator on the topic, Mr Jack Manu compiled their presentation after training with the Business 4 Health. The session included discussions based on the difference between HIV and AIDS, its transmission, knowing ways on how to stay safe from the virus as well as knowing the status of someone living with the virus and knowing the various testing sites. Team members learned that in Papua New Guinea, there are many donors in the country who make it accessible for testing at various sites to find out your HIV status. This can then lead to those testing HIV positive, seeking the treatment they need called Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). “ART treatment is important for a person with living with HIV to receive this.” “As long as you are faithful in taking your medication, this suppresses the virus making it less likely for transmission particularly through sexual intercourse.” In addition to this, the session also highlighted the increase of HIV/AIDS throughout the country. Both facilitators stressed the importance of practicing safe sex and to regularly go for testing so that one is aware of your HIV status and to know what possible steps can be taken moving forward. Questions were then taken from the audience and discussions held around the day and the theme. Meanwhile, PNGFM Limited is in the process of finalizing the official workplace HIV & AIDS Policy for team members.