CPL Group is pleased to be able to continue our support to the largest gathering of Medical Professionals in Papua New Guinea, affirming their commitment to Healthcare in Papua New Guinea as the Gold Sponsor of the 2023 Medical Symposium. The Medical Symposium, now in its 57th year, is an annual event hosted by the Medical Society of PNG with support from its partners, including CPL Group. The 5-day event is hosted from the 11th to 15th September 2023 at the Stanley Hotel in Port Moresby, with the theme; ‘A holistic approach to cancer’, which reflects the pressing need to address cancer comprehensively. This sees various health care professionals come together to discuss issues and solutions pertaining to the theme. As part of CPL’s sponsorship, they supported six different sub-specialty meetings, and branded shirts, lanyards, and backpacks towards the event’s 800 plus attendees, adding to a total value of over K100, 000. The donation was presented by CPL Head of Pharmacy, Pradeep Panda to the President of the Medical Society of PNG, Professor Nakapi Tefuarani and the organization’s members. Prof. Tefuarani, as well as members of the MSPNG expressed their gratitude for CPL Group’s contribution, emphasizing that such support is essential in making the event more accessible and engaging for healthcare professionals, researchers, and students. These items will not only serve as valuable resources for the symposium's participants but also as lasting mementos of this critical gathering. CPL Group is represented by the City Pharmacy Medical & Lab Supplies division of the Group, with an expert team of medical experts, lab technicians and sales teams from partner brands such as Fujifilm present throughout the event. Additionally, CPL Group’s involvement in this important event underscores our commitment to advancing healthcare and medical knowledge. By taking the lead in supporting events like the Medical Symposium, City Pharmacy not only contributes to the fight against cancer, but also fosters collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the medical community.

The Grand Papua Hotel in Port Moresby is the proud winner of The World Travel Awards 2023, which recognizes and celebrates the hotel industry worldwide. It is the third year the Grand Papua Hotel has entered the World Travel Awards and are proud to have been awarded; ‘Grand Papua Hotel - Leading Business Hotel – Country Win for Papua New Guinea.’ Hotel General Manager of the Grand Papua Hotel, Vic Namasivayam, stated that this is another prestigious milestone for the Grand Papua Hotel again this year to be recognized as a world class Upscale Hotel, providing a high-end product and services in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The Grand Papua Hotel is situated in Port Moresby’s Central Business District, and offers 161 upscale guest rooms, suites, and residences. The Hotel was built in 2011 and continues to provide a high standard in its products and services for business travelers and corporate guests who want an upscale hotel experience with friendly service. Furthermore, the hotel is currently undergoing a significant upgrade which will secure its position as PNG’s leading business hotel in the years to come; the hotel remains open so all guests can follow its progress. “We continue to take pride in giving our guests reasons for coming back, not only to Grand Papua Hotel, but also to Papua New Guinea and Port Moresby. This award is dedicated to all our employees and guests.” The hotel boasts an upscale setting and guest experience with the Grand Brasserie, 15th Floor by Lal Tamang, Grand Bar, Grand Café, Grand Spa, and the Executive Lounge. Meanwhile, Group General Manger, Coral Sea Hotels, Peter Laigaard Jensen, expressed his gratitude and thanked all staff and management of Grand Papua Hotel who have during the last year gone the extra mile to look after their guests and their safety, and is very pleased to be awarded a best-in-class property.

Margaret Emmanuel has always wanted to be a change maker in her community. That calling came about when she saw people in her local church struggling to read the Bible and that’s when she decided to teach literacy. A teacher by profession with fifteen years experience, Margaret with the support of her family and church, has been volunteering to teach adult literacy classes in her community in Ialibu of Southern Highlands Province for almost two years now. This calling came about when she saw that there was lack of education services in her community and wanted to do something. “People in my church struggled to read the Bible and understand the word of God. Since there were classroom buildings left vacant for many years, I combined the two and saw an opportunity to teach literacy.” In 2022, over a three-month period, Margaret completed a phonics training and a Level one Adult Literacy Teacher Training with the support of the Baptist Union of Papua New Guinea (BUPNG) Church in Kompiam in Enga Province and the Australian Government’s Church Partnership Program. She has now taught three groups, including one combined for students in Grade eight to twelve. This approach has encouraged parents to support their children to further pursue their education and dreams. “Most parents don’t know how to read and write thus find it difficult to support their children.” “For example, they can’t read report cards, so they neglect participating in their children’s learning. Through these literacy classes, parents and children can work together.” The community further supported Margaret's initiative and hopes that there can be positive change when everyone learns how to read. She has also gained recognition as a rising leader in her community and is in her hope to further this adult literacy trainings throughout her District. “I believe that when I change someone, that person will go out and change the community; I want to build that foundation early in the community.” Moreover, through the Australian Government’s Church Partnership Program, church partners such as BUPNG, are delivering adult literacy training programs which are contributing to improving PNG’s literacy rate.

The Sir Brian Bell Foundation continues its work in serving communities throughout the country, focusing mainly on the education and the health sector. Brian Bell Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Cameron Mackellar shared with PNGHAUSBUNG that there are a lot of things that they like to do in connecting with all communities and to help as much as they possibly can to outreach communities that are attached to the locations where they are based. “Over the past six to seven years, the community engagements and donations have amounted to nearly K30 million and we’ve still got lots of things on the drawing board that we love to continue for both health and education programs.” Meanwhile, the Sir Brian Bell Foundation Support Squad is a really important part of the business with the Foundation itself providing financial and resource support to all those community groups, the Support Squad comprised of the foundation’s team members that help the engagement at that local community level. This comes with a community program that the Foundation is currently carrying out and that’s to help the students of Buk Bilong Pikinini especially in terms of helping to fund the publishing of their reading books from the Book Series; ‘When I Grow Up.’ “We love to see all of our squad members come out to help with the children, help with the activities and just be engaged. It also helps the culture of our organization, and it provides that wonderfully thought that we are an organization that loves to give back to Papua New Guinea.” In terms of the health sector, it is the Blood Drive that the foundation has been assisting with for many years now and coordinating in the opportunity around driving an awareness in being able to donate blood. “Nationally, there’s a challenge in most hospitals around the country that they just don’t have enough donation of blood to give so that’s the key drive, in terms of health.” The foundation was established as a legacy to honor the late Sir Brian’s love for PNG and his desire to give back to the country he loved so much. The foundation aims to continue his work improving quality of life in PNG and becoming a catalyst for change for future generations.

Member for Nawaeb District, Theo Pelgen, recently visited Boac Village at Ward 2 of Labuta LLG in Nawaeb district of Morobe Province where he visited a school, a health facility and made presentations. He visited Bibi Primary School and inspected the state of the establishment where the Nawaeb District Development Authority (NDDA) earlier this year had funded a new Teacher’s House for the school and now a teacher is being accommodated. “I have seen firsthand the situation of the school and therefore, will assist in whichever impact project the school can embark on in this term of Government.” In addition to this, he also presented two solar led light kits for the school and upon inspection of the school water supply, said he will reinforce the water supply system for the school. “We will try to get the water piped properly to the school facility for students and teachers to easily access.” He then inspected the Boac Health Centre where he helped in providing medicine and pharmaceutical supply and stated that the NDDA will see to restore proper water and power (solar) system back to the health facility. “I’m told the facility serves over 10, 000 people even in the Finschhafen District and therefore, we will try to get the facility back up to standard to serve the people better.” He also announced that a new sea ambulance will be delivered to the health center to serve patients and health workers. He assured the people that step by step small input from the district will come and will continue over the course of his term. He further stated that more lights will be delivered soon to the village and other wards as well after presenting a solar led light and kit to the local Lutheran Church Parish.

The Broncos are one win away from their first grand final berth in 17 years after a 26-0 shutout of a Storm side left devastated by a serious ankle injury to Ryan Papenhuyzen. Trailing 20-0 with seven minutes remaining at Suncorp Stadium, the Storm had Papenhuyzen taken from the field on a medicab after he came reeling out of a tackle in agony. With Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan providing the muscle and Reece Walsh the magic, the Broncos snapped a 14-game losing run against the Storm to earn themselves a week off. Early mistakes by Nick Meaney and Eli Katoa put the Storm under serious heat and the Broncos capitalised through Kotoni Staggs, who left four defenders in his wake on a powerful charge to the tryline. A perfectly weighted kick by Cameron Munster earned the Storm a repeat set but Adam Reynolds returned serve with a 50-metre line dropout that found the touchline and the Broncos had a scrum feed. [caption id="attachment_45020" align="aligncenter" width="1224"] Kotoni Staggs Try[/caption] With rain falling the ball handling became tougher and the Storm wasted an attacking opportunity when Tui Kamikamkica coughed the ball up five metres out from the Broncos line. A strong hit over the top by Kamikamica on Kurt Capewell forced a Broncos error and the Storm marched downfield and looked to have opened their account through Xavier Coates but replays showed the winger had lost the ball on his way to the ground. The Storm then gifted the home side two points in the 38th minute when Papenhuyzen put a short dropout out on the full and Reynolds knocked the penalty goal over for 8-0. Reynolds then launched an audacious two-point field goal attempt from 47 metres out with seconds remaining on the clock but the kick fell just short. The Storm had an early chance to post points in the second half but a poor grubber by Harry Grant close to the line let Brisbane off the hook. Broncos fullback Walsh then stamped his class on the match when he showed some fancy footwork to evade Young Tonumaipea and carried Munster over the line for his ninth try of the season as the score blew out to 14-0. A penalty against Katoa for late contact on Walsh after a clearing kick invited the Broncos into the red zone again and Walsh put Jordan Riki into a hole for a try that stretched the home side's lead to 20-0. With 14 minutes to go the Storm had another chance to finally post points but Nelson Asofa-Solomona dropped the ball cold to bring the Broncos faithful to their feet in celebration. More drama for the Storm with 10 minutes remaining when Coates limped from field with an ankle injury before Marion Seve and Trent Loiero clashed heads and both left the field for head injury assessments. Papenhuyzen then suffered his injury and left the field on a medicab before Cobbo crossed wide out and Reynolds converted to make it 26-0. Source: NRL.com

Nambawan Super Limited (NSL) is pleased to have had the opportunity to collaborate with the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) in the New Guinea Islands (NGI) Region throughout the month of August. These engagements are a testament to NSL's commitment to improving the accessibility of its services across the Country. The engagements were conducted between the 15th to the 30th of August 2023, with NSL's team setting up informational booths at Police Stations in Kokopo, Rabaul, Arawa, Manus, Kavieng, Buka, and Kerevat. Chief Executive Officer of NSL, Mr. Paul Sayer, remarked, "We thank the Divisional Commander for the NGI Region, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Perou N’dranou and his team for their initiative in collaborating with NSL to ensure their staff in the region had the opportunity to easily access our superannuation services”. “During these engagements, members from the RPNGC had the opportunity to update their details, submit applications, gather information about NSL's superannuation services as well as talk to the Nambawan Savings & Loan Society's team about their short-term savings needs.” Through this initiative, NSL aimed to provide access to and information about their superannuation services to their members of the RPNGC who don’t usually have time to visit their branches as they are often too busy hard at work in the line of duty. Meanwhile, ACP N’dranou sincerely acknowledged the NSL team expressing how blessed they are to have the NSL team organize these engagements with his police officers from NGI. He further added that NSL is bridging the gap by going to their workplace and it shows how NSL is improving its relationship and bringing services to its members. “I would like to encourage all members of the force to learn more about their Super, attend the Financial Literacy programs, have an exit plan before you retire, and start asking questions now that will help you retire with financial security.” Throughout the remainder of the year, NSL will also host Regional Engagement and Awareness Sessions in Kokopo this month, followed by in Lae in October, then in Wewak which will be in November. Sayer explained that these regional engagements are part of the Fund’s ongoing efforts to deliver more information and awareness regarding superannuation, the Fund’s performance, and activities, as well as to improve the accessibility of its products and services for all its 220,000 members across the country. “They allow the Fund to interact and hear firsthand the needs of NSL Members throughout the Country and provide opportunities for NSL’s Senior Management to present on initiatives that the Fund is undertaking to improve Member and Employer services as well as to continue generating strong returns over the long-term”. The Regional engagements will include presentations on important member information and updates on branch and service improvements; customer experience initiatives that aim to improve the member experience across every touch point; branch, contact Call Centre, Employer Relations activities; the importance of member data collection and member uptake of value-added services; and the utilization of Digital Services such as SMS, Mobile App, and other online services.

National Literacy Week kicked off this week as the Minster of Education, Jimmy Uguro officially declared the literacy week open as of Monday the 4th of September at Hoskins Secondary school in West New Britain Province. This saw students, teachers and other working staff of Hoskins Secondary join in this significant event with the aim to promote the importance of literacy in the country. According to Minister Uguro, the literacy program is very important in the country as one of the government’s aim is to make sure that no one is left behind in terms of education. “All children must be educated and with that the education department is now redesigning its system and process to ensure that no child is left behind and that we have less school drop outs in the country.” With the government now paying 100% of the tuition fee subsidy for all schools throughout the country from elementary to secondary as well as paying 100% fee subsidy for all FODE schools, Minister Uguro said this paves a way for all students to learn as much as they can and this starts with literacy. Uguro also added that although the education sector is teaching as many children as they can every day, there are still many illiterate ones out there who have not been reached on time and this not only includes youths and children but also adults and the elderlies. “For any illiterate ones out there, they are not forgotten." "We are working towards making sure that we reach you and this is why our schools, parents and the education department are gearing up for this event on your behalf trying to find a way to reach you lot so that you can be educated too.” Minister Uguro further challenged the Education Department to revisit those areas of the disadvantaged where they don’t have the privilege of receiving education and how they can be trained. He further stated that a plan must be put in place to further the knowledge of literacy and improve the literacy rate in the country. “We want to ensure as part of our plan in the future that there we have literacy coordinators in each of the districts throughout the country." "The role of each district coordinator must know how many illiterate people are there.” “We have developed our fifty-year vision, from 2025-2075 to make sure we maintain and reconstruct the way we do business in terms of education, so this is one sector we need to shape in the future going forward so that we include those that are unfortunate to be fortunate in the near future.” Moreover, Minister Uguro commended all those taking part in this year’s National Literacy Week as well as those provinces who have hosted in the previous years for their contribution towards making a difference in literacy in PNG. He encouraged all students to help make a difference and to help those both young and old who cannot write and who cannot read to help teach them.

They’ve conquered “Everest”, proved themselves to be the NRL’s “Top Guns” and now the Panthers are “Hunting History”. That’s the theme of Penrith’s play-offs campaign as Ivan Cleary’s back-to-back premiers aim to become the first team in the NRL era to win a grand final three-peat. It’s a feat that no club has been able to achieve for 40 years since Jack Gibson took the Eels to successive triumphs in 1981, 1982 and 1983, and would confirm the Panthers as one of the greatest teams in premiership history. Canterbury (1984, 1985), Canberra (1989, 1990), Brisbane (1992, 1993) and Sydney Roosters (2018, 2019) have all been in a position to win a three-peat since Parramatta's trifecta of premierships, but none were able to do so. “You sort of do have it in the back of your mind about a three-peat, but Ivan has got this concept of ‘one in a row’ - just because we won it last year doesn’t mean we deserve anything,” Kangaroos second-rower Liam Martin said. “It's a whole new comp and the next few weeks, we know, are going to be tough and we're going to have to play our best footy, and fingers crossed it will be enough.” However, Martin revealed that the Panthers had developed 'Hunting History' as their 2023 theme during a pre-finals camp on the Gold Coast, along similar lines to the successful 'Everest' and 'Top Gun' campaigns of previous seasons. 'Everest' was the theme of their 2021 premiership, in which Penrith overcame the disappointment of the 2020 grand final loss to ascend to the pinnacle of the NRL by defeating South Sydney in the decider at Suncorp Stadium. Last year’s campaign, in which they attempted to win back-to-back premierships, was inspired by Top Gun: Maverick - the sequel to the 1986 Tom Cruise movie. Players spoke after the 28-12 win against Parramatta about completing “the mission” and mock Top Gun posters with slogans such as ‘one last dog fight’, 'always the hunters', 'brutally suffocating' and 'fast moving' adorned the walls of their dressing room. “I think this year it is just like chasing history,” Martin said. “It probably hasn't been done in the modern era so we are just hunting history at the moment. That's the slogan. “Earlier in the year we didn't want to focus on it too much, we wanted to focus on getting our on the field right and then the year would take care of itself. “But a couple of weeks ago we had a camp and we spoke about it a bit more in depth.” The Panthers have their sights fixed on retaining the Provan-Summons Trophy after beating North Queensland last weekend to win the JJ Giltinan Shield as minor premiers. “That's a very special one as well," Martin said. "It’s the third time in four years so it’s a great honour. "It’s a long year so to be at the top is very special but no-one really remembers the minor premiers, so it won't really count for anything if we don't go on with it." Martin, who forced his way into the Australian team at last year's World Cup, was honoured this week with the NSWRL True Blue award for his performances in this year's Origin series, while Panthers winger Brian To'o won the Brad Fittler Medal. The 26-year-old is regarded as one of the best second-rowers in the game and he has evolved into one of Penrith's forward leaders this season. “I still see myself as a young kid, I still like to muck around with a lot of them and sort of like to have a joke, but I'm certainly starting to grow a lot more in that sort of leadership role," Martin said. "I know when to be serious and have a voice in the meetings and out on the field, and these sort of [representative] honours certainly help with that." Source: NRL.Com

The Sharks have secured home field advantage for Finals Week One after getting past a Raiders side – who played the final 20 minutes a man down following the dismissal of Seb Kris – 24-6 on Sunday. With Cronulla leading 10-6 and the game hanging in the balance, Kris lifted Sione Katoa above the horizonal before the winger was sent head first into the PointsBet Stadium turf, leading to Kris being sent off and effectively ending Canberra's hopes of jumping the Sharks on the ladder. It means the Sharks will host the Roosters next week, while the Raiders face a tough trip to McDonald Jones Stadium to play a Knights side on a nine-game winning run. Having entered Round 27 tied on 32 competition points, the two sides were effectively vying for the right to play at home in the opening week of the post season and for the first hour they delivered a game which had all of the intensity you'd expect from a sudden-death encounter. While they brought contrasting styles to the game – with the Raiders intent on completing at a high rate and then peppering Connor Tracey with bombs, but the Sharks eager to be more adventurous with ball in hand – there was very little between them prior to Kris being marched. Canberra had got off to a dream start when Jordan Rapana jumped high and plucked the ball from above Tracey for the opener. It was a successful captain's challenge – which changed a Jesse Ramien knock on call into a Sharks penalty for a strip – that helped change momentum in the 15th minute, with Ramien crossing on the ensuing set, after Connor Tracey dug into the line and provided the final pass. With two points in it the arm wrestle intensified as both teams completed at a high rate and traded blows through the middle of the park. The Raiders then had several chances to add to their tally before the break, but came up short on each occasion after Rapana and Zac Woolford had claims ruled out by the Bunker and Matt Frawley pinged a field goal attempt off the upright on the last play of the half. After firing a warning shot in the shape of a Nicho Hynes break which was contained, Cronulla hit the front minutes later through interchange forward Jack Williams, with Braydon Trindall's conversion making it 10-6 with 25 to play. With Kris off the field, the Sharks took immediate advantage with tries three minutes apart from Braydon Trindall and Ronaldo Mulitalo, which took them to a 20-6 lead and relieved them of scoreboard pressure. A try to Katoa with eight to play put the icing on the cake for Cronulla in front of their home fans. Source: NRL.Com

BSP is pleased to be supporting nurses across PNG bridge that gap between rural and urban nursing practices through a nursing symposium that is scheduled to take place this month, September. BSP Life PNG Limited (BSP Life) Country Manager, Nilson Singh, announced BSP Life’s support of K15, 000 for the second Port Moresby General Hospital organized ‘Clinical Nursing Symposium’. He said BSP Life is pleased to come onboard as a silver sponsor for the event that would provide an avenue for nurses to discuss realistic recommendations to address the gap between rural and urban nursing practices. “A lot of young people are passing away from lifestyle choices.” “Most of the claims we pay are for ages between 40 to 55 years old where cause of death is due to Cardiac related issues, Cancer and Diabetes. This is quite alarming.” “Through our support, we strongly believe it will significantly improve nursing practices and lead to saving more lives through the knowledge shared amongst nurses at this symposium.” “We want our policyholders to live longer, so they can benefit from our savings life insurance product; the Wantok Delite Product.” PMGH’s second Clinical Nursing Symposium would see close to 400 nurses around the country meet in Port Moresby from the 26th to the 28th of September 2023. BSP Group Chief Financial Officer, Ronesh Dayal, said while BSP’s support maybe small compared to the role nurses play in the health sector in providing patient care, BSP’s Core Values of People and Community align with the work nurses do. “We take the community aspects of our work very seriously. So far we have spent around K3 million this year on our community projects.” “BSP Community Projects focus on areas of education, health and our communities.” “The nurses at Port Moresby General Hospital and their patients at the Maternity Ward were recipients of our Community Project last year where we refurbished two ablution blocks.” Meanwhile, Chairperson of PMGH Clinical Nursing Symposium Organizing Committee, Malinda Darius expressed how grateful they are of BSP Life’s support towards this year’s Symposium. “The donation will help improve our nursing practice per our theme.” “It’s one of the steps that we can take forward to improve the standard of nursing practice in PNG.” Furthermore, BSP Life sells three life insurance products in the market. The Consumer Credit Insurance Product is bundled with BSP’s Unsecured Loan Product. Anyone who takes out an unsecured loan with BSP is covered with life insurance. In the event of their untimely passing, BSP Life pays K5, 000 as funeral benefit while the outstanding loan balance gets paid off by BSP Life. The second product is the Group Term Life Insurance Product. This product is sold to employer-based groups and associations. Death benefit is paid to beneficiaries in the untimely passing of the member(s) of the group and finally, the third product is the Wantok Delite Insurance Product. This is an individual savings and protection insurance product. BSP Life is the only life insurance provider in PNG that sells a savings insurance product.

Inspired by Ryan Papenhuyzen's return to the starting side and a double from electric debutant Sualauvi Faalogo, the Storm overcame the Broncos 32-22 on Thursday night. In what could end up being a preview of what awaits in week one of the post-season – with the two clubs every chance of meeting again next week – the Storm had to come from behind on three separate occasions at Suncorp Stadium and had too much class in the end. With both sides opting to rest the majority of their frontline stars, Papenhuyzen had a huge impact at fullback, running for 135 metres, scoring a try and setting one up, in addition to kicking four from six off the tee. While Papenhuyzen's opposite number Tristian Sailor stole the show from a Brisbane point of view, the Storm also had Faalogo dazzle on debut, with a pair of tries and a handful of big plays that suggest he has plenty to offer at NRL level. The result means the Storm go third for the time being, pending the result of the Dolphins v Warriors game on Saturday, while the Broncos now need the Panthers to lose to the Cowboys in order to claim their first minor premiership since 2000. Early it looked like being a long night for Melbourne, after stand-in Brisbane captain Thomas Flegler and winger Jordan Pereira got over for tries inside the first 15 minutes, which were both converted by Josh Rogers. But the visitors soon settled and ended up in front by the time the break arrived. Grant Anderson's first-half double, which would have been a hat-trick but for a sloppy foot in touch on his way to the line on 21 minutes, helped the visitors claw back to within two, before Faalogo made a commanding statement with one of his first touches in the NRL. After splitting the line, he blitzed clear before linking with Papenhuyzen and re-appearing on the right edge to finish a special try. Down 14-12 at the break, Brisbane started the second period in ideal fashion, with Sailor turning provider for the second time on the night to put Pereira over for his second four-pointer. Another two off the boot of Rogers following a penalty for an escort stretched the gap to six, but a converted try from Papenhuyzen tied things up a short time later. A second penalty goal from Rogers on 58 minutes would end up being Brisbane's final points, with tries to Reimis Smith – who earlier had spent 10 in the bin for a professional foul – and another for Faalogo ending the Broncos' hopes of wrapping up the minor premiership in front of their home fans. Source: NRL.Com