After defying expectations last year with their preliminary finals appearance, the North Queensland Cowboys will have to contend with the unfamiliar feeling of being a hunted team this season. A breakthrough season from their young talents – including Rookie of the Year Jeremiah Nanai – saw the team go within one game of making the grand final, but there is no chance of teams taking the side lightly this year. “We've spoken about that (being hunted), because we played pretty well last year,” star centre Valentine Holmes told media follow his side’s Pre-Season Challenge loss to Brisbane Broncos. “We pretty much have got the same team; we have got a couple new faces to the team who have been really good for us and played well today, and we just played the same way we did last year. “We don't really have to change much.” However, Holmes - who scored a try and kicked three from three conversions in the 20-18 loss - said the side still have plenty of improvement in them and would be able to go to another level, with a few new faces still to get familiar with how the team plays. “If we all stay on the pitch, we'll get to know the way we all play,” Holmes said. “We’ve got a lot of talented edges, Miah, we have got Hessy [Coen Hess] back on our left edge, so once we find out how everyone likes the ball and likes how to play, I feel the sky is the limit for us.” Like Holmes, who was looking to the future, coach Todd Payten was also intent on keeping the focus on getting the most out of his team this year, and wasn’t too concerned with trying to manage the expectations from outside his squad. “From my point of view, last year is done and dusted,” Payten said. “We’ve just got to start again. We didn’t really care about what was said outside of our group (last year) and I don’t think that is going to change. “I am worried about what is said within our own four walls and out on the training pitch.” On his own game, Holmes said there was more he could do to up his game this season as well, with goal-setting a big part of his focus. “I always try and tell myself I'm going be the best centre on the field, no matter who I'm playing against, even with my own teammates, with Pet, I am a competitive person and I want to be the best centre out there on the field, that’s just my goal and I set that for myself. “Defensively, that’s the second thing I focus on … as an edge, myself, Muz [Murray Taulagi] and Tommy [Dearden], we try and be as a solid edge out there and that's something we focused on in pre-season and I think we need to be pretty solid this year." Source: NRL.Com

Deputy Commissioner of Police Special Operation Donald Yamasombi during the Dog Unit Directorate’s first parade said that the Police Dog Unit is a vibrant police operational unit in Papua New Guinea. DCP Yamasombi was accompanied by officers from the Australian Federal Police and the recently appointed Director of the Dog Unit, acting Superintendent Daniel Yangen. He said he was pleased with the turn out of the members of the Dog Unit during the parade he said the Dog Unit Directorate is a special directorate in the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary that has done many good things in many police operations. Yamasombi added, "Going forward, the members must find ways to upgrade the directorate and roll the unit out into other provinces as well where it is not operating at the moment." Currently, there are Dog Unit facilities in Port Moresby and Lae and only a few other towns in the country. "The dogs that are trained by the handlers at the Bomana Dog Unit Base perform different roles." He added, "Some are trained for general policing duties, while others are trained to sniff for drugs and explosives." DCP Yamasombi also challenged the officers to make sure that their dogs are attentive and responsive to their commands. He further added that going forward, there will be more community engagement programs in which the dog unit officers will be conducting awareness among the communities in the city and also participate in road shows with their dogs. Meanwhile, Director for Dog Unit, Superintendent Daniel Yangen Yangen, said he is looking forward to working with the police officers in the directorate and he is looking forward to helping transform the directorate.

Digicel PNG has announced its sponsorship of K100, 000 for the 49th Hiri Moale Festival 2023. Senior Vice President, Ms Lorna McPherson said this is part of Digicel’s continuous support to the Motu Koitabu indigenous people. “Digicel is proud to be a Gold sponsor of the Hiri Moale Festival and we congratulate the Motu Koita Assembly as it prepares to hosts yet another spectacular Hiri Moale Festival.” “Digicel is committed to support the Motu Koita Assembly as it prepares to deliver a successful 2023 Festival”. “Our sponsorship shows our commitment to the Motu-Koitabu people, as the traditional landowners of Port Moresby and we acknowledge its leaders, past, present and future.” Ms McPherson said that the Hiri Moale Festival is a celebration of our people’s rich history and an occasion to inspire the younger generation. She further added that Digicel has worked closely with the Motu Koita Assembly to promote its culture and tradition and to bring out the best in the festival. Meanwhile, Motu Koita Assembly Chairman, Dadi Toka Jnr has thanked Digicel PNG for their continued support saying that the partnership between DIgicel PNG and Motu Koita Assembly has grown from strength to strength, and this is shown by the support they receive each year. The Hiri Moale Festival 2023 will be hosted from March 3rd to the 5th ending with the Hiri Hanenamo Crowning at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium on Sunday 5th March 2023.

Mama Bank was honoured to be part of a significant ceremony this week that took place during the official visitation program of the People's National Congress Party (PNC) Leader and MP, Ialibu-Pangia Peter O’Neill to Alotau. This week 21st Feb,2023, Mama Bank signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Alotau District Development Authority under the leadership of Ricky Morris. A cheque of K200,000 was presented to Mama Bank, Alotau Branch Manager Mr Tony who was there to receive it and make few remarks on behalf of the Bank. The partnership is to promote and drive financial inclusion services in the district. Representing the Bank during the signing and cheque presentation ceremony was Alotau Branch Manager Mr Tony and Team. Other dignitaries presented also were Provincial Governor - Gorden Wesley , DDA Representatives and other important stakeholders. Alotau DDA is now the twelfth (12th)  DDA the bank has signed partnership with to bring financial inclusion services to the people right in the district. We look forward to more of such partnerships with other districts and provincial governments. Mama Bank is committed to provide accessible, affordable and accountable banking services to eighty percent rural and informal population of this country.

Trukai Industries has renewed its two-year sponsorship with the PNG Weightlifting Federation Inc (PNGWF) The two year sponsorship is valued at K120,000 with an annual sponsorship of K60,000 and will go towards supporting their activities for the 2023 and 2024 games calendar. The renewal of this sponsorship reinforces Trukai's dedication in investing in this sporting code. Trukai Industries Limited’s Marketing Manager, Maryanne Tom, said that the company will continue to support sports and athletes in PNG. "We are pleased to renew the sponsorship of the PNG Weightlifting Federation Inc as it signifies our support not only for Weightlifting but also team PNG. Trukai has been a supporter of the PNGFW for over 23 years," said Tom. Through the success of this partnership PNG has seen PNG weightlifting representatives in the likes of Dika Toua and Morea Baru compete at international sporting events such as the Commonwealth Games, Weightlufting World Championships and the Olympics. Morea Baru won a silver medal in the last Commonwealth Games held in Birmingham and both have their eyes set on qualifying for the upcoming World Championship and the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Theodist Thunders swayed past Kina Bank 9-8 to register a grand final spot in the Private Corporate Netball Competition last Sunday at the Rita Flynn Outdoor Courts. Goal attack and skipper Bella Stevens played an inspiring role in raking up 9 points under the ring to help her side triumph over Kina Bank. The match was a closely contested affair, with both sides going into halftime with Kina bank leading the scores at 5-4. However, the second half saw Theodist Thunders' skipper and goal attack, Bella Stevens, take charge, scoring 5 goals to lead her team to victory. Stevens was aided by a solid defensive performance from Gia Kopi and Varo Wavuri, who reduced Kina Bank's scoring opportunities. “We committed to play and were happy to get the results we wanted. Our goal defenders, Gia Kopi and Varo Wavuri guarded the ring firmly and maintained a strong defensive composure, putting Kina Bank shooters under pressure,” Stevens said. Theodist capitalized on their few turnovers and quickly converted them into points through Stevens to seal the victory. “To be honest one player cannot make a difference on the court so I must give credit to all the players for a great team effort,” Skipper Bella added. With this win, Theodist Thunders have now advanced to face Pacific Industries (Pepsi) in the finals. The grand final winner of this division will be elevated to compete in the premier division next season

Air Niugini as part of its re-fleeting exercise is progressing its review of available options to ensure the airline secures a competitive and sustainable solution for its PNG domestic and regional network. The airline’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Bruce Alabaster said this when welcoming the team from Embraer who have flown in the latest E195 E2 regional jet into Port Moresby today for a demonstration flight. Mr Alabaster said “With Air Niugini returning to normal operations after COVID and mindful of the need to future proof our operations, we’re looking at options to replace the present Fokker fleet” “Air Niugini is looking to invest in replacement aircraft with latest state-of-the-art technology, enhanced fuel efficiency and additional safety features to serve our domestic and regional short haul markets and we’re happy to have Embraer back in Port Moresby to display their product.” Mr Alabaster said The E195 E2 aircraft is a new technology solution, offering lower fuel burn and reduced maintenance costs along with good range, sound economics and increased passenger comfort. Embraer’s E195-E2 demonstrator, featuring an eye catching “Tech Lion” livery and configured with 116 seats, last made an appearance in Port Moresby in July 2019, and since then, the aircraft type has entered service with airlines such as KLM and Helvetic Airways in Europe and Porter Airlines based in Canada. The E195-E2 is one of a number of aircraft options that Air Niugini is considering as potential replacements for the Fokker fleet as part of its narrow-body regional jet re-fleeting project.

We are now in the recovery of the pandemic response, it is undeniable that the experience of COVID-19 to Papua New Guinea, has created a firm understanding of gaps within the national health system that can be better managed, to create resilient health systems in the future. These are several key elements that allow for the better management of health systems; however, one that is Command Control, based on the experience learned throughout COVID 19. To achieve Command Control, the Joint Agency task force at the National Control Centre was established on 24th March 2020, with the assistance of government agencies and partners- a fundamental strategy to have in managing a country's disasters  or pandemic with the leadership of the pandemic controller- David Manning. The 'Niupela Pasin', being implemented  and rolled out as a New Normal Strategy was similarly a good outcome from the pandemic that greatly complemented command control and  compliance to the measures and directives given out by the controller. Speaking at the Resilient Health Systems Workshop recently in Port Moresby, was Dr Daoni Esorom, Deputy Controller of the National Control Centre of COVID 19 and Executive Director to the COVID 19 Vaccine taskforce, who shared challenges achievements and experiences learned through COVID 19 that could be practical solutions to some of PNG's life-threatening diseases. " COVID 19 gave us the opportunity to be realistic about our approaches to managing some of our ongoing health management issues and challenges", said Dr Daoni Esorom. He added, " Some of our airborne diseases such as Tuberculosis (TB) can be better managed similar to ow we managed and controlled the spread of COVID 19 through effective quarantining and isolation and their contacts. Dr Daoni Esorom further stated that it is through the sharing of the experiences and learning among Health Care Workers, international partners, the National Control Centre and the National Department of Health (NDoH) that resilient health systems can be effectively developed to safeguard PNG's economy from any future pandemic or disaster. COVID 19 has created a solution to some of its challenges through the establishment of the Ministerial Vaccine Taskforce with the introduction of COVID 19 Vaccines. Vaccines can help prevent hospitalization, severe illness and death. It is important to continue communicating to people and vulnerable groups the risks of COVID-19 and to be fully vaccinated. The uptake of COVID vaccination is the best way to ensure the protection of one's health and that of their families.

Alang Vinnie Issac is the younger sister of the famous PNG singing sensation Honlly Issac from the Jokema Band. Alang Vinnie followed the path of her brother ringing bells with her melodic voice and winning the Digicel Stars contest back in 2012. She continues to be an entertaining singer today and maintains her love for singing on stage. Apart from her stage presence, she has a rising talent of flaunting the fashion parade boardwalks in PNG and overseas modeling. Alang Vinnie Isaac now takes up new career in a man dominated role in the sport of AFL PNG, back home in Lae City as the new President of Lae AFL Association. Last weekend saw her first official duty conclude with the successful pre-season grand final of Lae AFL season 2023. Ms Isaac is no stranger to the sport of AFL having played for the PNG Flames at the AFL International Cup in Sydney and Melbourne. She was selected into the open woman’s World Team as center half forward (CHF) in 2011. “I feel empowered to be the president for Lae AFL Association,” Ms Isaac said. Into her 30s, Ms Isaac is driven by the quality that humans posses and to collaborate with different human beings can be challenging but rewarding to see change in human development. “What drives me as a woman is human quality,” Isaac said. She is the first women AFL President in Lae and Papua New Guinea, and as a Morobean, is proud to embrace a piece of history that AFL was first played in Lae by big name Victorian Football league players when it was first introduced to PNG in 1944. She added that as President of AFL Lae, she wants to take ownership of that and celebrate AFL heritage in Lae through promoting healthy lifestyle and developing young AFL ambassadors. Ms Isaac confirmed that the Lae AFL seniors pre-season finals ended on a high note last weekend with guidance from a strong game's committee and assistance from AFL Development in Lae working side by side. She said proper season starts in two weeks’ time and is urging stronger engagement with the existing five clubs in the competition. “We hope to get more engagements with sponsors for our five existing teams including Cobras, Swans, Tigers, Crows and Bombers. Ms Isaac said these teams are made up of school students who are eager to play quality footy that they have as well put together a young Lae AFL Association Executives to lead as Vice President in Freeman Keno, Secretary Joyce Mettakaisava (PNG Flames) and Treasurer-Kepas Matrus (PNG Binatang). “Team Lae will work with one goal to revive the code through unity and discipline,” Isaac said.

The announcement was made yesterday when a cheque was presented by the Company's Executive Director, Patrick Labongis, to the New Ireland Rugby League Union (NIRFU) Present, Charlie Melachon and his tournament affiliates on Lihir Island. Melachon in thanking Anitua Ltd for taking up the naming rights sponsorship, described the support as a milestone partnership between the landowner company and the NIRFU. "The partnership is significant as it reiterates Anitua Ltd as a truly 100% landowner company , supporting not only the people of Lihir but also New Ireland." "This commitment will also go a long way to support our youth as well the development of rugby league union on Lihir, New Ireland and Papua New Guinea as a whole. "This is the start of a partnership that will evolve to bigger results in the future but for a start, it is with so much anticipation that we acknowledge Anitua Ltd for its commitment as this tournament is its first in Lihir ," he said. Labongis when presenting the cheque to the NIRFU, said the commitment is in the line with Anitua's vision to create sustainable opportunities for future Lihirians, as guided by the Lihir Destiny. " The future of Lihir lies in the youth. Sports as we know, is a tool to drive positive change in the communities," he said. "The tournament is a great way to support our young people so they can develop all aspects of their life. This is one of many community initiatives Anitua Ltd will support this year." The company hopes to use sports as a platform top encourage its values, which includes respect, accountability, integrity and One Team. The Anitua Lihir 7s tournament will see will a total of 18 clubs competing for K15,000 as the top prize. The tournament will be staged from Friday 24th Feb to Saturday 25th Feb. The NIRFU will host the  tournament at the Londolovit Sports Field, Lihir.

In 2022, there were about 63, 000 students enrolled to study at Flexible Open and Distance Education centers around Papua New Guinea. FODE principal, Mr Anthony Rayappan said that this year, they have seen a 10% increase in enrolment. “I am unable to give an actual figure as registrations are still on at this time.” “Registration closes on the 1st of March, 2023.” Mr Rayappan said that more and more people are now enrolling at FODE now that they know you can attain the same certificates as those that complete their education in normal schools. "People that haven’t completed their formal education can do so through FODE." "FODE offers full time correspondence for students from Grade 7 through to Grade 12. Students who want to upgrade their marks for Grade 10 and Grade 12 can also do so at FODE centers." He said that initially students were asked to pay K100 registration fees however, as of the 20th of February, 2023 students register for free and for full correspondence students, they won’t be paying any fees. "Their fees are included in the Government Tuition Fee Subsidy. A fee of K150 per subject is charged for students that wish to upgrade their marks." Mr Rayappan added that they will be piloting the new online Learning system for FODE starting with NCD and central next month for people that have access to smartphones and reliable internet service. "Students that enrol for online learning will be able to receive their lessons, submit their work and have teacher-student interactions online. Fees for online learning will be same." "This will be rolled out for the rest of the provinces by next year."

ExxonMobil PNG and LiteHaus International have partnered to connect young Papua New Guineans through digital learning in schools across PNG LNG Project areas. Following the successful rollout of the program in Hela Province, digital support will be provided to 18 schools in Central Province. In officially announcing the partnership at Papa Junior High School, Justin Cloutier, ExxonMobil PNG’s LNG Plant Asset Manager, said the partnership with LiteHaus International has enabled many schools to receive computers. “In three short years since we partnered with LiteHaus International, we’ve supported the digital learning needs for more than 13,000 students and teachers in Hela Province. “This is important because we want to see more young, bright, and hardworking students from across the project impact areas come and work at the PNG LNG Project after graduating from university or college. That is our dream,” he concluded. Jack Growden, LiteHaus International Founder and Chief Executive Officer said the partnership with ExxonMobil PNG has made education accessible. “The profound support LiteHaus International has received from ExxonMobil PNG has enabled us to reach more remote parts of the country. “A quality education can only be a digital education in today’s world. LiteHaus International is on a mission to ensure that every school in the country can offer a quality digital learning experience to its students,” he said. ExxonMobil PNG’s ongoing investment to education across schools neighbouring the PNG LNG Plant site, has also included the construction of staff houses and double classrooms, along with the provision of white and brown goods.