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Following a critical shortage on respiratory equipment at Angau Memorial Provincial Hospital in Morobe province, patients with breathing difficulties can now receive the lifesaving assistance following the arrival of 36 portable ventilators. The new machines will be deployed in areas where patients are most likely to need urgent respiratory support, including the emergency department, intensive care unit, nursery, and acute medical and surgical wards.Designed for patients who cannot breathe sufficiently without assistance, Morobe Provincial Health Authority Director of Medical Services Dr. Steven James said the equipment would give clinical teams greater capacity to care for seriously ill patients.Dr. James said some of the equipment could also be made available to district hospitals when required, thus this would allow health workers to provide emergency breathing support outside of Lae as well.However, these new machines also bring a responsibility to protect the investment. Dr. James stated that staff needed to understand how to operate the ventilators, while servicing and maintenance would be essential to keeping them in working condition.“The person using the machine must understand how to operate it properly.”The ventilators were provided by the Australian Government and are valued at about K1.8 million.Meanwhile, Australian Consul-General to Momase Brenton Kanowski, said the equipment would strengthen the ability of Angau staff to save lives. The ventilators were sourced through Australian charity Save Our Supplies in Brisbane and transported to Papua New Guinea on an Australian Navy ship.He added that Australia’s support for health services in Morobe extends beyond the equipment, with further redevelopment of Angau hospital planned.For Angau, the challenge now is to put the ventilators into service and ensure they remain available when the next critically ill patient needs help to breathe.

Trukai Industries has signed rising rugby league player Cooper Bai as its new Brand Ambassador under a two-year partnership.Bai, who comes from a strong rugby league background, is being positioned by the company as part of the next generation of Papua New Guinean sporting talent.Trukai Industries General Manager for Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands Andrew Grace, said Bai’s passion, commitment and dedication to rugby league aligned with the values of the Trukai brand.“Cooper represents the next generation of rugby league talent, inspiring young Papua New Guineans through his passion and commitment to the game.”Trukai is also proud to celebrate the legacy embodied by his father, Marcus Bai, whose career and values of resilience, discipline, and excellence has continued to inspire young athletes.The company said the partnership reflects its broader focus on supporting Papua New Guineans through its products, healthy living and community development.Through his role as Brand Ambassador, Cooper Bai will help promote the Trukai brand and connect with consumers, particularly young Papua New Guineans.Trukai expressed that this partnership forms part of its strategy to strengthen its brands and community presence while continuing to position itself as a leading food company in Papua New Guinea.

Peter Cullen, a prolific voice actor who enlivened scores of TV series, specials and movies, including Optimus Prime in the syndicated 1984 series “Transformers” and Eeyore in the Winnie the Pooh cartoon franchise, has died. He was 85.His agent, Kevin Motley, said Cullen died Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles. “His family asks that you honor his remarkable legacy by serving your communities and leading others with compassion, integrity, and loyalty and always remember 'be strong enough to be gentle,'" said a family statement.Cullen's career spanned from being an announcer at the groundbreaking late-1960s comedy and variety series “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” and joining comedy sketches for Sonny & Cher to voice acting in “The Smurfs” and multiple G.I. Joe iterations. But he struck a nerve as Optimus Prime.While the original cartoon ran just a few years, it left an indelible mark on pop culture, with a toy line, spinoff cartoon series and comics produced over the next two decades. That culminated in the launch of a multibillion-dollar, live-action film franchise in 2007 by Michael Bay.Before his audition, Cullen only knew that he would be reading for the part of a truck, though giving voice to a vehicle didn’t seem that crazy. “You’re always auditioning for something in animation that’s a little off of the norm,” Cullen told the AP in 2019.When Cullen read about the heroic Autobot leader that turned into a red cabover semitrailer, he thought about his older brother, who had served as a U.S. Marine in the Vietnam War.“He was my hero, and he certainly was the mainstay behind the character,” Cullen said. “I just did an impression of Larry, and he’s still alive in my mind today because every time I do Prime, there’s my brother Larry.”Cullen’s authoritative baritone as Optimus Prime also appeared in 2009's “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” through “Dark of the Moon,” “Age of Extinction,” “The Last Knight,” “Bumblebee” and "Rise of the Beasts” in 2023.His thoughtful, almost operatic lines would be quoted for decades by kids and adults alike: “I am Optimus Prime, and I send this message to any surviving Autobots taking refuge among the stars: We are here. We are waiting,” he said in the first movie. In another, he intoned: “Fate rarely calls upon us at a moment of our choosing.”Other highlights from Cullen's prolific career include voicing Eeyore across various “Winnie-the-Pooh” projects, including Disney’s “The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh” TV series that aired from 1988-91, as well as voicing the villainous KARR opposite KITT in the 1980s NBC series “Knight Rider,” and lending his pipes to King Kong in the Jeff Bridges-led “King Kong” remake in 1976.“Optimus is my favorite character because it’s been so well received and it’s had such an effect on so many people,” Cullen told The New York Times in 2008. “Because of that, I hold it closer than any other character I’ve done — outside of maybe Eeyore, who’s had a considerable effect on younger children too."One of Cullen's strangest jobs had no words at all: He provided the clicking sounds for the main alien creature in “Predator,” which he said he based on the sounds of a dying horseshoe crab.Cullen received a lifetime achievement award at the Children’s & Family Emmy Awards in 2023 and was nominated for a Daytime Emmy for voicing Optimus Prime in 2011.Cullen would attend conventions around the country to meet with fans from multiple generations, often getting teary. He said parents sometimes got more excited than their children meeting him.“I expect that I will run into a father with his son, and the father will more than likely get choked up,” Cullen said before MegaCon Orlando in 2019. “And then I get choked up, and then the kid is saying ‘What are these two grown men getting choked up about?’ ”Source: ABC News

Chinese Ambassador to Papua New Guinea Yang Xiaoguang has urged the 2026 Chinese Government and Military Scholarship recipients to use their education and skills to contribute to Papua New Guinea’s development.Ambassador Yang made the call on August 25 at a pre-departure reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy for PNG students preparing to study in China.About 60 people attended the event, including officials from the Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council, the Department of Higher Education, the Department of Defence, scholarship recipients, alumni studying in China, and journalists.Ambassador Yang highlighted China’s development under the leadership of the Communist Party of China and the cooperation between China and PNG in education and other areas.He encouraged the students to make the most of the opportunity by studying hard and developing skills that could contribute to PNG’s development and strengthen cooperation between the two countries.Representing the Minister for Higher Education, Deputy Secretary Leah Margis thanked the Chinese government for its long-term support for education and other areas of PNG’s development.Margis encouraged the scholarship recipients to respect Chinese culture, study hard and serve as ambassadors for PNG during their time in China.Scholarship recipients and alumni also shared their experiences and expressed their appreciation for the Chinese government’s support.

The Teaching Service Commission (TSC) has warned students, parents, and communities across Papua New Guinea to respect and protect teachers following the recent attack on the headmaster of Morobe Technical High School.TSC Acting Chairman Maini Mike Ugaia described the assault as a serious criminal matter and said police would deal with those responsible.The Commission views the attack as part of a concerning trend of violence against teachers who are serving their communities.Mr. Ugaia has directed the TSC Advisor for Morobe Province to visit the school immediately and provide a comprehensive report on the situation and its impact on the school.He said the Commission would no longer tolerate the victimization of teachers and stressed that disputes within schools must be addressed through proper institutional channels rather than violence.Mr. Ugaia also warned that continued attacks on teachers could result in the TSC withdrawing teaching staff from affected schools.“Teachers provide a vital service to the development of our children and our country, and their safety cannot be compromised.”He also called on local community leaders, ward members, and peace officers to intervene early and resolve local conflicts before they escalate into violence against

Central Province’s small businesses were encouraged to take advantage of a major sales and promotional opportunity at the Central Music, Arts, and Culture Festival in Bereina next month.With the three-day festival coming soon, organizers already delivered information through various channels on Central SMEs, farmers, artisans, women’s groups, and other local entrepreneurs to secure stalls and showcase their products to thousands of expected visitors prior to closing date on August 28th (today).The festival will be held from September 11th to the 13th in Bereina, Kairuku District, and is expanding beyond entertainment to create opportunities for communities and businesses to benefit from the event.Chairman of the Central Music, Arts, and Culture Festival and Deputy Provincial Administrator for Social Services Phillip Alu, said peaceful celebrations would create opportunities for local vendors, small businesses, tourism operators, and young artists.He said the festival would bring together singers, dancers, artisans, and communities from across Central province.In the weeks leading up to registration deadline, vendor registration fees were set at K50 per day for SMEs, while corporate stalls cost K500 per day.The event is expected to attract visitors from outside the province, giving local businesses a wider customer base and an opportunity to increase awareness of their products.The festival previously attracted more than 25 thousand people over three days when it was held in Kwikila in 2024.For local entrepreneurs, the festival is being positioned not just as a weekend of entertainment, but as a chance to put their businesses in front of a large audience and turn increased visitor traffic into sales.

Police are currently investigating a significant incident of vandalism and arson that occurred on the night of August 25, resulting in substantial damage to the Palmalmal Secondary School’s administration facilities and library.East New Britain’s Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Chief Superintendent Amanda Kates, revealed to PNG HAUSBUNG that the incident began at approximately 9:00PM on Monday August 24, when a large group of youths identified as current students and former students of Palmalmal Secondary school, forcefully breached the school’s Administration office.Upon gaining entry, the group proceeded to inflict extensive damage to the office premises and destroyed multiple computer systems housed within.Following the destruction of the administration wing, the group exited the building and targeted school property located outside. They smashed the windscreen of a school truck and caused extensive damages to the vehicle.The situation escalated severely when the group moved to the school library.Witnesses report that the individuals intentionally set fire to the structure, resulting in the complete destruction of the library and its contents.PPC Kates said, to date, police are questioning 11 adult males, aged between 18 and 22 years, as well as one 17-year-old juvenile. These individuals are currently cooperating with police inquiries.In the initial reports received, it is alleged that it was an act of retaliation from a couple of students who were expelled by the school following their involvement in a serious offence that is against the school’s rules and policies.While no arrests have been made at this initial stage, police sources indicate that arrests are highly likely in the immediate future as investigations continue.Police have reminded the public that such acts of vandalism and arson carry severe criminal penalties. They encourage community members to assist in the identification of the perpetrators.

West New Britain province (WNBP) has officially launched its Youth Online Registration platform to establish a comprehensive provincial database of disengaged and out-of-school youths.By capturing essential details such as living locations, educational backgrounds, existing skills, and personal interests, the initiative strengthens coordination between the West New Britain Provincial Government, the National Youth Development Authority (NYDA), and District Development Authorities (DDAs).This data-driven approach links Local-Level Government (LLG) units to the provincial tier, enabling public agencies to directly connect young people to local opportunities in agriculture, fisheries, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), sports, leadership, and tourism.The strategy stems from a 2024 ministerial directive that led to the creation of the National Youth Engagement Strategy (NYES), which was formally endorsed by the National Executive Council in April 2025.NYDA Director General Joe Itaki explained that the strategy mandates working directly with provinces and District Development Authorities to execute joint implementation plans, creating sustainable community pathways for out-of-school youth.At the launch event, which brought together key national and provincial stakeholders including officials from the Department of National Planning and Monitoring, Division of Community Development Executive Manager (Social Sector) Philbert Vitata highlighted the database’s role as a tool for inclusion that gives disengaged youth a formal record and a clear pathway into mainstream development.Leaders at the launch emphasized both the personal and strategic significance of the initiative.Reflecting on his own upbringing in a single-parent home in Lae City and his journey through church programs and Flexible, Open and Distance Education (FODE), Minister for Youth, Religion and Community Development Jason Peter shared his personal connection to the cause.“I know the challenges of youth because I was once a young person growing up in a single home in Lae City.”“Through church programmes, I was able to turn my life around and pursue my education through second-chance institutions like FODE.”Minister Peter urged young people to take active control of their futures through these new pathways, adding that lasting success comes when God remains at the center of their lives.Meanwhile, Governor of West New Britain, Sasindran Muthuvel, reinforced the broader civic importance of empowering the region's youth, noting that disengaged youths, or out of school youths are increasingly not only the leaders of tomorrow, but they are also an important part of the leadership today.

The Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) have completed a joint training in Port Moresby, strengthening capability, interoperability, and cooperation under the PNG-Australia alliance.The activity brought together the 1st Royal Pacific Islands Regiment (1RPIR) and the ADF’s visiting 2nd Cavalry Regiment.Soldiers trained using the up armoured Land Cruisers gifted to the PNGDF by Australia in late 2025.The exercise tested skills developed during earlier training activities this year.In a realistic scenario, personnel conducted a convoy escort mission and responded to a simulated attack using the up-armoured vehicles.The training also helps the PNGDF further develop their motorized infantry capabilities ahead of the Papua New Guinea component of Exercise Wantok Warrior in October.Commanding Officer of 1st Battalion, Royal Pacific Islands Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Eddie Jarope, said the activity demonstrated the progress PNGDF is making in developing new capabilities.“Today’s activity demonstrates the progress 1RPIR is making towards developing a credible motorized infantry capability,” LTCOL Jarope said.“The Up Armoured SUV is not simply a vehicle. It is a capability that, when integrated with our infantry, will enhance our mobility, flexibility and ability to operate across challenging terrain.”“The training is an important step towards validating that capability.”Meanwhile, Officer Commanding the visiting ADF team, Major Ben Sheppard, said the activity reflected the value of the long-standing partnership between the PNGDF and ADF.“Today's training was really encouraging. We saw weeks of training with Charlie Company, 1RPIR, come together to ensure a tactical task was executed to a great standard,” MAJ Sheppard said.“What was equally pleasing was the integration of the Up Armoured SUV, which demonstrates that the capability is maturing towards operational employment.”“The work of the Mobile Training Team reflects, at the tactical level, the implementation of Australia and PNG's growing strategic partnership and alliance framework.”“It has been a privilege to work alongside PNGDF soldiers and contribute to their ongoing capability development.”The activity highlights the PNG-Australia Defence Alliance in action, supporting a capable, professional and modern PNGDF while strengthening the enduring alliance between the two countries.

The Ok Tedi Development Foundation (OTDF) Board announced the appointment of Mr. Andrew Mari as the organization’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).OTDF Board Chairman Jesse Pile said the Board unanimously endorsed Mr. Mari’s appointment in recognition of his outstanding leadership, extensive experience, and commitment to sustainable community development.Mr. Mari has been serving in leadership positions within OTDF for several years and previously acted as CEO from November 2024 to March 2026.During this period, he made significant contributions towards strengthening corporate governance and enhancing the financial stewardship of Community Mine Continuation Agreement (CMCA) future generation funds.“Andrew has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to OTDF’s mission of improving the lives of communities in Western Province.”“His passion for agribusiness, sustainability, and social empowerment closely aligns with OTDF’s charitable purpose and long-term development goals.”Mr. Mari began his professional career with Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) in 2008 as a Graduate Development Scheme (GDS) trainee.He was appointed Community Relations Officer in 2010 and subsequently promoted to Superintendent responsible for Community Relations Operations in Kiunga.Following his departure from OTML in 2016 to pursue postgraduate studies, Mr. Mari joined OTDF in 2019 as Coordinator Sustainable Development.Since then, he has held several senior leadership roles, including:Superintendent Community Relations Kiunga, OTMLCoordinator Sustainable Development, OTDFManager Program Services & Sustainable Development, OTDFExecutive Manager Program Services, OTDFActing Chief Executive Officer, OTDFMr. Mari holds a Master of Agri Commerce from Massey University, New Zealand, and a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with Merit from the PNG University of Technology.He is a Certified Practicing Agriculturist (CPA), a member of the Ag Institute Australia and a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD).He is currently undertaking a Master of Business Administration at Divine Word University and is expected to complete the program at the end of 2026.As CEO, Mr. Mari aims to continue in this part to advance OTDF’s strategic priorities, focusing on sustainable livelihoods, community development, governance excellence, and long-term social and economic outcomes for CMCA communities.The OTDF Board congratulated Mr. Mari on his appointment and looks forward to supporting him in his new leadership role.

The Papua New Guinea (PNG) Agriculture and Trade Festival in Goroka in the Eastern Highlands province, is set to be bigger with a good number of participants already registered to attend this year.  The event is hosted by the Highlands Farmers and Settlers Association (FSA) and has already over 40 corporate and government agencies and associations secured their participation and exhibitions.Some prominent industry exhibitions are New Guinea Fruit, Chemica, Farmset, Agmark, Brian Bell, Rumion Farms, Agmark Machinery, Trukai, Homestate, Mainland Holdings, ICI Dulux. The President of the Highlands FSA, Mr. Wilson Thompson, said there will be displays from Poultry Industry Association, Farmers and Settlers Association and SME displays under Department of Agriculture and Livestock. “We also have key government agencies such as DAL, NARI, Small Medium Enterprise Corporation, National Trade Office, Department of International Trade and Investment, National Institute of Standards and Industrial Technology, Spice Board, KIK, Investment Promotion Authority and others that deal with business and support to the agriculture sector.”“We also target our youths and so displays from EH Division of Education, Goroka Technical College, University of Goroka, National Research Institute, Air Niugini and also featuring the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), BSP and MiBank on financial literacy and awareness that complement the full agencies from the Ministries of Commerce, Trade and Industry and Investment.”The event will be hosted at the Show grounds at the National Sports Institute (NSI) at Goroka and it is aimed to celebrate, showcase and promote the agriculture sector. It will not host singsing groups, string bands and music shows but all activities geared towards information, awareness and education. “We will have other events such as races and fun events associated with the focus on agriculture.” The gate fee is K1 for children under 12 and K2 for everyone. Also, 2, 500 free tickets will be issued to selected schools in all Districts in EHP every day. This event also celebrates the 70th Anniversary of the Farmers and Settlers Association, with its Charter formally adopted in 1956. The PNG Agriculture and Trade Festival will commence tomorrow, Friday 28th August and ending on Sunday 30th August.

The Teaching Service Commission (TSC) Acting Chairman, Maini Mike Ugaia, has condemned the physical assault of a National Capital District (NCD) teacher, who stated that administrative delays and neglect contributed to the incident.Mr. Ugaia said the matter stemmed from the failure of NCD Education authorities to act on a TSC directive issued in January to reinstate displaced teachers to their rightful positions.While most affected teachers were reinstated, one teacher’s case was not addressed, resulting in his payroll suspension and loss of income since April.The TSC said the teacher’s case remained unresolved for more than seven months, causing severe financial hardship and leading to a confrontation with the NCD First Assistant Secretary (FAS).A video circulating on social media shows the NCD FAS punching the teacher during the altercation.The Commission also confirmed receiving reports that the teacher had threatened the FAS before the physical confrontation.“While threatening a public official is entirely wrong, leaders must report such behaviour to the appropriate law enforcement authorities rather than resorting to personal violence.”Mr. Ugaia stressed that TSC directives must be applied fairly and consistently to all teachers.“When the TSC issues an official instruction to reinstate teachers, it must be applied fairly to everyone without exception.”He also expressed displeasure over the unfairness demonstrated, and said administrative processes must not be used to neglect or punish individual teachers.Meanwhile, the TSC Advisor for NCD has been instructed to immediately secure a vacant position for the affected teacher so he can return to the payroll.The Commission has also warned the National Education Board and Provincial Education Boards that selective compliance with TSC directives will no longer be tolerated.Furthermore, Mr. Ugaia said all provinces must establish independent disciplinary committees to ensure teacher conduct issues are handled through proper legal processes rather than through unfair displacement of staff.