The Papua New Guinea National Museum and Art Gallery (NMAG) recently held a fundraiser to support its maintenance, where the vision for its future was revealed to the public.The NMAG Board Trustee President, Mr. Terence Moka said going forward, the National Museum must innovate through technology so to better preserve the history and cultures of Papua New Guinea in the artifacts and stories that it holds. “As we continue to celebrate our 50th independence anniversary right through to 2026, we also take this moment to look ahead for the National Museum and Art Gallery, for the next 50 years,” said the president. “We want to do it on innovation and technology. We want to ensure that we continue preserving and protecting our cultural heritage and history for future generations.” “This is our time to modernize, to strengthen the role of the National Museum and Art Gallery as a living institution that will tell stories into the future. One that connects our past, inspire our future and shape the future of Papua New Guinea.” Hence, the recent fundraiser was important to ensure that goal is achieved going forward. The fundraiser raised close to half a million kina. Mr. Moka thanked NMAG Legacy Champions, who donated large amounts to funds to the cause. They are Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC), Paga Hill Estate, and New Porgera Limited (NPL). He also thanked Friends of the Museum for their outstanding support in organizing the whole fundraiser that was help last Friday in Port Moresby city.

The inaugural Friends of the Museum (FOM) Gala Night fundraiser, held last night in Port Moresby city, has raised quite a significant amount of money to go towards the maintenance of the National Museum in order to continue preserving Papua New Guinea's rich cultural heritage.Chair of the Friends of the Museum, Ms. Sylvia Pascoe said the National Museum plays an important part of holding the ancient and modern history of every man and women in Papua New Guinea, through the artifacts, the stories behind them, tells of a thousand people of ancient cultures weaved in one modern country. As such, Ms. Pascoe said the support from the government and corporate PNG is vital to helping preserve the cultural identities of the people. She said the FOM work is to engage the various sectors to support a good cause. “Friends of the Museum now exist to bridge that gap between the friends and corporate PNG and with everyday Papua New Guineans near and far,” said Ms. Pascoe. “Many of you have the resources to make a difference, we’re simply offering the pathways.” “Thanks to you, we have raised almost half a million kina,” she said. The priority of the maintenance is the massive air-conditioning system in the museum, which is over 50 years old, and in need of a replacement. This is important in that many of the cultural artifacts and certain animal specimens kept at the National Museum require the right room temperature to preserve their properties. Meanwhile, the Defence Minister Dr. Billy Joseph, who was quest of honor at the event representing the tourism minister, who had other engagements, acknowledged the importance of the museum and the work the team is doing to improve the facilities. In his speech, he confirmed that a proposed allocation of funds has been brought forward to Cabinet for approval. That funding proposal is for the maintenance of the National Museum, which he said Tourism Minister Belden Namah presented. He did not further reveal the status of the proposed funding- where it is now, but it is hoped that the funding be included in the 2026 National Budget.

The Sirinumu Lake, created by the Sirinumu Dam that was commissioned in 1963, has a massive tourism potential that the national government and Central provincial government could tap into.This was highlighted by the Chairman of the Koiari Local level Government (LLG) Special Purpose Authority (SPA) Mr. Paul Noel at the recent opening ceremony of the first water supply system for villages on the lake. Mr. Noel said apart from the dam, there is potential for recreational activities like water sports or just a boat cruise provided by local tourism providers on the massive lake for people who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Port Moresby city; however, for this to happen, say in the next few years, there has to be cooperation with organizations like the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA). “This area (Sirinumu Lake) has a huge potential,” said Mr. Noel. “I want the TPA and the others to work together to fulfill this potential to provide income opportunities for our people.” The PNG TPA was also represented at the Opening Ceremony of the new water supply system on Thursday 17th October. Meanwhile, Mr. Noel also urged the Central provincial government and administration to partner the Koiari LLG SPA to deliver such income making potential. “We can do so much if given appropriate funding support,” he stated.   

It was a joyous moment especially for the mothers and daughters of Berebei, a predominantly Seventh Day Advantage village on an island in the middle of the Sirinumu lake in the Central province, when taps next to their homes where officially turned open to allow water to flow.This is the first time in over sixty (60) years that water is now flowing to homes of landowners of the massive Sirinumu Dam that supplies both water and electricity to Port Moresby city and parts of Central province. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the new water supply system, Mr. Steven John, the Chairman of the landowner company- the Sirinumu Development Company, said it has been a long time coming and eventually the first village now has water running on taps next to homes. “Villagers will no longer have to travel far to get water, a struggle everyone knows too well.” The project came about following a church gathering at the village some time back, where members at the gathering asked for a better water supply system. That request was taken to heart by the Koiari Local Level Government (LLG) Special Purpose Authority (SPA) who then move to have the water system installed using funding parked in their account. They set to work on the project with contractor SMJ Plumbing & Building Services, which was represented at the opening ceremony by Mr. Sibona Fafave, the Managing Director. Given the urgency to establish the water supply system, the company took just two weeks to install the whole system, which includes pipes, taps, pump and a massive water tank. The opening today marks the start of more such projects to come as planned for by the Koiari LLG SPA with more villages on the Sirinumu lake to get proper water supply system. In attendance at the ceremony today where dignitaries from the government, the Department of Provincial Government and LLGs, Department of Prime Minister, the Central Provincial Government and stakeholders and villagers.

The recent rise in alcohol fueled incidents in the city of Port Moresby is prompting police to seek public support to curb it.The National Capital District (NCD) Metropolitan Superintendent (Met. Supt.), Warrick Simatab, told PNG HAUSBUNG that public support is needed to assist police officers in their duty to keep the peace and protect the people, which are the residents of Port Moresby city. He said this following the recent fighting incident that occurred this week at Konedobu where a couple of people were seriously injured and had to be admitted to the hospital for medical attention. The fight started from a drunken brawl. “You know a lot of these things arise from alcohol consumption and alcohol sale,” stated the Met. Supt. He said police will crackdown on illegal sales and the consumption of alcohol in public places. Public can support by identifying and reporting alcohol sales in places not permitted to sell them. Also, public can support by being responsible consumers of alcohol by staying out of trouble. “Police will soon be starting operations; we’re focusing on cracking down of alcohol and I want everybody to support police to stop the illegal sale of alcohol. This is only what I want, the support of the public to uphold the law.”

The National Capital District (NCD) Metropolitan Superintendent, Warrick Simatab, has confirmed that police have taken control of the fighting incident at Konedobu and that no deaths were reported from the incident. Speaking to PNG HAUSBUNG, the NCD police boss condemned the misleading information on the incident circulating on social stating that people were killed. He clarified that the incident started from a drunken brawl which went out of control, resulting in a huge fight and people receiving serious injuries to their bodies. “What has been circulated on the social media is false, there are no deaths,” stressed Met. Supt. Simatab. “Police have taken control of the situation; they have attended to it in the night and this morning. There is now a mediation between the people involved in the fight. Our policemen at Town Police Station and our taskforce are intermediating, trying to bring peace within the community.” “As far as I know, people are seeking treatment at the hospital in regard to that fight. There have been no deaths and police have taken control of the situation,” said the Met. Supt. He said there are a lot of speculations on social media which are not true about the incident. Meanwhile, a person of interest is now in custody after being detained by police at the scene of the incident. Simatab is calling on the others involved in the fight to come forward and surrender to police. Eyewitnesses have been urged to assist police with investigations.

Prime Minister James Marape before kickoff of the Prime Ministers XIII match this afternoon at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby city, announced the official name of the PNG NRL team that will enter the Australian NRL in 2028.Prime Minister Marape announced that the team will officially be known as the “PNG Chiefs”, a powerful reflection of the country’s deep cultural roots, ancient governance systems, and enduring unity. “We are a nation of a thousand tribes,” Prime Minister Marape stated. “Before there was a modern state called Papua New Guinea in 1975, our people lived for thousands of years under tribal structures led by chiefs — both men and women — who governed, protected, and held our communities together.” Marape said the name Chiefs depicts Papua New Guinea’s (PNG’s) authentic cultural history. “It tells the story of how our ancient tribal systems — diverse and sovereign in their own right — fused into one sovereignty in 1975. That fusion was an amazing miracle, forming one democracy, one people, one nation — and now, one team.” PNG is the only country in the world where rugby league is the national sport— a game that unites the nation across more than 800 languages and 1,000 tribes. The establishment of a PNG-based NRL franchise marks a historic milestone in the country’s sporting and national journey. The PNG NRL team, expected to enter the competition in 2028, will be based in Port Moresby but carry a truly national identity, drawing players from all provinces.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Australia will now start working on a recruitment pathway to allow Papua New Guineans join the Australian military as the recently signed “Pukpuk Treaty” is about to go through parliament for ratification.This was announced by the Minister for Defence Dr. Billy Joseph in a press statement on Friday 10th October, where he stated that both countries will establish a recruitment task force that will be led by himself and the Australian Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Miles. The recruitment taskforce will also comprise of officials from both countries with the first meeting to occur before the end of 2025. Among its key focus points, the taskforce will establish a methodical and considered process to identify eligible Papua New Guinean citizens to join the ADF. The taskforce will also focus on providing opportunities to PNG’s youth, while maintaining the integrity of ADF recruitment standards and continuing to help support growth of the PNGDF as an independent sovereign force. PNG and Australia will work in partnership to develop a sustainable pathway for PNG citizens to enlist in the ADF. This initiative will take time to develop and refine; however, both PNG and Australia are committed to its success. This builds on the announcement that eligible permanent residents living in Australia who are also Papua New Guinea citizens can apply to join the ADF from 1 January 2026. Minister Joseph said developing a recruitment pathway from Papua New Guinea into the Australian Defence Force is a historic step, reflecting the shared history and commitment to enhance integration between the two countries. “Since beginning this process in January, we have now seen a transformation in our defence relationship through the signing of the Pukpuk Treaty, which is reflected in what we are doing in terms of recruitment, our joint exercises and our operations and I am looking forward to working with my good friend and counterpart, Minister Marles, to develop a taskforce that will see this recruitment and integration come to fruition,” Dr. Billy said.

The recently signed Mutual Defence Treaty, the "Pukpuk Treaty”, will now go through the finals step of the process, which is to progress to the National Parliament for ratification, so to come into effect. Prime Minister James Marape said this is the process as per the laws of Papua New Guinea (PNG). “Subject to Section 117 of our Constitution, our parliament will have a handle of this Treaty, and parliament will then ratify and upon ratification, it becomes a Treaty Document in which our two defence forces coexist going forward into the future,” said Prime Minister Marape. The prime minister also made it very clear that the treaty is subject to a review of its status, to determine its continuity. “Our defence ministers will meet at the defence ministers’ biannual meetings to ensure that the operationalization of this treaty is not out of sync.” “The work of this Treaty will be and must be consistently consistent with each nation’s Constitutional requirements and of course, our obligations to the United Nation’s charter for first response to peace and the upkeep of peace.” The Pukpuk Treaty was signed by Prime Minister Marape and his Australian counterpart, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on Monday 6th October 2025.

The Mutual Defence Treaty between Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Australia is not only going to strengthen security, bilateral relations and create employment opportunities, it is something Prime Minister James Marape will use to build the PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) to the highest level than what it is today.The prime minister revealed this to the media in a press conference after his return to Port Moresby city from Canberra, Australia on Monday 6th October, where he outlined his plans to build the PNGDF on the back of the “Pukpuk Treaty”. He bluntly said PNG at this stage after 50 years of independence, is not in the best form to protect its own land and sea borders. But, through this Defence Treaty, PNG stands to benefit from the technology and equipment available to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) for surveillance, and also to build PNG’s defence capabilities. “In the start of the next 50 years, what is a country without its own ability to defend the sovereignty we have?” Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed that national security continues to be priority. It has been so for previous governments and for his government, as the current prime minister, he is adamant in ensuring that the PNGDF is built up to the highest level in terms of manpower and resources to provide that security guarantee, and this Treaty opens the door for that to happen. “Our defence force, we will work to build 7, 000 strong unit by 2035, also a 3, 000 reserve force so we have a force strong of 10, 000. That is what we envisage, and we will work on that space.” Marape also clarified that the planned PNGDF build up is not for domestic deployment or mobilization. “This is part of our work to protect our sovereignty, our external borders from the abuse of resources. We want our country to be secured in as borders are concerned by a well-resourced defence force and partnering with Australia in my considered view, gives us an opportunity to ramp up this space,” said the prime minister. The aim is to resuscitate, rebuild and strengthen the PNGDF at the earliest, which PM Marape said is something Australia clearly understands regarding the strategic interest to build PNG defence force. “This means if PNG is exposed in some place, then Australia’s capacity is there for us to lean on.” This will be done through a request from PNG to Australia to assist, subject to their own constitutional process.

Fuel consumers will have to dig a little deeper into their pockets to purchase fuel because the price for fuel has increased for the month right across the country, starting today Wednesday 8th October 2025.According to the Independent Consumer and Competitions Commission (ICCC), for this month, the Indicative Retail Prices (IRP) for petrol, diesel and kerosene has increased on average across Papua New Guinea (PNG). “The price increase was due mainly to increases in the prices of crude oil and refined petroleum products due to supply restrictions caused by the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine,” stated the ICCC. The domestic retail fuel for this month is inclusive of the Import Parity Price (IPP) or the imported costs for each petroleum product, domestic sea and road freight rates for the fourth quarter of 2025, the approval annual wholesale and retail margins for 2025 and the Goods and Services Tax (GST), including the applicable excise duties, among other parameters. Meanwhile, as part of the ICCC’s enforcement and compliance of fuel prices, the ICCC Officers will conduct inspections to all service stations across the country to ensure prices of fuel products are consistent with the allowable maximum prices.

In a milestone achievement for landowner companies in Ok Tedi, Western province, three new Dash 8 Aircrafts were just recently bought to serve as charter aircrafts for Ok Tedi Mining Limited (Ok Tedi).The Ok Tedi Landowners Royalty Investment Trust (OTLRIT) and the Milum Group of Companies were congratulated by Ok Tedi on the launch of Milum Aviation Limited and thesuccessful acquisition of three Dash 8 aircrafts that currently operate Ok Tedi’s charter service. Ok Tedi Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Kedi Ilimbit, said: “This is a proud moment for our landowners.” “The acquisition marks a significant milestone in our journey to empower landowner companies to become profitable and sustainable enterprises.” “This investment is part of our broader vision to support landowner companies in securing Tier 1 contracts,” Mr. Ilimbit added.“We want to see our landowners involved in major business areas such as mining fleet leasing, warehousing, aircraft charter, drilling, and even contract mining in the future.” The Dash 8 aircrafts will continue to be leased to Ok Tedi to support its fly in fly out charter service, which transports workers to and from operational sites.To commemorate this achievement, the three Dash 8 aircrafts will also be renamed in honour of prominent people who played a vital role in realizing the creation of Milum Aviation. • Ilimbit Dream – named after Kedi Ilimbit, Ok Tedi Managing Director and CEO • Asekim Pride – named after Henry Asekim, Chairman OTLRIT • DeSouza Spirit – named after Aubrey DeSouza, CEO Milum Group of Companies The OTLRIT, which represents the 12 Mine Villages, acquired the aircrafts at a cost of approximately $10.1 million from a Singapore-based company who had owned the aircrafts for the last 35 years. They are now 100% owned by OTLRIT and will operate under the banner Milum Aviation. In addition to the Dash 8 aircrafts, OTLRIT and Milum have also acquired two Q400 Series Dash 8 aircrafts from Qantas, Australia. These will be added to their fleet this month. One aircraft will service domestic routes, while the other will operate international flights to Cairns and Brisbane. Aircraft management, servicing, and maintenance will continue to be handled by Pacific Direct Limited.The three aircrafts, affectionately known as the pride of Tabubil over the last three decades, will soon be rebranded under Milum Aviation.