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Ok Tedi and Femili PNG Partner to Tackle Domestic Violence

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Ok Tedi labelled paper bag and Two black cover wrapped packages of coffee

In a move to bridge corporate social responsibility with grassroots advocacy, Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) has announced a new partnership with Femili PNG to combat the ongoing crisis of domestic and family violence in Papua New Guinea.

The mining giant utilized the high-profile stage of the recent PNG Investment Week conference in Sydney to spotlight the cause. Rather than traditional corporate branding, Ok Tedi purchased and distributed Femili PNG’s specialty coffee, sourced from the Western Highlands as complimentary gifts to international delegates.

The initiative serves a dual purpose to promote premium PNG exports while directly funding essential services for survivors of gender-based violence.

The collaboration comes at a critical time for PNG, where domestic violence remains a systemic challenge. According to Ok Tedi representatives, the partnership is intended to be more than just a donation; it is a public-facing commitment to community safety.

“Domestic violence continues to affect far too many families in Papua New Guinea, and we all have a responsibility to be part of the solution,’’ said Ruth Waram, Ok Tedi’s Manager for Media and Public Relations.

Waram emphasized that the coffee purchase was a strategic choice to amplify Femili PNG’s mission.

“Our purchase of these coffee packs is more than a gesture, it is a statement of solidarity and a commitment towards promoting safer, stronger communities across PNG,” she added.

Femili PNG, a leading non-governmental organization, operates on the front lines of the crisis. Proceeds from their coffee sales are funnelled directly into:

  •  Case management services for survivors.
  •  Safe accommodation and emergency housing.
  • Outreach and advocacy programs nationwide.

Jocelyn Condon, Executive Director of Femili PNG Australia, noted that corporate backing is vital for the sustainability of these services.

“Funds raised from every purchase of coffee directly supports the services Femili PNG provide to survivors who need safety, care, and a pathway to rebuild their lives,” Condon said.

“Ok Tedi’s support in this initiative, and hopefully into the future, give us all great hope for the potential of business to step forward and resource the movement for positive change.”

Looking Ahead The collaboration at the Sydney conference, hosted by the PNG Chamber of Resources and Energy, marks a growing trend of PNG’s extractives industry engaging with social issues. By integrating a non-profit’s product into a major investment event, Ok Tedi has signalled that the social in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) remains a priority for the company’s operations within the country.

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Ireland Beats PNG Lewas

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Two women in motion playing cricket. One in a green shirt holding a bat and another wearing a red, black and gold shirt standing behind the wicket.

The Papua New Guinea Lewas quest for a spot in the T20 World Cup hit a hurdle on Sunday as they fell to a 41-run defeat against a clinical Ireland side.

Competing in Match 4 of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier 2026, the Lewas struggled to keep pace with the Irish scoring rate at the Mulpani Cricket Ground. After winning the toss and electing to bat, Ireland posted a competitive 146 for 6, driven by a balanced performance across their batting order.

Chasing a target of 147, the Lewas’ batting lineup found it difficult to find the boundary against a disciplined Irish attack. Despite batting out their full 20 overs, PNG finished on 105 for 6.

While the defeat is a setback for their immediate standings, the Lewas camp viewed the clash as a vital benchmark for the team’s development.

“The match provided valuable experience for the Lewas against quality opposition as they continue their campaign in the Global Qualifiers,” the team noted in a post-match statement.

The Lewas remain in the hunt for qualification but will need to sharpen their execution in the middle overs to stay competitive against the tournament’s top-seeded teams. The leadership group emphasized that the focus remains on building consistency and executing key moments as the pressure of the group stages intensifies.

The PNG Lewas will now refocus on their upcoming fixtures, where wins are becoming increasingly essential to keep their dreams of a global stage appearance alive.

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PNG Lewas Eye World Cup Berth After Aussie Tour

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Group short, PNG Lewas and Officials

The Papua New Guinea Lewas have officially transitioned to the final stage of their World Cup journey, arriving in Nepal following a high-intensity preparation stint in Australia.

The national women’s cricket team is eyeing a historic milestone as they prepare to compete in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier, running from 18th January to 1st February 2026.

The Lewas recently wrapped up a successful campaign at the Australian Country Cricket Championships in Adelaide. Finishing fifth overall, the team used the tournament as a high-performance laboratory to test tactics and build squad cohesion against elite opposition.

The tour was made possible through the PacificAus Sports partnership between the Australian Government and Cricket Australia, a program designed to bridge the gap between Pacific athletes and international competition.

Australian High Commissioner to PNG, His Excellency Ewen McDonald, emphasized that the partnership transcends the scoreboard.

“Papua New Guinea and Australia share a strong connection through cricket, and the PNG Lewas continue to inspire both at home and across the Pacific region,” High Commissioner McDonald said.

“The Australian Government is proud to support women’s cricket in PNG through PacificAus Sports, helping provide opportunities for elite competition, professional development and international exposure as the talented team strives for T20 World Cup qualification.”

The Road to England 2026

The stakes in Nepal could not be higher. The Lewas are one of ten nations vying for just four available slots for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in England this June.

Cricket PNG Board Chairman, Michael Harrison, noted that the Australian leg of the journey was a vital stepping stone for the challenges ahead in Nepal.

“The Australian Country Championships provided exactly the level of competition we needed at this stage of preparation,” Harrison said.

“The learnings from Adelaide, combined with our transition into Nepal, place the Lewas in a strong position as they pursue a historic top-four finish and qualification for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.”

Discipline and Depth

National selectors are confident that the rigorous schedule has hardened the squad for the pressures of a Global Qualifier. Hudson Leka, Chairman of the National Selection Panel, praised the team’s growth during their recent matches.

“Selection and preparation have focused on consistency, adaptability and the ability to perform under pressure,” Leka stated.

“The Australian tournament tested those qualities, and the team is now fully focused on delivering in Nepal.”

With enhanced high-performance planning and specialist coaching support backed by the Australian Government, the Lewas now stand on the precipice of securing their place on the world’s biggest stage.

PNG Lewas: Road to the World Cup Fact Sheet

The PNG Lewas enter this final qualifying phase in Nepal with significant momentum, currently ranked 13th in the world in T20 Internationals. Under the leadership of Captain Brenda Tau, the squad features a balanced mix of experience and rising talent, including key players like Pauke Siaka, Sibona Jimmy, and Henao Thomas.

The team earned their place in this Global Qualifier by dominating the East Asia-Pacific region, and they are now looking to secure one of the four available tickets to the main event in England and Wales this June.

The tournament in Nepal is hosted across two venues in Kathmandu: the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground and the Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground. The Lewas have been placed in a challenging Group A alongside Ireland, Bangladesh, Namibia, and the USA.

Their campaign officially begins this Sunday, January 18, with a high-stakes opening match against Ireland, followed by a clash with Bangladesh on January 20. The group stage concludes with matches against Namibia on January 24 and the USA on January 26, after which the top teams will progress to the Super Six stage to determine the final World Cup qualifiers.

This campaign represents a critical milestone for Papua New Guinean cricket, supported by the ongoing PacificAus Sports partnership which provided the elite training environment in Adelaide. With only a top-four finish required to secure their first-ever T20 World Cup appearance, the Lewas are fully acclimated to the conditions in Kathmandu and prepared to make history for the Pacific region.

Poster of PNG Lewas Match Fixtures

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Gen Z Leads New Wave of Men’s Mental Health Support

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A silhouette of a male high school student to illustrate stress and mental health issues

Australia is currently grappling with a severe mental health crisis among young men, with suicide remaining the leading cause of death for males aged 15 to 24.

Addressing this challenge requires moving beyond traditional methods that often fail to reach those most in need. Leading this shift is Headstart, a Melbourne-based, Gen Z-led organization that is transforming how young men connect with mental health support.

A New Approach: “By Boys, For Boys”

Founded in 2024 by Nick Irving, Headstart was born out of the gaps in the existing mental health system. Irving observed that traditional care often relies on a “blanket approach” that doesn’t always account for the specific factors affecting an individual.

Instead, Headstart utilizes a lived-experience model, hiring workers who have personally navigated mental health challenges, disability, or the juvenile justice system. This peer-to-peer connection is designed to break down the barriers of formal clinical settings.

“A lot of the existing mental health systems are quite one dimensional and set within their ways, but for us it comes down to showing up to what suits the individual best,” Mr. Irving said. “When young men are guided by mentors who genuinely get them, the connection is instant and that’s where growth starts.”

Breaking the Barriers of Traditional Care

For many families, the struggle isn’t just finding care, but finding care that is accessible. Julia, a mother of four, found that traditional supports were ineffective for her son, Thomas, who struggled to even leave his bedroom after the COVID-19 lockdowns.

The “relaxed way of communicating” used by Headstart proved to be the turning point for Thomas. By meeting young men where they are, rather than requiring them to visit an office, the organization fosters a level of trust that clinical environments often lack.

The impact of this relatable approach is clear:

  • 9 in 10 families report improvements in their son’s routine, independence, and wellbeing.
  • Partnerships are already established with Monash Children’s Hospital and the Victorian justice department.
  • Expansion plans are underway to move beyond Melbourne into Sydney and regional areas.

Moving Beyond the “Band-Aid”

The organization’s mission is to move away from temporary fixes toward sustainable growth. As Nick Irving explains, the current system often relies on a “Band-Aid approach” where medication is the primary response. Headstart instead focuses on relatability as the catalyst for change.

“We know that being relatable to these boys and leading with the approach that we do is critical for changing outcomes,” Irving said.

Through this Gen Z-led initiative, Australia is seeing a shift toward mental health care that prioritizes empathy, shared experience, and individual needs over rigid institutional structures.

Support Resources:

  • Lifeline: 13 11 14
  • Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 (for ages 5 to 25)
  • Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636

Source: Australian Associated Press

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ADB Appoints Takafumi Kadono to Lead PNG Operations

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Portrait of an Asian man with dark her wearing a black suit and tie

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) recently appointed Takafumi Kadono as its new Country Director for the Papua New Guinea Resident Mission. Based in Port Moresby, Mr. Kadono will lead the development and execution of the ADB’s upcoming country partnership strategy, steering the bank’s multifaceted engagement across the nation.

The appointment comes at a pivotal time as the ADB continues its role as one of PNG’s primary financing partners, particularly in large-scale infrastructure and social services.

“We will work with the Government of PNG to further boost economic growth and social development by supporting improvements to the country’s transport and energy sectors, increasing access to health and education services, and bolstering the competitiveness of the private sector,” said Mr. Kadono.

“ADB will continue to work closely with key partners to enhance the inclusivity and resilience of PNG’s financial and health systems to future shocks.”

Mr. Kadono, a Japanese national, brings more than 26 years of international development expertise to the role. His career spans tenures at both the World Bank Group and the ADB, most recently serving as the ADB’s Country Director for Sri Lanka.

His leadership will oversee a broad portfolio that extends beyond traditional infrastructure. The ADB’s current footprint in PNG includes:

  • Education: Partnering with the Government of Australia to fund technical and vocational training designed to align student skills with industry demands.
  • Health: Implementing policy reforms and direct investments to improve public financial management and system-wide resilience.
  • Infrastructure: Providing critical financing for the nation’s transport and energy networks.
    About the ADB.

Established in 1966 and owned by 69 members, the Asian Development Bank is a major multilateral lender focused on sustainable and inclusive growth in Asia and the Pacific. The organization utilizes innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to address complex regional challenges, ranging from infrastructure development to climate change.

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PM Marape Demands National Rededication as PNG Enters 51st Year of Independence

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Prime Minister, James Marape has issued a stern directive to Papua New Guinea’s public sector, calling for a total “reset” of the government machinery as the nation transitions from its Golden Jubilee celebrations into its 51st year of independence.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s Public Service Opening and Dedication Service, the Prime Minister emphasized that the event is a mandatory call to action for all Ministers, departmental heads, and public servants, rather than a mere ceremonial tradition.

A Shift from Celebration to Delivery

Following the conclusion of PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary, Marape signaled that the period of national festivities has ended, and a period of aggressive implementation must begin.

“We have celebrated our past. Now we must build our future,” the Prime Minister stated.

“Our people have given us a mandate. Our development framework is clear. Our priorities are set in MTDP IV. There is no excuse for delay, confusion or complacency.”

The Prime Minister’s remarks highlight a sense of urgency, noting that the country’s success depends on the efficiency of its workforce. He warned against the loss of productive time to “unnecessary delays” and “inefficiencies,” stressing that the responsibility of nation-building extends beyond the executive level.

“When it is work time, it must be work time,” he said.

“This country cannot be built by just the Prime Minister, Ministers or department heads. It must be built by every officer, from the highest executive to the front-line public servant.”

The “Critical” 20-Year Window

The Prime Minister framed the current era as a pivotal 20-year phase that will ultimately define the country’s trajectory for future generations. He identified this period as the window in which PNG must maximize economic growth, bolster infrastructure, and eradicate systemic corruption.

“The next 20 years will decide everything; how big our economy becomes, how strong our infrastructure is, how safe our communities are, and how clean and efficient our public service will be,” Marape said.

“This is when we must grow our economy the fastest, build our infrastructure the greatest, strengthen our law-and-order system, protect our sovereignty, and eliminate corruption.”

Accountability and Action

Central to this vision is the performance of the public service. Marape noted that while policies are firmly in place through the Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP) IV, the burden of proof now lies in the execution of those plans.

“Every ministry, every department, every agency already knows what it must do,” he said.

“Our national priorities are clearly set out in MTDP IV. We do not need more talk. We need action.”

Tomorrow’s dedication service in Port Moresby is expected to see full attendance from government leadership and board members of State-Owned Enterprises, serving as the formal launch of what the Prime Minister described as the “next leg” of the national journey.

“This is our reset moment,” Marape concluded.

“The work starts now. The expectations are high. And every public servant has a role to play.”

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Unitech Forestry Students Receive Professional Work Experience Certificates

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PNG Forest Authority Acting Managing Director, John Mosoro presented Professional Work Experience Certificates yesterday (January 7) to 15 students from the University of Technology  studying the Bachelor of Science in Forestry Degree program.

Eight young men and seven women took part in a 24 -day training program under various directors at the Forest Authority Headquarters in late November and December last year (2025).

Mr Mosoro congratulated and encouraged the students to utilize what they have learnt.

PNG Forestry Executives and Unitech Forestry Students
PNGFA Acting MD, John Mosoro (Centre).

He explained to the students before presenting the certificates that forestry plays a key role in PNG’s development and must not be isolated from other sustainable resource sectors.

” I want you to have a different mind-set towards the forestry sector, forestry is not just about timber and log exports, it is about our people and welfare and how they can benefit from their resources.

Forestry must not be isolated in PNGs development, it is integrated into the Medium Term Development Strategy Plan and Vision 2050.

” Forestry and PNGFA play a key role in the development of PNG. We assist and give licenses to landowners to develop their resources and gain economic and other benefits as well as open up road links to rural parts of PNG under the Connect PNG programme, ” Mr Mosoro said.

He assured the students that PNGFA will recruit the best by merit. They will be sent out to the field under different directors initially to gain hands on experience and build up their careers in forestry and other sectors.

“I want to groom up and coming young minds. I want the best in forestry and will employ by merits, ” Mr Mosoro said.

One of the student trainees Miss Mona Lisa Ten said it was a privilege and wonderful to gain professional work experience at PNGFA.

” At Unitech we learn out of text books. We do not get hands on experience. This 24-days with the PNGFA directors was an insightful and eye opening experience. It was a wonderful experience, I would be happy to be employed by PNGFA and start out on the field, ” Miss Ten said.

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Ok Tedi Outlines Five-Year Plan to Reopen Misima Gold Project

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Misima Aerial Shot

A new era of economic opportunity is on the horizon for the people of Misima. Following its acquisition of the Misima Gold Project last May, Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) has officially launched a five-year roadmap that promises to bring more than just mining to the region; it aims to rebuild the island’s core infrastructure.

The ambitious plan, detailed during a series of community engagements in early December, outlines a path to full-scale production by 2030. However, for the local residents, the most immediate impact will be felt long before the first ounce of gold is poured.

In a departure from traditional mining timelines, OTML has committed to upgrading community essentials during the initial feasibility stage. This means that while engineers are studying the pits, work crews will be focusing on the island’s everyday needs.

“We’re not waiting until production to make a difference,” said Jesse Pile, Ok Tedi’s General Manager for Social Performance and Sustainability.

“Roads, power, water, and support for schools and the hospital will start early. These improvements will benefit communities long before the mine is operational.”

These early investments are designed to serve a dual purpose, providing a “goodwill” foundation for the islanders while creating the necessary logistics network to support the mine’s development.

The project is structured into three distinct phases, each bringing different levels of activity and opportunity to the island:

PhaseTimelineKey Activities
1. Feasibility & Permitting2026-2027Exploration at Umuna, Ewatinona and Kulumalia; environmental studies; infrastructure upgrades.
2. Construction2028-2029A massive surge in local activity as the processing plant and site facilities are built.
3. Production2030Full-scale commercial operations and long-term economic returns.

“Once permits are secured, construction will transform Misima into a hub of activity,” Mr. Pile noted.

“This phase is about building the capacity to operate safely and efficiently.”

Leveraging 40 years of experience from its operations in the Star Mountains, Ok Tedi is positioning the Misima project as a model of responsible development. The company is focusing heavily on doing things right from the start, particularly regarding environmental and social safeguards.

The ultimate goal is to restore the economic engine of the island, which has been quiet since previous operations ceased years ago.

General Manager Social Performance & Sustainability, Jesse Pile, with Misima Islanders at Narian Village
General Manager Social Performance & Sustainability, Jesse Pile, with Misima Islanders at Gulewa Village

“Before the end of 2030, we aim to see Misima in full production again,” Mr. Pile said.

“This will bring real opportunities for jobs, spin-off business, and long-term benefits for the island.”

The success of the project hinges on the relationship between the miner and the landholders. Early reports from the December meetings suggest a warm reception from the local population, who have been eager for a sustainable path toward modernization.

“Community support is the foundation of this project,” Pile emphasized.

“We’ve seen incredible positivity from Misima people, and we will continue to engage openly, transparently, and honestly.”

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PM Marape Issues Stern Warning to Those Shielding Gunmen

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James Marape

Prime Minister, James Marape has issued a blunt ultimatum to communities across the country to stop protecting criminals or face the full weight of the law.

As police intensify “Operation Kumul 23” to scrub illegal firearms from the country’s most volatile regions, the Prime Minister made it clear that the era of hiding hired gunmen behind village walls must end. The government’s stance, he says, is now one of absolute zero tolerance.

The recent surge in police activity, specifically in the Tsak Valley of Wapenamenda in Enga Province, isn’t a random sweep.

According to Marape, it is a surgical strike based on deep intelligence that follows not just the gunmen, but the money.

“The operation at Tsak Valley, Wapenamenda, was a targeted operation,” Prime Minister Marape said.

“Police were acting on intelligence relating to known hired gunmen operating within the province.”

The Prime Minister revealed that authorities have successfully mapped out the networks fueling tribal warfare, including those who bankroll the violence from the shadows.

“I want to inform Enga Province, Southern Highlands, Hela and communities right across the country that police have assembled sufficient intelligence, including financial trails, on gunmen and those sponsoring these fights,” he warned.

“Police will not be recalled. Police will remain at work.”

A central theme of the Prime Minister’s address was the protection of the innocent. He expressed frustration with criminals who use their own families and neighbours as “human shields” to evade capture, often leading to tragic outcomes during confrontations.

“If you are a criminal and police come for you, surrender,” Marape urged.

“Do not fight back. Do not use innocent people as shields, because when that happens, innocent lives are put at risk.”

To the law-abiding citizens in these “hotspot” areas, the Prime Minister’s message was one of both reassurance and a plea for calm:

“If police come to your community, do not be hostile. Do not fight back. Cooperate. If you are innocent, show that you are unarmed and pose no threat. Police are not there to target innocent people.”

For those who continue to harbor fugitives or maintain illegal arsenals, the consequences are now permanent. Under current laws, the illegal possession of a firearm carries a sentence of life imprisonment.

Marape emphasized that the burden of safety rests on the community’s willingness to reject the culture of violence. He pledged that while the State would take responsibility if innocent people were harmed during operations, the “firm, relentless enforcement” would not waver.

“Our country is tired of criminals hiding behind communities and emerging to cause violence,” the Prime Minister concluded.

“Supporting the police means safer families, safer communities, safer districts and safer provinces.”

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