Terrain Tamer 4WD have launched a new TV ad on various platforms across regional Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Papua New Guinea, to air primarily during NRL, AFL and State of Origin matches.

Running from May until September, the ad, titled “Customer is King” follows the story of a young Frank Hutchinson, who founded the Terrain Tamer brand in 1969 and supplied strengthened 4WD parts to a young Bill King, who himself was in the beginning stages of starting what would eventually become the AAT Kings travel company.

Following Frank and Bill through the start of their journey, the ad shows the development of Terrain Tamer from its earliest years through to the intensive process of research and development that goes into their expansive 4WD parts brand today, as well as their continuing focus on meeting customer needs and providing quality service.

Filmed in Alice Springs across three days, the “1969” portion of the ad was filmed using special camera equipment sourced by the project’s producers, to authentically represent the colours output by film at the time.

Terrain Tamer staff members Zac Perkins and Cameron McDonnell were called on to portray the younger versions of Frank and Bill and costumes were carefully sourced to match reference photographs.

Interspersed with footage of a Terrain Tamer vehicle travelling a red dirt road to deliver parts to a remote workshop, the present-day portion of the ad features the real Frank Hutchinson, along with his son Brent, the company’s General Manager, utilising the technology offered at the Auto Innovation Centre in Melbourne’s south-east to showcase the thorough research, design and testing that goes into Terrain Tamer’s parts development.

Terrain Tamer’s new Customer is King TVC can be seen on TVWAN throughout the NRL Season in Papua New Guinea, as well as the brands Facebook and YouTube pages, or across AFL, NRL and State of Origin on Foxtel and various free-to-air stations around Australia.

Often referred to as PNG’s premier charter airline, Tropicair recently completed a major upgrade of its terminal at Jackson’s Airport.

Tropicair CEO, Ivona Kadlec, explains why.

“In 2023 Tropicair commemorated 25 years of operation in PNG.  As the airline has grown over that time, so too have the number of passengers and clients. Thus, there was a need to provide more space for waiting passengers, especially in the peak morning times.

“Whilst expanding the space, we took the opportunity to totally upgrade the terminal and modernise it, to make it a bright, fresh, pleasant place for passengers to wait for their flights.

“Our passengers and clients now get to enjoy a spacious public terminal, with more seating in a bright, appealing environment decorated with not only reference to PNG’s aviation history, but also to the beauty of the country we operate in.

“There is a new VIP lounge with hot and cold drink facilities and screen for viewing programs. Additionally, passengers now can choose to wait in our new under cover outdoor seating in an attractive garden setting. 

“For convenience, passengers can be picked up and dropped off just a few metres from the terminal in Tropicair’s secure car park. They also get to enjoy the benefits of a terminal where all the operations of the airline are close at hand and questions and issues can be addressed directly by Tropicair personnel responsible for the various aspects of the operation.”

Driven by the vision of founder and MD Tony Honey, Tropicair commenced charter operations in 1998 with a single aircraft and has since expanded in size and scope to offer a modern, well-maintained jet and turbine powered aircraft fleet, delivering passengers and freight to destinations both countrywide and internationally.

The fleet consists of one Cessna Citation CJ3 jet aircraft; four Beechcraft Super King Air B200s; two Cessna C208B Caravans; and three De Havilland DHC6 Twin Otters, with further plans for future expansion.

More than just a charter airline, Tropicair offers a wide range of services including aero-medical operations, secure transport movements, surveillance flights; government, VIP and private charters; and resource company requirements covering both passenger and freight services. 

The scope of its operations cover the whole of PNG as well as within the broader region to Australia, other Pacific Nations and into SE Asia.

Tropicair also provides a valuable community service that helps connect Papua New Guineans by offering Fares & Freight services to the Gulf and Western Provinces, as well as to Tufi in Oro Province. 

 “Flight safety is our company culture” says Ms Kadlec. “We are CASA PNG and CASA Australia compliant.  Our safety record in the PNG aviation industry is exemplary and we hold BARS accreditation at the much-coveted Gold status.

“We pride ourselves on the quality of our aircraft and the depth of knowledge and training that our maintenance and flight crews possess.”

NiuHomes, from PNG Forest Products, manufacture premium designed, quality kit homes in ranges to suit every budget and lifestyle in Papua New Guinea.

Perfect for those starting out on a tight budget, the Baset Range starts at only K69,550 and provides low-cost 3 & 4 BR kit homes that are designed to lock-up stage, with no internal fixtures or fittings apart from flooring and wall frames. 

This allows you to complete the inside of the house within your own timeframe and budget, making it truly your home.

With 2, 3 & 4 BR options, the Residential and Suburban ranges are complete kit homes with a huge range of quality inclusions, right down to the kitchen sink.

In fact, many models have everything you need including electrical wiring & fittings; full plumbing kit including toilet and shower; ceramic tiles; joinery kit; ceiling fans; even paint… all included in the price of the kit home! Prices range from K92,300 to K362,000.

The Contemporary Range sets a new standard in modern kit home designs with the Komoa and Pacifica models.

Their sleek, modern designs uniquely complement the PNG urban landscape whilst providing spacious, elegantly comfortable homes for the extended family. The Komoa starts at K295,000 while the top-of-the-range Pacifica is K583,000.

For village living, the Haus Ples range offers a choice of high-set and low-set kit homes that start from a K70,000 for a 2-bedroom Lewa model, up to K102,700 for the 3-bedroom, split-level Namo with bathroom, laundry and kitchen. All prices stated are ex-GST and ex-Lae.

And that’s not all!  PNGFP also produce a quality range of kit buildings for Education, Health, Administration and the Resource Sector.

When it comes to quality, NiuHomes are PNG's only preservative pressure treated kit-buildings engineered to the most stringent PNG and Australian building code standards.  All timber is randomly and rigorously tested in Australia and the Timber Training Institute in Lae to ensure compliance with the relevant Australian and PNG building standards.

PNGFP’s ability to produce pressure-treated timber at their certified and international standard compliant plant in Bulolo, ensures quality, durable kit-homes that are protected from termites, rotting and fungal decay.

Lae Biscuit Company announces Brisbane based & East New Britain brought up professional basketball player Christian Pang as its newest brand ambassador under the company’s energy drink brand “PAWA”.

Inline with Lae Biscuit Co. Ltd.’s core value of Passion that speaks highly of exercising pride in our brands and our history while promoting a positive, energetic and optimistic work environment, the move to partner with Christian adds value to the continued growth & success of the business.

Christian, a professional basketball player who forged his own path in the sports industry bringing his experience & unique talent to tell an inspiring story of following his passion in the face of adversity. Despite missing out on being part of the Papua New Guinea 5x5 team at three Pacific Games in 2015, 2019 & 2023, His passion for basketball & deep ties from his parents who have lived in PNG all their lives, continue to drive him to chase his dream of representing PNG one day and his desire to give back and contribute towards developing the basketball code and communities in PNG remains a focus for him.

“This partnership is a highlight and I’m honoured to be sponsored by PAWA. Lae Biscuit Co. Ltd under its PAWA energy drink brand is reaching communities through various sporting platforms which is something I want to be part of. Being a brand ambassador of a local PNG MADE brand that is making a difference by giving back to the communities has always been a dream. The PAWA Energy drink is a great product and I love what the brand stands for, making PAWA choices for a better self, career and future. I’m excited to get to work with PAWA to inspire the next generation”, said Pang.

Christian has previously run free basketball clinics in Port Moresby. His passion & drive for basketball has led him to contribute to the basketball code through his free clinics to encourage young Papua New Guineans to make good choices, take pride and showcase their talents through basketball. Lae Biscuit Co. Ltd have supported his clinics by providing free SNAX biscuits, noodles and PAWA drinks for clinic attendees. He believes with this continued support we can make a difference in our communities especially to the PNG youths.

“We are excited and happy to welcome Christian Pang, “said John Chow, Business Director for Lae Biscuits Co. Ltd. Christian has created a distinguished career as an ambitious individual that captures a positive, energetic spirit which combines well with his passion as a Papua New Guinean. We admire & recognize his drive & contributions towards the basketball code and have absolute confidence in him representing the PAWA brand.

We look forward to this collaboration and are excited to work with him on and off the courts in bringing the “PAWA” brand story alive to #FEELTHEPAWA

A PanAust sponsored specialist medical team arranged by Interplast Australia has flown into Papua New Guinea to perform up to 40 specialist and reconstructive surgeries in the East Sepik Province.

The visit aims to provide life-changing surgeries at no cost to disadvantaged communities and is part of PanAust subsidiary, Frieda River Limited’s, ongoing commitment to improving healthcare access and outcomes in landowner communities.

The five-person team, comprising experienced surgeons, nurses and an anaesthetist, will be conducting consultations and a variety of essential procedures in one of Papua New Guinea’s remotest hospitals. The operations are critical for enhancing the quality of life and restoring functionality for individuals who have limited or no access to surgical care. This time, the visit will include a number of patients who were treated by Interplast in 2017 being supported to travel from the West Sepik Province to Wewak, for follow up and additional surgery if required.

The medical team will work alongside local medical and nursing personnel at Wewak’s Great Chief Somare Memorial Hospital (formerly known as Boram General Hospital) to deliver approximately 30-40 plastic and reconstructive surgeries including cleft lip and palate repairs, surgery to reconstruct injuries from burns, and surgery for other congenital and acquired conditions.

Frieda River Project Director Phil McCormack said that the surgeries offered hope and healing to those who need it most.

“We know how difficult it is for remote communities to access specialist healthcare and I’ve witnessed first-hand how transformative the surgeries can be for patients and their families.

“It’s a powerful reminder of how we can deliver immediate change in a way that benefits local communities and provincial governments,” he said. “PanAust and Frieda River Limited are proud to be able to offer these surgeries to the people of Papua New Guinea and to continue a long-standing partnership with Interplast.”

This visit, scheduled to last for a week, is a collaborative effort with local hospitals, healthcare providers and provincial governments to ensure that measurable impact is delivered in the area.

In addition to performing surgeries, Interplast’s team will engage in knowledge exchange and training sessions with local medical staff to enhance their capacity to deliver procedures independently in the future, and better their pre and post operative surgery care.

“Although we don’t have an operational site, by working together with Interplast, we can ensure that the benefits of our presence here extends far beyond the duration of our stay, fostering long-term improvements in medical care and supporting the communities near our project site,” Mr McCormack said.

Interplast’s Director of International Programs Jess Hill said “Interplast is thrilled to have a specialist volunteer Australian plastic and reconstructive surgical team returning to Wewak, thanks to the support of PanAust. The team includes two of the plastic surgery team from Port Moresby joining the visit for the week, as part of their own professional development, further enhancing the long term, sustainable impacts of our work.

“Our thanks to the team at the Great Chief Somare Memorial Hospital and the East Sepik Provincial Health Authority for hosting this visit, and for arranging for patients from the communities in East and West Sepik to access much needed specialised reconstructive surgical care which would not otherwise be available in Wewak.’’

Since 2012, more than 250 people in the Asia Pacific have received life-changing clinical care, more than 50 clinicians have received clinical training opportunities, and hospital and health systems in two countries have benefitted from PanAust and Interplast’s support.

Hula Village, Central Province – John Swire & Sons, Steamships and the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany are thrilled to announce the successful completion and official opening of the redevelopment project at Vula’a Elementary School in Hula, Central Province, Papua New Guinea.

The brand-new classroom was formally presented to the school community in a small ceremony at the school grounds attended by students, parents, teachers, and villagers of Hula as well as representatives from the Central Province Education Authority.

Addressing the audience, Managing Director of Steamships, Rupert Bray said, "We extend heartfelt gratitude to our partners at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany for their shared vision and generous support. For us, this project symbolizes more than a building; it embodies our collective belief in the transformative power of education. We encourage everyone to take ownership of this facility, ensuring its maintenance for future generations."

The overall investment in this project amounts to approximately PGK 215,000, with Financial Support for Micro Projects Grant from the German Embassy, totaling EUR 25,000 (PGK 97,169), and a contribution of PGK 118,000 from Steamships, covering a rural double classroom kit with a teacher's office space in between, complete with blackboards, pinboards, freight, cartage, and building contractor costs.

H.E. Beate Grzeski, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in Canberra, expressed, "The German Embassy is proud to contribute to this impactful community-building initiative, which underscores our commitment to sustainable development in Papua New Guinea, ensuring equitable access to quality education for the youth of Hula."

The completion of this redevelopment project not only provides essential infrastructure but also instills a sense of pride and enthusiasm among the students, educators, and community members involved in its construction. The upgraded facilities are expected to enhance attendance and foster greater engagement, enriching the educational experience for all and contributing to the achievement of national education goals.

The German Embassy Canberra and Steamships remain dedicated to the ongoing success of this initiative and eagerly anticipate the transformative impact it will have on Vula’a Rivilina Elementary School and its community.

Wan PNG is introducing a significant upgrade to its platform with the implementation of an AI-driven Skills Engine. This feature aims to streamline the process of skill management for users, offering a curated database of over 13,000 skills linked to over 3,500 occupations. The primary goal is to provide a more efficient and intelligent method for both job seekers and employers to navigate skill profiles on the platform.

Key Features of the AI-Powered Skills Engine

1. Curated Skills Database

Users will now have access to a comprehensive database of skills, eliminating the need for manual entry through free text. This curated database encompasses a wide range of skills relevant to various occupations.

2. Occupation-Linked Suggestions

A notable enhancement is the linkage between skills and occupations. When users add work experience based on a specific occupation, the AI engine suggests relevant skills associated with that occupation. This feature aims to improve the accuracy of skill representation for users.

Implications for Job Seekers

For job seekers, this update offers a more systematic approach to building profiles. The AI engine provides a detailed list of skills and recommends those most relevant to specific occupations. This empowers job seekers to present their profiles more strategically.

Benefits for Employers

Employers stand to benefit from a more efficient talent acquisition process. The alignment of skills with occupations allows for easier identification of candidates whose skill sets closely match the requirements of a particular role.

Platform Intelligence

The AI-driven Skills Engine signifies Wan PNG's commitment to staying technologically current. The platform aims to serve as a more intelligent ecosystem, adapting to the evolving demands of the job market.

Looking Forward

While celebrating this upgrade, Wan PNG acknowledges that it is part of an ongoing commitment to improvement. The platform seeks to remain at the forefront of technological advancements, with a focus on empowering Papua New Guineans on their professional journeys.

In the realm of skill management, Wan PNG's AI-powered Skills Engine represents a practical step toward efficiency and accuracy. The platform aims to provide a more intelligent and accessible tool for users to navigate the intricacies of skill representation, contributing to a more informed and strategic job market in Papua New Guinea.

In Papua New Guinea, educational dynamics are evolving, led by Dianne Meli, the Founder and Director of TIPS For Kids. Established when Meli was age 26, TIPS For Kids started as a tutoring service for early childhood and grew into a registered homeschool, a first in PNG.TIPS stands for Tailored Individual Programs Supporting Children in Need, with a mission to bridge education gaps and a vision to provide tailored programs for children.

Its services are:

• Full-time homeschooling for grades 1-10, operating as a private school with full-time services at clients' homes on weekdays, with recess, lunch breaks, and holidays. Each family gets a dedicated teacher for personalized attention, with multi-grade teaching for families with children in different grades.
• Uses the ACE PACE Curriculum, recognized internationally and recommended for homeschooling.
• Tutoring Services: Sessions offered during holidays and Sundays for early childhood to Grade 8, with secondary support upon request. Individual tutoring at home is also available.
• PACE Order Services: Facilitating purchase orders for the ACE PACE Curriculum, empowering parents in their children's education.

Dianne's personal journey influenced the founding of TIPS For Kids. Homeschooled herself under the ACE PACE Curriculum, she saw the need to extend similar opportunities to others. Working in Port Moresby schools and witnessing gaps in education post-Covid-19, she aimed to redefine the education system by providing tailored support for struggling children.

Her vision for TIPS For Kids focuses on personalized educational experiences, changing traditional schooling paradigms in Port Moresby.

“During my experiences working in the classroom assisting teachers in Port Moresby, I noticed a small but growing number of struggling children,” she says.

These were children “who need more time to master a concept, a subject, a topic, children who are slow and learn individually, children who cannot progress collectively at the same speed with other children in the classroom or together in a group.”

“I recognized these children have a need; they need a teaching program that must be tailored to meet their needs. I decided that I want to use my experiences and my education and start a school that will help these children in need.”

“When I see these children struggling, I remember my own struggles, and I want to help them,” Dianne says.

ExxonMobil’s second annual Power Play Awards Papua New Guinea was launched at a networking lunch held at the Hilton Hotel on Monday 6 May to identify Papua New Guinean trailblazers and shine a light on their accomplishments across the LNG and decarbonisation industries.

Power Play is a global program developed by ExxonMobil women to bring together other women from across the industry, while the Power Play Awards acknowledges the contributions of the company’s valued external partners.

Tera Shandro, Chairperson and Managing Director at ExxonMobil PNG, shared the Power Play Awards Papua New Guinea is built on a foundation of storytelling, where every story is unique, and every story should be celebrated.

“This year marks 10 years since the PNG LNG Project started production and when we reflect, we see a decade’s worth of stories and accomplishments that need to be shared.

“Papua New Guinea’s LNG industry is more than just ExxonMobil and the PNG LNG operations, and we wouldn’t be able to do the work we do every day without the support of our external partners,” she said.

In 2024, ExxonMobil has expanded the program to the decarbonisation industry and will accept nominations over four categories:

1. The Rising Star will celebrate a woman, 35 or younger, who is excelling early in her LNG career.
2. The Low Carbon Accelerator will recognise a woman who is making significant contributions to the decarbonisation industry by leveraging innovation and collaboration to accelerate society’s path to net zero.
3. The Ambassador will honour a person, woman or man, who, through their words, actions, and positive energy, inspires those who work with and around them in the LNG industry.
4. The Pioneer has been expanded to honour a person, woman or man, who has delivered outstanding LNG business results or innovation and technology leadership amid the ever-evolving energy transition landscape.

Four Papua New Guineans will be recognised as Best of the Best across each category for their contributions to the local LNG and decarbonisation industries, with their achievements showcased at the Power Play Awards Papua New Guinea cocktail reception on Tuesday 9 July.

The Best of the Best in each category will go on to have their contributions recognised and celebrated on the international stage, as part of the global Power Play Awards program – and if their application is successfully shortlisted, ExxonMobil will sponsor their attendance to join an exclusive community of Power Players in LNG from around the world at GASTECH conference in the United States from 17 to 20 September.

Anita Mosby, Power Play Awards Papua New Guinea Advocate and Biodiversity Supervisor at ExxonMobil PNG, added It’s not often Papua New Guineans get a global platform to tell our stories, to showcase to the world what we are capable of accomplishing, but the Power Play Awards are redefining this.

“The more we come together to tell these stories, to celebrate these accomplishments, we get one more step ahead to continuing to make the future of our industry diverse and inclusive. 

“This industry has become a vehicle where women, like me, are giving an opportunity to prosper, to become leaders in our fields, in our communities.

“I encourage all my wantok, don’t miss your opportunity to tell the world how great Papua New Guineans are by submitting your nomination or that of your colleague to the Power Play Awards Papua New Guinea,” she concluded.

Pacific Towing (PacTow) has appointed Frances Tuimabualau as its agent in Fiji.  As Melanesia’s largest and most diverse marine services provider, with a 250+ workforce and 20-vessel fleet, PacTow is perfectly positioned to undertake additional projects in Fiji. 

Frances Tuimabualau comes from a long line of seafaring professionals.  Her father, the late Ilisoni Tuimabualau, who travelled around the world as a seafarer and for furthering his maritime education, had a distinguished career including being Fiji’s ‘Director for Government Shipping Services’.

Frances commenced work in the banking sector with Colonial National Bank (now BSP).  She undertook additional university study prior to accepting a role with Digicel which saw her involved in the company’s national roll out before being quickly promoted.  Frances then ran her own business in the public transport sector.

Like her father and many of his forebears, and even her mother and brother, Frances was drawn to the sea for work.  In 2022 she joined the Fiji Women in Maritime Association and undertook a role focusing on seafarers’ wellbeing.  She has also been involved in World Ocean Day.

In 2023 Frances began assisting PacTow with one of its cadetship programmes.  PacTow has a history of sending its cadets to the Pacific Centre for Maritime Studies (previously Fiji Maritime College), including the five cadets from its in-house programme who are spending 2024 there in order to complete their cadetships.

Although Frances’ initial role with PacTow focussed very much on the company’s Fiji-based cadets (e.g., facilitating visas, academic enrolments, accommodation) it has recently expanded to include business development. 

Tuimabualau notes that “many Fijians will remember the container ship ‘Southern Phoenix’, which capsized and sank in Suva Harbour in 2017.”  It was PacTow which carried out the wreck removal of this vessel with the assistance of local workers and suppliers.  “PacTow has a policy of recruiting locally which means we help drive the development of the communities in which we operate” says Manager, Gerard Kasnari.  PacTow’s Solomon Islands workforce is 100 percent local and its 250 plus PNG workforce is 97 percent nationalised.”

PacTow’s core business is harbour towage.  However, it has long provided a range of other services in the region including ocean towage, salvage, wreck removal, commercial diving, life rafts (service, sales, leasing), as well as diverse and customised project solutions across multiple industries.

On Tuesday 11th June, EastWest Transport (EastWest) proudly completed a successful partnership with the Rotary Club and Soroptimist International to donate 50 brand new student desk and chair sets to Baruni Primary School.

An official handover ceremony was held at the school where representatives from EastWest, alongside partners from the Rotary Club and Soroptimist International, presented the desks and chairs to the students and school’s Head Teacher, Ms. Irene Gaudi.

"On behalf of the entire Baruni Primary School community, I want to express our deepest gratitude to EastWest Transport, the Rotary Club, and Soroptimist International for this donation," said Ms. Gaudi. "Desks and chairs are often a significant expense for schools in Papua New Guinea, and this generous contribution will make a world of difference for our students."

The desks were made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Rotary Club and City Mission’s carpentry program in Port Moresby, who constructed the desks using locally sourced materials. EastWest played a vital role by assembling and delivering the sets to the school, ensuring they were ready for immediate use.

"EastWest Transport is committed to supporting the surrounding communities in which it operates," said Nicholas Bury, Commercial General Manager, Steamships Logistics.

"Baruni village is home to many of our valued employees, and we recognized a critical need to support the local school. This donation of desks and chairs will contribute to enhancing the learning experience for students and create a more comfortable and conducive learning environment, allowing students in Baruni to thrive and reach their full potential.”

EastWest Transport's collaboration with the Rotary Club and Soroptimist International demonstrates the company's commitment to investing in the local community. This donation of desks and chairs will have a lasting impact on the learning experience of countless students at Baruni Primary School.

Santos was glad to have celebrated World Environment Day in the communities in accordance with this year’s World Environment Day theme: ‘Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience’.

In Port Moresby, staff joined forces for an early morning cleanathon at the popular Ela Beach to collect debris along the beach front.

Representatives of the Santos PNG Environment team including Environment Manager Maxwell Haro visited a couple of schools together with the Santos Country Chair, PNG Leon Buskens, to speak to students about the importance of World Environment Day (WED) and why observing WED is important when it comes to preserving and protecting our environment. The two schools visited were June Valley Primary School, with more than 1600 students and 30 teachers, and Hohola Demonstration Primary School which had 2000 students and more than 33 teachers. A total of 100 tree seedlings were donated, 50 trees to each school, to support a tree planting activity commemorating WED.

The message to the students at June Valley Primary was about planting a tree for WED, and a seedling in the hearts of the students for the future.

Mr Haro said it was important for the Company to demonstrate its commitment to nature-based solutions while Mr Buskens reminded the students on the importance of trees and the role it plays in the ecosystem.

“Trees serve as an important function in ecosystems, helping to sustain biodiversity and environmental balance. They provide oxygen, carbon storage, soil erosion prevention, water cycle regulation, and habitat for a diverse range of plant and animal species. Trees have a huge impact on climate regulation because they absorb carbon dioxide, reducing the greenhouse effect,” Buskens said.

“We are pleased as a responsible organisation to be part of this important cause and in observing an important annual event throughout our operations in PNG.

He also emphasised the Santos purpose of providing reliable and affordable energy to help create a better world for everyone. “We’ve already planted more than four million trees at our Markham Valley Afforestation and Reforestation Project in Morobe Province.”

Land restoration is an integral part of the Santos Management System and Environment Management Plans in the PNG Operations. Rehabilitation and bioremediation programs are integral to achieving outcomes that align with restoration goals and objectives. Santos implements a comprehensive environment monitoring program that mitigates land degradation. Santos maintains compliance by proactively engaging with the Conservation Environment Protection Authority (CEPA) on all site closure and rehabilitation matters. Drought resilience programs have been rolled out throughout the Gulf and Southern Highlands, through the Community Affairs Sustainability program.

To commemorate the day, activities scheduled throughout the Santos PNG operations included:

• Clean-a-thons, awareness, and tree planting activities at Hides, Kopi, Kutubu and Port Moresby
• Tree-planting at Gobe
• General awareness activities at the Kumul Marine Terminal, Gulf of Papua.

Remington Technology (RT), Papua New Guinea's leading print and document solutions provider, has been awarded the prestigious 'Dealer of the Year' accolade at Konica Minolta Australia’s Kick-off conference held in Sydney last month. As the only authorised Konica Minolta dealer in Papua New Guinea, this award recognises RT’s outstanding sales and service excellence across Australia-Pacific.

Remington Group CEO and Dealer Principal Peter Goodwin shared his pride: "I am incredibly proud of GM Justin Kieseker and Team RT’s outstanding achievement in being named 'Dealer of the Year' for the Australia-Pacific Region. This is a big deal and reflects the dedication and hard work of everyone at Remington Technology, and Group Shared Services. For over 75 years, we've been a proud Papua New Guinean company, committed to delivering exceptional print and document solutions. Our strong partnership with Konica Minolta has been key to our success. This accolade highlights our market leadership and reinforces our commitment to our community and clients. We are grateful for our loyal clients' support and look forward to continuing our journey of innovation and excellence together."

Echoing this sentiment, Justin Kieseker, General Manager of Remington Technology, remarked, "RT is a 100% home-grown business that has been providing top-tier print and document solutions to businesses throughout the country for over 75 years. The reliability and innovation of the Konica Minolta brand significantly distinguish us from our competitors."

Konica Minolta’s extensive range of products, including the advanced KM i-Series, Production Printers, and comprehensive software solutions, have consistently empowered businesses to streamline their operations. Kieseker added, "Our partnership with Konica Minolta, spanning 25-30 years, solidifies our exclusive status as the only authorised dealer in PNG. This award further elevates Konica Minolta’s prominence in PNG and affirms Remington Technology’s leadership in the print market."

Despite facing economic challenges, Remington Technology has thrived due to its dedicated team and loyal client base. Kieseker emphasised the importance of adapting business strategies to the economic environment, meticulous planning, and maintaining strong business relationships.

Looking ahead, Remington Technology aims to expand its market presence and customer base through a consultative approach, helping customers save money and improve efficiency in their day-to-day operations. This forward-thinking strategy reinforces RT’s commitment to continuous growth, exceptional customer service, and staying Loyal to Local.

Consort Express Lines (Consort), a leading coastal shipping company based in Lae, is proud to announce its sponsorship of the Royals Rugby Union Club (15’s), who are participating in the Morobe Rugby Union 2024 season.

This K20,000 sponsorship demonstrates Consort's commitment to supporting the local community by fostering a healthy and active lifestyle through grassroots sports. The sponsorship will provide the Royals with a complete set of new jerseys for their three divisions – Premier Men's, Women's, and AGrade Men's – along with essential training equipment, medical kits, and eskies.

General Manager for Consort, Antony Riley, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership. "We are thrilled to support the Royals and contribute to their success on the field," said Riley. "This sponsorship aligns perfectly with our values of community engagement and promoting a healthy work-life balance for our employees. We look forward to cheering on the Royals throughout the season."

Julias Tingiran, Royals Team President, echoed Riley's sentiment. "The Royals are incredibly grateful for the generous support from Consort Express Lines," said Tingiran. "This sponsorship will make a significant difference in our team's performance and well-being. We are excited to represent Consort on the field and within the Lae community."

Consort is committed to being a positive force in the Lae community. By supporting the Royals, the company hopes to inspire a love for the sport, promote health and well-being, and foster a strong sense of community spirit.

With the 2024 season underway, Consort wishes the Royals the very best on their journey!