A new chapter of the Papua New Guinea Australia Alumni Association (PNGAAA) was launched in Port Moresby on 23 January.
The National Capital District Chapter boasts the largest number of alumni in Papua New Guinea (PNG) with over 1500 members and is the ninth PNGAAA chapter to be established joining existing provincial chapters that include: Manus, Madang, Eastern Highlands, East New Britain, Enga, Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Morobe and Milne Bay.
Australian Deputy High Commissioner Caitlin Wilson was joined by PNG Minister for Public Service Elias Kapavore, Governor of East Sepik Allan Bird and PNGAAA President Dr David Kavanamur, to launch the newest chapter of PNGAAA.
PNGAAA was established over 10 years ago to provide ongoing support to Papua New Guineans who have studied in Australia, and as a mechanism for alumni to connect with each other and consolidate efforts to address economic and social development issues in PNG.
Over 11,000 Papua New Guineans have studied in Australia under the scholarship program. PNGAAA now also includes graduates of Australian government scholarships in PNG, including graduates from areas such as teaching, nursing and midwifery.
“I am sure the National Capital District chapter will carry on PNGAAA’s proud tradition of supporting alumni to maximise their newly acquired skills in their communities” Australian Deputy High Commissioner, Caitlin Wilson said.
“The NCD chapter joins a strong and growing group of Papua New Guineans from a cross-section of industries working in every province, these dedicated leaders are part of PNG’s present and future—committed to sustainable change.”
“PNGAAA is a testament of the historical connections between Australia and PNG,” Minister Kapavore said.
“The Australian Government has been providing scholarships to PNG for over 50 years. Together these alumni represent a wealth of PNG professionals making a difference in our country,” he said.
Interim President for the Chapter, Russell Woruba, presented the Chapter’s inaugural annual plan to the Australian Deputy High Commissioner, which includes community and professional activities.
“Ever expanding, PNGAAA represents a committed number of Papua New Guineans from the sectors of public service, private enterprise, healthcare, education, and civil society,”PNGAAA Director Dr Kavanamur said.
“This newest chapter provides NCD members with access to professional development opportunities, networking events, and grants earmarked to support alumni share their talent and skills with their professional and wider community,” he added.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100
L-R: Foreign Affairs Secretary, Barbara Age, Australian Deputy High Commissioner, Caitlin Wilson, Minister for Public Service, Honourable Elias Kapavore, Governor for East Sepik Province, Honourable Allan Bird, PNGAAA President, Dr David Kavanamur and Acting Commissioner for Correctional Services, Stephen Pokanis at the official launch of the PNGAAA NCD Chapter.