Australia Awards alumni are contributing to stronger communities and services across Papua New Guinea.
Twenty-four women leaders from across PNG joined a roundtable event to share how education, leadership and networks have helped them improve services and create opportunities in their workplaces and communities.
The event brought together inspiring women who are making tangible impacts in health, community development, leadership and entrepreneurship.
Participants and speakers included winners of the Yumi Stap Wantaim Alumni Awards 2025 and participants of the Australia Awards Women Mentoring Program 2025–2026.
The event also formally marked the closure of the Women Alumni Mentoring Program 2025–2026, highlighting mentoring as an important part of the leadership pathway supported through the PNG–Australia Partnership, from educational opportunity to recognised achievement, to continued professional support.
A key focus of the discussion was the contribution of women recognised through the 2025 Yumi Stap Wantaim Alumni Awards.
Dr. Hilda Audubo, Alumni of the Year, was recognised for her public health leadership in Morobe. Other award recipients who spoke at the event included Sr. Bolena Azimo for Community Service, Elizabeth Tandoa for Frontline Service Delivery, and Doreen Baine for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Speaking at the event, Doreen Baine said being an audiologist in PNG, this type of support remains important as the impact often grows through sustained effort rather than one achievement alone.
“I continue to assist more people in communities with hearing impairments and since returning from studies through an Australia Awards Scholarship, I keep challenging my family and those around me to reach higher and achieve great outcomes.
“My recent project in Wau Waria is an example of making a difference in one person’s life, and this is paid forward creating harmony in communities,” she said.
Australia and Papua New Guinea will continue to invest in initiatives that support, advance and celebrate women’s leadership as an important part of PNG`s development.
Through education, mentoring and professional development, both countries are supporting women to lead with confidence, contribute to stronger institutions, and create greater opportunities for future generations.
More information on Australia Awards can be found: www.australiaawardspng.org - applications close on 30 April 2026.
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Brenda Andrias Mentor, 2025 -2026 Women Mentoring Program Cohort sharing her experience on the panel .
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100