As Papua New Guinea prepares for new opportunities in sport, including entry into the National Rugby League in 2028, 30 sport leaders from across the country have completed a new short course.
This is to strengthen the leadership, governance and commercial skills needed to manage and grow the sector and unlock wider economic and community benefits.
The Business of Sport in PNG program brought together representatives from sporting organisations and government agencies to explore how stronger governance, strategic partnerships and sustainable business practices can realise the full potential of PNG's sport industry and support the ambitions of the National Sports Policy 2020–2050.
Sports represented included boxing, football, rugby union, rugby league, badminton, as well as representatives from universities, para sports, community organisations focussed on sports, and national federations.
Through Australia Awards, the Australian Government is proud to support PNG sport leaders to develop the skills, networks and knowledge to strengthen the sector and shape its future.
Sport has long been an important part of the relationship between Australia and PNG, bringing people together and creating opportunities on and off the field.
Participants explored how sport can generate benefits far beyond competition by attracting investment, creating jobs, supporting local businesses and strengthening communities.
They also examined practical approaches to sponsorship, marketing, fan engagement and organisational performance that can help sporting organisations become more sustainable and effective.
PNG Football Association Inc, Media and Communications Officer, Patricia Keamo said the program had broadened her understanding of sport's contribution to development and the importance of the relationship between Australia and PNG.
“The program has been an eye opener, especially with my role as I am overseeing marketing, branding and sponsorship for my organisation in addition to Media and Communications. “
“Learning about what dynamics is working for Australian sporting organisations and how we can adapt that in PNG has really been insightful especially through the relationship between our two countries with Australia’s continued investment in developing sports in PNG.”
The course followed the launch of Australia’s Pilai Long Stap Wantaim (Play for Unity) sports grants in May which funded 23 sports projects in 13 provinces.
Participants now join a network of more than 7,000 Australia Awards alumni across PNG, many of whom are contributing to positive change across government, business and civil society.
Through Australia Awards, Australia invests in the leadership, knowledge and skills of Papua New Guineans to support national development priorities, including through tailored short courses that build professional expertise in priority sectors.
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Australian High Commission Representative, Simon Cann-Evans, speaking to participants at a Networking Event for Short Course in Sports.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100