Alumni recognises members for outstanding contribution

Education

Five outstanding Papua New Guineans were recognised as winners of the 2018 Papua New Guinea Australia Alumni Association (PNGAAA) Alumni Awards at a reception held in Port Moresby on July 19.
The event was attended by PNGAAA alumni, representatives from various Australian education institutions and other guests.
The winners in the five awards categories included: Alumni of the year Gertrude Tamade-Elai, Australian High Commission Papua New Guinea women in leadership Tina Mark, innovation and entrepreneurship Cheryl Mondo-Mulas, young leader Dr Izzard Aglua and community service engagement Dr Hilda Audubo.
The Alumni Awards recognise and honour alumni who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, creativity and made outstanding contributions to their profession, community and PNG and who have inspired others through their local, national and international connections and achievements.
PNGAAA president Dr Janet Rangou, in congratulating the winners, said Australia Awards alumni were integral to the future of PNG and it was exciting to see their contributions formally recognised through these awards.
“The nominations attracted alumni members who are of the finest calibre and they should all be proud of their achievements,” Rangou
said.
“I congratulate all of the winners and shortlisted nominees and look forward to them continuing their outstanding contribution as PNGAAA Alumni.”
Nominations for the 2019 Alumni Awards will open later this year.
PNGAAA was established in 2006 to provide ongoing support to Papua New Guineans who have studied on Australia Awards scholarships and as a mechanism for alumni to connect with each other and consolidate efforts to address economic and social development issues in PNG.
Australia Awards offers a range of scholarships funded by the Australian government to PNG’s current and future leaders for study in Australia and PNG.
Through study and research, awardees develop the skills and knowledge to drive change and make positive contributions to social and economic development and build partnerships and linkages between PNG and Australia.