Australian Awards duo receive award for leadership

TWO Australian Awards scholars in PNG have been awarded a prize for their leadership skills and determination to contribute to national development.
Deputy Australian high commissioner to PNG Paul Lehmann presented the 2021 Allison Sudradjat prize to Benishar Kombut, a scientist working in community health, and Posangat Ilius, a public sector human resource expert on Jan 18.
The prize is awarded annually to two scholars from PNG and four from Indonesia, in honour of the late Australian official Sudradjat for her contributions to education, development and to the PNG-Australia partnership.
“Sudradjat was passionate about the transformative power of education and made a lasting contribution to the PNG-Australia partnership while serving in PNG,” Lehmann said.
“I congratulate Kombut and Ilius and wish them every success as they continue the proud tradition of previous prize winners by contributing to PNG’s development and the deep links between our two countries.”
Kombut works at the PNG Institute of Medical Research and has been selected to pursue a master of biomedical science degree at the University of Melbourne.
“To receive a prize that commemorates the legacy of a pioneering woman and close friend of PNG is a great honour,” she said.
“I look forward to making the most of this opportunity to contribute to healthy communities and support PNG’s development.”
Ilius, an officer of the Department of Personnel Management, has been selected to pursue a masters of business administration in human resource management at the University of South Australia.
“It’s a privilege,” Ilius said.
“I plan to use the prize to develop my leadership skills and support organisational change management in PNG’s public sector.”
The Allison Sudradjat Prize has been awarded to 26 scholars from PNG since 2008.
It includes up to A$25,000 (about K63,000) to undertake additional learning and professional development activities related to the recipients’ course of study.